The BMW 7 Series can now be had in full-Electric form. Jonathan Crouch drives the i7.

Ten Second Review

With the i7, BMW proves it can make a really credible modern era full-Electric model that isn't an SUV. This car is aimed directly at the Mercedes EQS and brings a prodigious level of Munich's technological firepower to the task.

Background

A full-EV luxury model should look different, futuristic. Well this one, BMW's i7, does. But visually, it's virtually identical to ordinary combustion-engined versions of the seventh generation 7 Series large segment saloon it's based upon. So, convention, evolution and cutting-edge technology, all in one prestigiously-badged package. How could any self-respecting, ecologically minded company board member resist? Well possibly quite easily because the car this i7 is directly up against a model lauded as one of the greatest luxury EVs so far produced in this era, the Mercedes EQS. That's a model with great front-of-cabin wow factor. This one though, aims to trump it an area arguably more important in this class of car: back seat luxury. Sounds intriguing.

Driving Experience

The full-electric i7 model is available in three guises; a base rear-driven sDrive50 derivative with 449hp; the mid-level xDrive60 version we tried with 544hp; and the fastest M70 xDrive variant with 650hp. All three variants use the same 101.7kWh battery, which offers a best of 379 miles with the base sDrive50 version, 387 miles of range in the xDrive60 guise or 348 miles in the M70 model. Enough with the facts and figures; what you really need to know here is that, better than any 7 Series design before it, this MK7 G70 model manages that ellusive combination of comfort and handling in a manner that sets a fresh class standard. There's a proper air suspension at last in a 7 Series - a two-axle set-up which can lower itself at speed or raise itself for rough roads. It also adapts to the various 'My Mode' drive settings, with the 'Sport' option featuring a powertrain soundtrack created by Hollywood composer Hans Zimmer. If you're prepared to spend more, you can add two further key drive tech features - an active anti-roll system and rear wheel steering. Even with a standard-spec model, there's a completely different level of driver engagement to that you'd get in an A8, an S-Class or an EQS. Thanks to the way that BMW has re-engineered this seventh generation design with features like a near-actuator wheel slip limitation system, sharper Servotronic steering, a more rigid body, wider tracks and broader tyres, all combining with the prodigious all-weather grip on offer from the standard xDrive system if that's been fitted. It's all quite surprising. Quite a lot about this G70 model is.

Design and Build

If you've seen BMW's latest seventh generation 7 Series saloon, with its divisive new look, you'll know what to expect because almost everything's exactly the same with the i7. There are a few differences of course; an 'i' badge on the front grille, various decorative blue touches and of course, the conventional model's exhaust is missing here. As with the ordinary 7 Series (which is a PHEV), only a long wheelbase body style is available. And, as with that car, the main visual talking point is the huge (and illuminating) front grille, flanked by two-tier matrix LED headlights. The main beams sit on the lower tier. The upper tier delivers daytime running lights and indicators that can be be-jewelled with Swarovski crystals. The cabin provides even more evidence of BMW's desire to deliver something quite different in this segment - and again, it's just as in a comparable 7 Series. Much, predictably, is borrowed from the brand's iX flagship EV; the curved display with its central infotainment monitor and instrument screen; the two or three-spoke steering wheel; and the lower iDrive controller, which can be crystal-finished. But there clever touches too, the main one being this i7's so-called 'Interaction Bar', a glossy back-lit panel that stretches across the fascia and is standard above base trim. It reacts to inputs and what's happening as you drive - so will flash, for instance, if you get a phone call. There's even more tech in the rear, which can be had with an 'Executive Lounge' package featuring a reclining seat with foot rest, allowing for a torso angle of up to 42.5-degrees. Once you're comfortable, you can even enjoy your own private cinema experience. The car can be fitted out with an enormous 31.3-inch 'BMW Theatre Screen' that folds into the ceiling when not in use and has built-in Amazon Fire TV. There's also a black-out screen for the rear window, touchscreens in the door panels and the option of 'seat exciters', which vibrate and pulse the seat with loud sounds from the 'Theatre Screen'. Out back, there's a big 500-litre boot.

Market and Model

Prices for this all-electric i7 start from a fraction over £100,000 for the entry-level sDrive50 rear-driven version. At the time of filming, you needed around £114,000 for this AWD xDrive60 model with 544hp. Either way, there's a choice of two spec levels - 'Excellence' or, for £4,500 more, this 'M Sport' version. At the time of this test, BMW hadn't yet provided a price for the faster i7 M70 xDrive model, which ups power to 650hp, but we think you should budget around £130,000 for one of those. Your i7 will at least come fully loaded for the asking figures, with features like adaptive air suspension, a gesture-controlled powered boot lid and a panoramic glass sunroof. But you'll want to spend more on some of the key features. The highlight is the 'BMW Theatre Screen' rear seat cinema system we briefed you on in our 'Design' section. We'd also want to spend more on the automatic door mechanism. With this, to open or close the front and rear doors, all those on board need to do is touch the handles set flush into the body, or use the buttons in the 'BMW Interaction Bar' at the front of the cabin or on the rear door trim. The opening and closing sequence can also be activated using the radio-operated key. Also leave some spend for the optional 'Sky Lounge panoramic glass sunroof', which will delight those inside the car with a bespoke light show, which uses light threads back-lit by LED units. The structure this creates replicates the pattern of the quilting on the seat surfaces. The glass construction consists of three highly functional and fully integrated individual sections of glass. A pattern within this construction emits the light and intensifies the feeling of acceleration when the car is moving. Lovely.

Cost of Ownership

We gave you the i7 xDrive60's driving range figure in our driving section - 387 miles, 8 miles more than the base sDrive50 version. It's 348 miles for the M70 xDrive variant. These range figures come via an extremely slim high-voltage battery with a cell height of just 110mm, located low down in the vehicle floor and providing 101.7kWh of usable energy. The heat pump technology used in the integrated heating and cooling system for the cabin and drive system also helps boost efficiency, as does the adaptive or individually adjustable recuperation feature. The high-voltage battery is heated using a dedicated 5.5 kW electric flow heater. The i7 offers 195kW of DC charging speed at a high-power charging station, which allows 106 miles of range to be added in just ten minutes, while a 10-80% charge is possible in 34 minutes. Back at home, AC charging is possible at a rate of up to 11kW. Hooked up to a 7.4kW garage wallbox, a full charge would need 16 hours 15 minutes. The 'BMW Charging' package comes as standard, which gives i7 owners attractive kilowatt hour tariffs for AC and DC charging throughout the UK and Europe. The high-power charging network run by the BMW Group's joint venture IONITY also forms part of the BMW Charging network. Almost 16,000 charging points are included in the UK and Ireland, while the monthly fee for BMW Charging and IONITY is waived for the first 12 months for all retail customers.

Summary

The divisive looks that might make a typical customer question the conventional version of this seventh generation 7 Series seem better suited to this i7. Customers of expensive luxury EVs expect their cars to look different and this one will stand out in the boardroom car park just as much, if not more, than its arch-rival, the Mercedes EQS. If you're fortunate enough to have a chauffeur, the i7 might well be the preferential choice, providing it's specified with the rear 'Theatre Screen' system. And even if you like to drive yourself, this BMW might well present a fractionally more engaging option. It's hard though, to make a wrong choice between an EQS and an i7. Time moves on but luxury driving decisions get no easier. Which is as it should be.

Body Glass

Heated rear window

Climate comfort windscreen

Rain sensor + automatic driving lights control

Electric front and rear windows with fingertip open/close + anti-trap all round and comfort closing function

Front windscreen wiper in wet-arm technology

Window washer nozzle for reversing assist camera

Brakes

Automatic Stability Control (ASC)

DSC - Dynamic Stability Control

Cornering brake control (CBC)

Dynamic brake control

Electromechanical parking brake + automatic hold function

Brake drying

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

Braking readiness

PC iBrake PostCrash approach control warning with light braking function

Integrated braking system

Front and rear brake discs

Carpets/Rugs

Velour floormats

Chassis/Suspension

Adaptive 2-axle air suspension

Communication

BMW Natural interaction

BMW interaction bar

Driver Aids

Power assisted steering

Attentiveness assist

Active Guard

BMW Iconic sounds electric

My Modes

Rollback prevention

Driving control panel

Speed dependent regulation with variable steering gear ratio

Driver Convenience

Comfort access system with smart opener

BMW gesture control

Electric boot lid - electrically opening/closing rear tailgate

Driving Assistant Plus Preparation

Driver Information

Run flat indicator

BMW ConnectedDrive - Online

BMW Teleservices

Smartphone wireless charging plate

BMW Touch command

BMW legal emergency call

Condition based service

Brake pad wear indicator

BMW iDrive

Live Cockpit Pro with head up display including 12.3" instrument cluster and 14.9" central display

Instrument panel joint diffuser in black

Driving Mirrors

Electric heated door mirrors

Electric adjustable door mirrors

Exterior mirror cap

Interiror rear view mirror

Embellishment Trims

Front centre console decorative trims

Engine

BMW xDrive system

Entertainment

DAB Digital radio

Personal eSim

2x USB Type C ports in front centre console for charging and data transfer

2x USB Type C ports in rear centre console for charging

Exterior Body Features

High gloss shadow line exterior trim

M Sport exterior styling

Rear side wing doors

Rear boot

Two-part front light

Iconic Glow Illuminated Kidney Grille

Roof aerial housing in black

Number plate panel

BMW radiator grille

Front and rear bumper panel

Door handle flush to surface including lock barrel on driver side

Window recess finisher strip

Side window frames

Tailpipe trims

Model badge

Deletion of front/front side sills and side rear apron

BMW badge on front and rear

Entry sills

Exterior Lights

Third brake light

Daytime running lights

High beam assistant

Welcome lighting

Dynamic brake lights

Number plate lights

Ground lighting

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Four zone automatic air conditioning

Stationary cooling and heating

Interior Features

Rear centre armrest

Grab handles

Front and rear cupholders x 2

Front armrest

Soft close doors

Multifunction steering wheel

Reach and rake adjustable steering column

Through loading system

12V power sockets

Door sill finishers with BMW designation

Four lashing eyes in luggage compartment

Wireless charging tray

BMW ID

Contour illuminated front and rear door pocket

M sport interior styling

Electrically opening glove compartment

Storage compartment in central/rear centre console, rear centre armrest

4 coat hooks in B-pillar and roof grab handle in rear

Bag hooks on luggage compartment trim panel

Storage compartment with cover on left, without cover on right in side trim panel

Luggage compartment removable panel

Footrests and pedals in plastic

2 upper retaining strap clips in parcel shelf

3 spoke leather M steering wheel in BMW M specific design with M badge

Illuminated glove compartment

Illuminated front and rear centre armrest storage compartment

Interior Lights

Footwell courtesy lights front and rear

Rear door exit lights

Ambient interior lighting

Front and rear reading lights

Luggage compartment light

Interior lighting

Rear door entry light

Packs

Expanded exterior mirror package - I7

Connected Package Professional - I7

Safety

3 point seatbelts on all seats

Warning triangle and first aid kit

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Driver/front passenger side airbags

Child locks on rear doors

Crash Sensor - activates hazard/interior lighting + unlocks doors

Rear airbags

Head airbags for first and second row seats

Active protection

Acoustic protection for pedestrians

Driver and front passenger airbags

Tyre pressure sensors

Driver central airbag

Seats

Heated front and rear seats

Front headrests

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Electric seat adjustment with memory

Single front passenger seat

ISOFIX attachment point for both outer rear seats

Central folding rear headrests

Standard driver and front passenger seat

Comfort cushion in rear seats

Multifunctional front seats

Security

Remote central locking

Locking wheel bolts

Thatcham Category 1 alarm

Electronic vehicle immobiliser

Vehicle key

Closing system with central locking

Fuel filler flap/charging socket flap in body colour

Towing

Trailer stabilisation logic

Towing eye

Vanity Mirrors

Sun visors for driver and front passenger with illuminated vanity mirror with slide cover

Vehicle Charging

Standard AC charging cable (Mode 3) 22kW

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 3330

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 2.3

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 960

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 7.4

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 330

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 22

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): 34

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: 195

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: 10-80

Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 105.7

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Low: 622

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Medium: 686

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - High: 669

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Extra High: 510

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - City: 659

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 601

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEL: 603

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEH: 574

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Low: 18.8

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Medium: 16.8

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - High: 17.3

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Extra High: 23

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - City: 17.8

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb: 19.4

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEL: 19.4

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEH: 20.3

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - City: 3.5

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb: 3.2

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEH: 3.1

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEL: 3.2

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Extra High: 2.7

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - High: 3.6

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Low: 3.3

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Medium: 3.7

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Extra High: 316.9

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - City: 409.5

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 373.4

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEH: 356.7

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEL: 374.7

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - High: 415.7

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Low: 386.5

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Medium: 426.3

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: N

Charging Port Location: Right Side Rear

Usable Battery Capacity: 101.7

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 195

Emissions - ICE

CO2 (g/km): 0

Standard Euro Emissions: N

CO: N

HC: N

NOx: N

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): N

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N

CC: 1

Cylinders: N

Cylinder Layout: N

Number of Valves: N

Camshaft: N

Fuel Delivery: N

Catalytic Convertor: N

Engine Layout: N

Compression Ratio: N

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 1 SPEED

Engine Code: HA0004N0

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: N

EC Urban (mpg): N

EC Extra Urban (mpg): N

EC Combined (mpg): N

General

Coin Series: M Sport

Coin Description: eDrive50

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 50E

Service Interval Mileage: 12000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

NCAP Safety Assist %: N

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

Badge Power: 455

Badge Engine CC: 0.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 1

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 5.5

Top Speed: 127

Engine Power - BHP: 455

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 335

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 479

Engine Torque - NM: 649

Engine Torque - MKG: 66.2

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: N/A

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 255/45 R20

Tyre Size Rear: 285/40 R20

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 20" ALLOY

Wheel Style: AERO STYLE 907M

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 5391

Width: 1950

Wheelbase: 3215

Width (including mirrors): 2192

Height: 1544

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 2520

Gross Vehicle Weight: 3130

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): N

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 2000

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 610

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 500

No. of Seats: 5

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): N

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 12.1

Body Glass

Sun protection glass

Driver Aids

BMW theatre screen

Integral active steering

Integral active steering

Embellishment Trims

Carbon fibre with a silver stitching/piano black finish trim

Individual open-pored fine-wood ash trim

Fineline black with metal effect and M signature trim

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

BMW Individual two-tone oxide grey metallic paint

Additional BMW Individual metallic paint work

BMW Individual two-tone black sapphire metallic paint

BMW Individual metallic paint work

Automatic front and rear doors

Chrome line exterior

Exterior Lights

Iconic glow crystal headlights

Interior Features

Electric rear windscreen and rear side window sunblinds

CraftedClarity glass application for interior elements

BMW Individual Merino special leather upholstery with Exclusive content

BMW Individual headliner alcantara

Alcantara headlining in anthracite

M sport interior

BMW Individual Merino leather/alcantara upholstery

BMW Individual Merino leather upholstery with Exclusive content

Veganza leather upholstery

Packs

M Sport pro pack with M seatbelts - 7 Series/I7 when bought with 21" style 1055 alloy wheels

M Sport pro pack with M seatbelts - 7 Series/I7 when bought with 21" style 910 alloy wheels

Park assistant pro pack - I7

Driving assistant professional pack - I7

BMW Individual gran lusso interior world pack with Merino leather Exclusive content - I7

M Sport pro pack - 7 Series/I7 with M seatbelts

Front comfort pack - I7 in combination with Rear comfort pack

M Sport pro pack with M Seatbelts - 7 Series/I7 when bought with 21" Aero alloy wheels

M Sport pro pack - 7 Series/I7 M Sport

M Sport pro pack - 7 Series/I7 when bought with 21" Aero alloy wheels

M Sport pro pack - 7 Series/I7 when bought with 21" style 1055 alloy wheels

M Sport pro pack - 7 Series/I7 when bought with 21" style 910 alloy wheels

Travel and comfort pack - I7

Rear comfort pack - I7

Front comfort pack - I7

Skylounge pack - I7

Technology plus pack - I7

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Oxide grey

Metallic - Carbon black

Metallic - Black sapphire

Metallic - Aventurine red

Metallic - Mineral white

Metallic - Brooklyn grey

Paint - Solid

Solid - Alpine white

Paint - Special

BMW Individual Metallic paint - Frozen pure grey

BMW Individual metallic paint - Tanzanite blue

BMW Individual two-tone black sapphire metallic paint - Oxid grey

BMW Individual two-tone black sapphire metallic paint - Aventurine red

BMW Individual metallic paint - Frozen tanzanite blue

BMW Individual two-tone black sapphire metallic paint - Tanzanite blue

BMW Individual two-tone black sapphire metallic paint - Dravit grey

BMW Individual two-tone oxide grey metallic paint - Tanzanite blue

BMW Individual metallic paint - Dravit grey

BMW Individual paint - Special request

BMW Individual paint special - Custom

BMW Individual two-tone oxide grey metallic paint - Aventurine red

BMW Individual two-tone oxide grey metallic paint - Dravit grey

BMW Individual two-tone oxide grey metallic paint - Black sapphire

BMW Individual metallic paint - Frozen deep grey

Trim - Leather

Veganza leather - Cognac

BMW Individual Merino leather with exclusive content - Tartufo

BMW Individual Merino leather with exclusive content - Smoke white

BMW Individual Merino leather with exclusive content - Amarone

BMW Individual Merino leather with exclusive content - Black

BMW Individual Merino special leather with Exclusive content - M taupe grey / night blue

BMW Individual Merino special leather with Exclusive content - M caramel / atlas grey

BMW Individual interior world pack with Merino leather - Tartufo

BMW Individual interior world pack with Merino leather - Smoke white

BMW Individual interior world pack with Merino leather - Black

BMW Individual interior world pack with Merino leather - Amarone

Veganza leather - Black

BMW Individual Merino leather/alcantara - Black/Atlas grey

Veganza leather - Black/Burgundy

Vehicle Charging

Flexible charger (Mode 2) with 3 pin adapter 10A

Wheels - Alloy

21" Individual multi-spoke light alloy wheels in I bicolour with mixed tyres - Style 1055

21" alloy wheels - Style 910

21" Aero alloy wheels - Style 909M

21" Star spoke alloy wheels - Style 908M