[New] Chauffeur’s verdict

I’ve only had the briefest of drives of the i7 –the media drives don’t happen until the new year – but the back seat is certainly a step up in comfort, with considerable adjustment capability and a very agreeable massage facility. It feels a little more enclosed than the outgoing 7-series, but that’s no bad thing.

The chauffeur’s view is very positive, though. Our chauffeur today has been Dan Stener (pictured, left), Chabé’s operations director and a driver with decades of experience. His first impressions are positive. “It’s very, very smooth, and acceleration is very linear. Ride quality is exceptional a step up from the 7-series. As much as I like the 7-series, this is better,” he says.

How dies it compare to 7-series and S-Class? “Good question. It feels like neither. It does feel big, but no more so than a 7-series. And it is surprisingly nimble. There’s no gearbox so acceleration is exceptionally smooth.”

“Also you don’t feel motorway surface joins and potholes as much. And that’s just on auto setting – we could soften the ride even more with comfort mode.”

“The regenerative braking is quite noticeable, and the steering is light – some might think it’s too light but I like it. And the satnav screen is just that bit nicer than the one in the 7-series.”

The car comes into its own around London’s congested street, Stener says. “In London I can really feel the rear-wheel steering. It felt easier than it should have to manoeuvre in a tight space. It’s a while since I’ve been so impressed with a new car coming to market – it’s a bit different – I love it and I want one!”

The choice of electric vehicles is growing, but private hire operators looking for a zero-emissions sevenseater are rather more limited in what’s available.