Today we’re back with an exclusive first-look review of the BMW i7. First launched in 1977, the 7 series has always been regarded as one of the top luxury sedans with the company’s latest tech and luxurious features. With this generation, BMW has introduced an EV variant for their flagship sedan to lead their “i” platform.
This newly launched 7 series hosts a list of newly developed technology and takes the standard of luxury to a whole other level. With almost the same power and luxury as a gasoline 7 series, will the i7 be a deal breaker? Let’s find out.
Drivetrain
The i7 is equipped with a 105 kWh lithium-ion battery with a usable capacity of 101.7 kWh pumping out 544hp and 745 nm of torque. These power figures are identical to the gasoline 7 series, which has an extra 5 newton meters of torque. It features a dual electric motor setup with one running each axle, similar to other i models. This drivetrain enables the i7 to easily do 0 to 100 in sub 5 seconds.
Range And Charging
As for the range, BMW claims it to run over 600 kilometers on a full charge which is a hefty amount. On AC charging, the i7 can be fully charged in 6 to 8 hours. What’s interesting is that it has a quick charging feature in AC charging too, through which a departure time can be set, and the car will charge accordingly. The i7 can be charged 80 percent on DC chargers in 30 to 45 minutes.
Exterior
With an 18 feet long length and a 5.5 feet height, the i7’s size is close to a long crossover. The front is where you get to see a lot of changes; the signature kidney grill, which has extended vertically, gets a gloss black treatment in this M sports model, which will be illuminated in future units.
You also get Swarovski crystal headlamps which are the star of the show. Coming to the sides, you get huge 21-inch alloys with Pirelli tyres, along with an M badging on the fender. The doors are electrically operated with an automatic opening and closing option, a first in the 7 series. The rear gets sleek tail lamps, a gloss black diffuser with the rearview camera, and its washer jet disguised in the BMW logo.
Interior
In terms of luxury, BMW has set the bar very high this time. The combination of advanced tech and luxury makes you want to never get out of this car. Starting at the front, a hand-made Swarovski crystal panel runs through the dash, lighting up in any colour you want. The instrument cluster and infotainment is a single curved screen borrowed by the iX. The same crystal treatment can be seen on the gear shifter and door panels.
Physical buttons are very hard to find in the i7’s interior, and the design is elegant and minimal; they have also hidden the AC vents this time. Moving to the rear, you get to see a 31-inch 8K touch screen that folds down from the roof. Rear door panels feature a touch display through which many of these luxurious features can be accessed. The rear seats also have massagers, which you can enjoy while watching a movie in the i7’s theatre mode.
Features
Being a flagship luxury sedan, the 7 series gets all the bells and vessels this German company offers. Some of which include automatic opening and closing doors, a panoramic roof with embedded ambient lights, Swarovski crystal used in several parts of the car, welcoming lights, dynamic air suspension, electric seats with ventilation and massagers, a 360-degree camera, augmented reality in the instrument cluster, heads-up display, 4-zone climate control, a 31-inch rear infotainment system and what not.
Safety includes all driver assistance features, including lane keeps, blind spot monitor, adaptive cruise control, auto parking, 12 ultrasonic sensors around the car, 4-wheel traction, speed limiter, and plenty of sensors enhancing passenger safety.
Price
As for the price, Dewan is importing the i7 in 2 variants starting from PKR 49 to 55 million, keeping in mind that this price depends on the specs you want and the variable custom duties of Pakistan.
