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The BMW i7 xDrive60 has quietly cemented itself as the benchmark in the full-size electric luxury saloon segment, and time behind the wheel only reinforces that verdict. Despite carrying well over three tonnes of mass, this all-wheel-drive flagship shrinks around its driver with a composure that defies every expectation set by its sheer footprint. Instant torque from its electric motors builds with seamless, silent urgency, making triple-digit speeds arrive almost without notice. BMW’s standard air suspension reacts in real time, keeping the body flat and planted through corners that would unsettle far lighter machinery. It is, in every measurable sense, a large car that drives like something two classes smaller.
Inside, the xDrive60 delivers a cabin experience that borders on the bespoke. Crystal detailing sweeps across the dashboard and door panels, an Alcantara headliner adds a handcrafted feel overhead and perforated leather extends from the seat centres to the side bolsters and door trims. Power-closing doors punctuate every entry and exit with a sense of occasion, while illuminated tweeter cones and a deeply customisable iDrive infotainment system keep the technology feeling thoroughly modern. The rear quarters are where this saloon truly flexes its muscles, with generous legroom, integrated touchscreen controls in each door armrest and available massaging and ventilated seats that rival anything from a bespoke British marque.
On the road, the powertrain serves up 549 lb-ft of torque with zero hesitation, launching the xDrive60 to 60 mph in a verified 4.3 seconds. Steering is precise if somewhat muted in feedback, but the chassis more than compensates with a level of body control that borders on the uncanny for a vehicle of this scale. Braking performance is equally strong once you adjust to an initial bite that can feel a touch aggressive in the opening miles. Four levels of regenerative braking are available, though accessing them through the infotainment menus rather than a dedicated toggle feels like a missed opportunity. Slotting the gear selector into B for maximum regen proved the simplest workaround during extended driving.
Range and charging remain the one area where the i7 xDrive60 does not lead the pack. Fitted with 21-inch bicolour wheels, our test car posted an EPA-estimated range that sits around the segment average, and a CCS1 charging port marks it as a product engineered before the NACS standard took hold across the industry. BMW supplies an adapter for Supercharger access, softening the inconvenience, but native NACS compatibility would be a welcome addition in future production runs. These are familiar shortcomings rather than dealbreakers, and they do little to dent the overall ownership proposition.
The BMW i7 xDrive60 occupies a rare sweet spot where outright performance, cabin luxury and cutting-edge technology converge without any single element feeling overdone. Its ability to dissolve its own considerable dimensions into something nimble and responsive remains one of the finest engineering achievements in the premium electric space. If you are in the market for a large, battery-powered saloon that pampers rear passengers while still rewarding the person behind the wheel, this is the car that sets the standard against which every competitor must now be measured.
