5 minute read
BMW i7
FORECOURT BMW i7
Power
The electric motor pumps out 544bhp and a whopping 745Nm of torque.
THE KNOWLEDGE
BMW i7 xDrive60
Price (as tested): £112,805 Engine: Electric
Power: 544bhp
Torque: 745Nm
Max speed:
149mph
O-60mph:
4.7 seconds
Range:
367-388 miles (WLTP)
Emissions: 0g/km CO2
BMW is bringing out an electric version of its flagship 7 Series and James Baggott was given a sneak preview of it.
WHAT IS IT?
BMW CEO Oliver Zipse has taken a swipe at the UK government for its poor charging infrastructure and moving too fast with a ban on combustion-engined models by 2030, but despite the grumbles, his firm is charging ahead with its introduction of electric cars. This is the latest: the tech-laden, gadget-toting i7 – an electric version of its flagship 7 Series.
WHAT’S NEW?
Firstly, there’s a new look to contend with – a gaping front kidney grille and refreshed headlights that can certainly be described as, well, distinctive. Elsewhere, there are plenty of talking points, including a £7k optional 31-inch rear cinema screen that folds down from the roof lining and turns the back seats into a movie theatre.
The powered doors can be opened or closed with a touch of a button, and the interior features a striking new ‘interaction bar’ for some of the controls. But it’s what’s driving the wheels that’s really of interest, as this is the first fully electric option for the 7 Series.
WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?
While the new 7 Series is available with two plug-in hybrid options, the big talking point is really the electric unit. With a range of up to 388 miles, the car boasts 544bhp and a whopping 745Nm of torque. It’s an incredible unit that offers a huge range thanks to massive batteries buried in the floor.
Fast charging can be carried out at up to 195kW – which will give the car 106 miles of range in just 10 minutes. At home, where most people have 7kW chargers, a full replenishment of the batteries will take 16 hours.
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
It’s incredibly smooth to drive, and the power delivery is linear and rapid. With several different driving modes, piped-in sound via the 36 speakers ranges from Hans Zimmer-like cinema scores to growling roars. It’s all rather dramatic.
The 7 Series has active steering and suspension that help to offer the smoothest ride possible, even reducing roll to keep occupants comfortable. There’s a brilliant head-up display and augmented reality sat nav built into the dash that projects arrows on to a live video feed of the road ahead.
The car is full of clever tricks, too. In countries that allow it, fully autonomous driving is
The i7 gets a new nose and other additions to make it more aerodynamic, plus there’s the option of two-tone paint.
available on motorways up to 85mph and it can even park itself. It’ll remember 10 parking spaces in underground garages or similar and can take over and park for you.
HOW DOES IT LOOK?
The looks are a little controversial, but BMW likes to make a statement with its design. The new nose is the focal point but there are lots of additions to make it more aerodynamic and maximise its range. BMW describes the new look as its ‘luxury class face’. For the first time, there’s an optional two-tone paint – with one colour above the doors and another below them. It’s all rather regal, but probably won’t be chosen by very many buyers.
WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?
Inside it’s rather classy, too. The new interior has had a lot of thought put into it, including spacious and comfy reclining rear seats and that cinema screen to entertain executives.
Although the screen is rather close to your face, the 8K quality is stunning. It works thanks to Amazon Fire TV software and a 5G internet connection from the car, which owners will have to pay for separately.
In the back, speakers are buried in the seats to really give a cinematic bass-filled experience and the 2000W Bowers & Wilkins sound system does sound incredible.
WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?
There’s lots of kit included as standard, like a clever security system that records images around the car if it detects a break-in. The entry=level Excellence specification has niceties that include 19-inch alloys, illuminated kidney grille, front and rear heated seats, adaptive LED headlights, head-up display, wireless mobile phone charger and much more. An M Sport spec (starting at £112k), which adds things such as larger wheels, is also available.
WHAT DO THE PRESS THINK?
Electrifying.com said: ’The BMW i7’s looks are controversial to say the least. But the interior is just gorgeous, and the massive cinema-like screen for rear passengers is a really cool party trick to offer VIP chauffeur passengers. It’s incredibly quiet and comfy, too.’
WHAT DO WE THINK?
Just nine per cent of global BMW 7 Series sales will head to Europe and in the UK a little over 1,000 were bought in 2021. Add in the fact Brits have fallen out of love with saloons and it doesn’t really matter how many tricks the i7 has up its sleeves, as it’s unlikely many retail buyers will shell out for one. Most i7 models will find their way into the hands of chauffeurs. That said, the tech making a debut on the i7 is fascinating and (mostly) very well executed. What will be of real interest is just how quickly much of that trickles down to more affordable cars in BMW’s range.
Inside
The classy interior includes reclining rear seats and a 31-inch 8K cinema screen.
TARGET BUYERS:
Fifty-year-old-plus males – usually chauffeur drivers.
THE RIVALS:
Tesla Model S Mercedes-Benz S-Class electric
KEY SELLING POINTS:
1. It’s an electric 7 Series 2.It’s packed with tech 3.It has excellent rear seat comfort
