The 2023 BMW 760i xDrive AWD Review

The 2023 BMW 760i xDrive AWD is the gas-burning flagship of the BMW fleet. And what a flagship it is. Resplendent in a color scheme that reminds us of the Black over Garnet scheme seen carrying the late Queen of England. But this is no Bentley or Roller. Instead, it’s the latest in vehicles from the company known for creating the “ultimate driving machines,” and Napleton News was eager to get inside for a minute (more actually).

Ready, Steady, Go with the BMW 760i xDrive AWD

Words and names mean things and in this case, so do numbers. Except, these numbers now have different meanings from those used last year. For the 2022 model year, the 760i model name signified a 12-cylinder engine was under the hood. For 2023, that same 760i means there is a 4.4-liter twin turbocharged V8 nestled under that same piece of real estate.

In the latest model, the engine has been boosted from 523 to 536 horsepower and now adds a   48-volt hybrid system and electric motor to the eight-speed dual-clutch ZF transmission. The electric motor offers a rather paltry 18 horsepower but bumps the torque up to 148 lb-ft if needed. We know that’s not a lot but it’s enough to kick the mileage up from 19 mpg to 21 mpg with the 760i.

How does the BMW 760i look?

If you liked the i7 electric vehicle, you’ll love the new 760i xDrive AWD. That’s because the bodies are identical to each other and now five inches longer than the 2022 version. That extra length works out to supply some additional legroom in the rear seat due to the lack of a full—size battery.

Seriously though, the new BMW 760i xDrive AWD reminds us of a Frigidaire side-by-side refrigerator in its aerodynamics. That’s saying it’s as aero as a flying brick. Sure, it features all the current tricks of the trade, including grille shutters, air curtains, special wheels and more.

The inside line on the 760i

The inside of the 760i is embarrassingly beautiful with some of the finest materials and features found in a contemporary vehicle today. Our tester featured an optional cashmere and wool combo that was truly sumptuous. Tie that in with wood trim, crystal gear selector switches, leather and, of course, the iDrive controller. Our sampler also including a nearly 15-inch diagonal “curved screen display,” which also includes a 12.3-inch display which serves as a configurable gauge binnacle.

The rear seat includes the new Executive Lounge seating in the right rear. A five-inch touch screen on the door controls everything from moving the front passenger seat forward, lifting a leg rest in the right rear and reclining the executive seat. The best part are the side and rear window shades which close offering the rear seat “executive” a chance at some real shuteye. But if you are unable to sleep soundly, you can pass the time watching the 31-inch video screen that stretches from side-to-side.

And finally, when you are ready to make like the King (“Elvis has left the building”), you can open all the doors with the push of a button.

Behind the wheel of the 760i xDrive AWD

Heading to the Florida Keys in the BMW 760i xDrive AWD had us whipping past traffic without even breathing hard. Double-pane glass kept road noise out while the Bowers and Wilkins audio system supplied some Outlaw Country because, well what type of music goes best in a BMW?

The road to the Keys is relatively straight and flat so there wasn’t much chance of testing the twisties. That’s ok, though. We still had a chance to examine the agility of the 760i, slicing and dicing our way past the left lane squatters who never received the memo about left to pass and right to drive.

Along the way, we experienced the rear-wheel steering, great power from the twin-turbo V8, excellent brakes and a stellar adaptive air suspension.

One highlight of the BMW 760i is the available BMW Driver Assistance Professional. This add-on offers handsfree cruising at speeds up to 80 mph. You must look through the windshield because Big Brother an inside camera is watching you. It works best on long straight roads and will even perform a lane change, as long as it’s safe to do so.

The 2023 BMW 760i xDrive AWD is a high-rolling vehicle for a relatively not too high-rolling price.

Specifications

 

	2023 BMW 760i xDrive Specifications
Popular Powertrains
Engine Type	4.4-liter twin-turbocharged Gas/Electric V8
Horsepower	536 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque	553 lb-ft @ 1,800 rpm
Transmission	8-speed automatic transmission
Fuel Economy	21 mpg (18 city/26 hwy)
Suspension F/R	Double Wishbone/Multilink
Turning Circle	40.4 ft.
Also Available	3.0-liter inline-6 engine
Specs
Warranty	4 years/50,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty	4 years/50,000 miles
NHTSA Safety Rating	Not Rated
Max Seating Capacity	5
Wheelbase	126.6 inches
Overall Length	212.2 inches
Width	76.8 inches
Height	60.8 inches
Headroom, Front	39.8 inches
Legroom, Front	41.2 inches
Headroom, Rear	38.6 inches
Legroom, Rear	43.3 inches
Shoulder Room, Front	61.0 inches
Shoulder, Rear	56.3 inches
Cargo Space	19.1 cubic feet