BMW i7 Or Mercedes EQS, Which One Would You Choose – Walkaround Review
Today we’re back with the walkaround review of the BMW i7 and Mercedes EQS. The rivalry between the S class and the 7 series dates back to the seventies, and these are the first electric iterations of these luxury sedans. In this review, we will get to know the key features of these EVs and compare them in terms of their tech and luxury.
Overview
Starting off with the history of the 7 series, the first generation debuted in 1977, named E23, which remained in production for ten years. This particular car is the 7th generation G70 which comes in 3 main variants worldwide; 740i, which has a 6-cylinder engine, 760i, which has a V8 and finally, the i7, which is fully electric.
Coming to Mercedes, the w116 line debuted in 1972 and was named the S class. The EQS was launched parallel to the 7th gen S class, but unlike the 7 series, Mercedes launched the EQS as an electric alternative to the S class rather than its variant. With a model code of V297, the EQS is built on a completely different platform than the standard S and is a born electric, unlike the I7, which is based on the standard 7 series.
Drivetrains
The BMW i7 comes with a 105kWh lithium-ion battery with a usable capacity of 101.7 kWh delivering up to 544 hp and 745 nm of torque. It comes with a dual motor setup, each running the 2 axles mated with an all-wheel drive system. As for the range, it can travel up to 630 kilometers on a full charge with a charging time of 7 to 8 hours on AC charging and 40 mins on DC charging.
The Mercedes EQS 450+ comes with a 120 kWh lithium-ion battery with a usable capacity of 107.8 kWh pumping out 329 hp and 580 nm of torque. This, on the other hand, comes with a single motor setup mounted on the rear axle mated with a rear-wheel drive system. The range is similar to the i7, with 600 plus kilometers on a full charge with a charging time of 7 to 8 hours on AC charging and 40 minutes on DC charging.
BMW i7 Features
BMW has set the bar very high with the i7 as it is packed with luxury features and top-notch tech. These features include sleek split-style headlamps with Swarovski crystals, crystal glass used in several interior trims, and ambient lights embedded in the panoramic roof look stunning. This particular car has the executive lounge package, which features a 31.3-inch touchscreen for the rear entertainment, and the comfort package includes rear seat massaging too. Driver assistance features include 14 ultrasonic sensors surrounding the car, enabling pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitor, lane assist, parking assist, a 360-degree camera, and more.
Mercedes EQS Features
The EQS does fall far behind in terms of luxury and tech too. The interior layout is very futuristic and feels very fresh. The 12.8-inch vertical infotainment screen forms the highlight of this cabin, through which every feature can be accessed. This also features a panoramic roof, ambient lights, and small Mercedes emblems engraved in the dash giving it a starlight feel. Seats are perforated with plush beige leather, along with ventilation for the front and rear. Seats. Although this doesn’t compare to the i7’s rear room, it also features a tablet for the rear passengers. Driver assistance features are also here, making the EQS very safe on the road.
Price
As for the price bracket, this particular car is the base variant of the EQS, is priced at PKR 70 to 80 million, while the high-spec i7 costs around PKR 110 to 120 million.