2023 BMW i7

BMW’s sedans and SUVs regularly earn CR’s recommendations for packing industry-leading comfort and technology into vehicles that are agile, quick, and even fuel efficient. Among luxury brands like Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Lincoln, and Land Rover, BMW’s SUVs often rank near the top of their category. Models like the X5 are remarkable for having powertrains that accelerate quickly while also managing above-average fuel efficiency. Some BMWs can be bought as plug-in hybrids, with useful electric-only range, or in performance trims, with more powerful engines and stiffer suspensions. BMW’s growing roster of EVs also generally rank high in our tests. Like most luxury cars from European manufacturers, BMWs fall on the expensive side of our assessments of maintenance and repair costs, but some specific models are a good option to buy used. However, shoppers considering a preowned BMW should opt for warranties or budget for repairs.

In order to remain competitive with Tesla, which makes only EVs, and luxury arch-rival Mercedes-Benz, which has already introduced an all-electric flagship sedan and SUV, it seems obvious that BMW needs a battery-powered flagship of its own. The i7 xDrive60, introduced with the redesigned 7 Series, looks almost exactly like its gasoline-powered counterparts, but is underpinned by a large battery pack under the floor, and driven by two electric motors, one in front, and one in the rear, in place of the inline-six-cylinder and V8 engines that have long been staples in BMW’s lineup. The electric motors will generate a combined 536 hp and an estimated range of 318 miles. A suite of active safety, such as FCW and AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection are standard, and advanced driver assist systems are available.