(By Tom Lohnes)- A new BMW 7-series is always a big deal. As the flagship sedan in the lineup, it’s job is to pioneer new technology and look for the company. If you recall, Chris Bangle completely changed (and ruined, in some enthusiast’s eyes), with the launch of the E65 7-series in 2003. It debuted a new look for the brand that spread across the entire lineup like the plague, new engines, and most importantly, tech. After 2003, the following generations of the 7 have done similar things, but they didn’t completely overhaul the brand like what happened in ‘03. Well, it’s happened again. Meet the 2023 BMW 7-series, an extremely heavy hitter in a tense segment.

Looking like an alien at the front and a Rolls-Royce at the back, the new 7-series is definitely a look that has to grow on people, like the old E65. With the brand’s new split-headlight design going on at the front, the new 7 has massive kidney grilles that really aren’t shaped like kidneys anymore. The car’s proportions have been drastically improved, and for the first time since 2002, the short-wheelbase 7-series looks legitimately cool. Too bad we’re only getting the long one in the states. Around back, the 7-series cleans up compared to the bust last-gen model, with some nice, slim tail lights and a smooth trunk. There is quite a bit of free space back there, which is actually refreshing to see on a new car. No lines, no creases, jyst sheet metal. Nice.

Inside, the 7 gets the biggest change of everything. With crystal controls for basically everything, a small switch in the center console acting as the shifter, and a far more minimalistic design than its predecessors, the 7-series looks relaxing inside. Speaking of relaxing, high-spec models get a massive 31-inch display that folds out of the ceiling minivan-style, that runs Amazon Fire TV. Combine that with ridiculous amounts of legroom and of course the ever-adjustable rear seats, and you essentially have the ultimate setup for living in your car. Although, BMW advises strongly against that. If there weren’t already enough screens in there, each rear passenger also gets a small touchscreen built into the door that controls every aspect of the car’s interior. Fun.

If you’re a fan of electric cars, you’re in luck, because the BMW i7 debuted alongside the new generation of the fossil-burning one. With 536 horsepower on tap, the i7 Xdrive60 offers the most luxurious driving experience of the entire 7er lineup, and may just be the fastest. But, it also is the most expensive, with a starting price of $120,295.

If you want a cheaper and more traditional luxury car, the 740i comes in as the base model, powered by a buttery smooth 375-hp Inline-6. With a starting price of $94,295 for the RWD model, the 740i is definitely supposed to be the volume model. But, even for a base model, it still has plenty of guts.

Are you in the market for the most contradictory vehicle in the world, a sporty luxury car? Well, look no further than the 2023 760i Xdrive. This model packs a V8 with a mild-hybrid system, and BMW claims it makes the exact same 536 horses as the i7. It will be interesting to see a drag race between the two, since they have the same power all the way down to the 6. This model starts at $114,995.