Although it is the twin brother of the luxurious 7 Series saloon that’s designed to challenge the best luxury cars in every respect, the BMW i7 shuns its sibling’s big in-line sixers for a battery and two electric motors, to take the fight to a range of luxury electric options from BMW’s most esteemed rivals.
The BMW i7 is the latest entry into the all-electric luxury car market and is a worthy contender for the crown. Based on the well-regarded 7 Series saloon, the i7 offers a plush interior, cutting-edge technology, and a powerful electric drivetrain. In this review, we explore the i7’s key features and see how it stacks up against the local competition.
PERFORMANCE & DRIVE
Under the hood, or rather, under the floor, the BMW i7 is powered by a 101.7 kWh battery pack that feeds two electric motors – one at the front and one at the rear – to provide permanent all-wheel-drive. This setup produces a total output of 400 kW and 745 Nm of torque, translating to a zero to 100 km/h time of just 4.5 seconds. While not as quick as some of its rivals, including the Porsche Taycan 4S (4.0 seconds) and the Audi e-Tron GT quattro (4.5 seconds), the i7 is still a very fast car, and its smooth and silent electric powertrain provides a serene driving experience.
Ultimately, the priority with the i7 driving experience is superior comfort and refinement for all passengers. To achieve this, BMW has employed a complex air suspension setup with electronically controlled dampers as standard. You can even option a 48V active roll stabilisation system that reduces body roll in corners, making the car more comfortable and increasing agility.
RANGE & CHARGING
One of the main concerns with electric cars is range anxiety, but the BMW i7 has an impressive driving range of up to 625 km on a single charge, according to the WLTP cycle. Here it is trumped only by the Mercedes-EQ EQS450+ with a potential range of 782 km, while the e-Tron GT and Taycan trail with a 488 km and 407 km range, respectively. Charging the i7 is also relatively easy, with support for fast DC charging at up to 200 kW, which can replenish the battery to 80% in around 35 minutes.
SPACE FOR LIVING
The i7’s interior is a feast for the senses, with soft-touch materials, high-quality switches and controls, and a minimalist design that exudes elegance and sophistication. The driver is greeted by a two-spoke steering wheel and a curved display that houses the infotainment system and the digital instrument cluster.
The centrepiece of the dashboard is the Interaction Bar, a backlit panel that stretches the width of the dashboard and provides haptic feedback for various functions. The infotainment system is powered by BMW’s latest iDrive 8 software, which is responsive and intuitive.
At 5.4 meters long, the BMW i7 is a spacious car with plenty of room for passengers to stretch out and relax. The interior is truly luxurious, with premium materials and finishes that rival its more expensive stablemate, the Rolls-Royce Ghost. The front seats are highly adjustable and offer heating, ventilation, and massage functions, while the rear seats have ample legroom and can be reclined for added comfort. The i7 also features a unique BMW Theatre Screen – a massive 31.3” touchscreen display that folds down from the ceiling and turns the car into a mobile cinema.
More than just a big screen, there are touchscreen remotes in the doors, a 655-watt, 18-speaker Bowers and Wilkins surround sound audio system, and there’s a blackout curtain for the rear window and shades for the side windows. You can even include ‘seat exciters’ – points within the seat that vibrate and pulse with loud sounds – as was fitted to our test unit.
BMW’s luxury range-topper also features automatic doors that open and close with a button press and four-zone climate control. You can spec a Bowers and Wilkins Diamond audio system with illuminated tweeters and the ‘Executive Lounge’ package that features a reclining rear seat with a footrest.
LAST WORD
In conclusion, the BMW i7 is an impressive luxury electric car that offers a compelling alternative to the likes of Tesla and Mercedes. It’s not the fastest or the most advanced electric car on the market (trumping the slightly disappointing Mercedes EQS, and those who enjoy driving briskly will be better served by the Porsche Taycan). Still, it’s refined, comfortable, and packed with high-tech features that make it a pleasure to drive and be driven in.
Report by BERNIE HELLBERG JR | Images © BMW SOUTH AFRICA
