Test Sitting in the BMW i7: (Too) Great Progress (for Europe)

The new 7 Series raises the level in the luxury market massively again – towards Rolls-Royce. The Bavarians could not think of anything smaller to show the competition who’s boss – especially with an eye on the Arab, Asian, and American customers: most 7 Series are now sold there, which is why they also made the "compromise" of matching the growth in luxury and comfort with the dimensions, which, to put it mildly, have discreetly exploded: 5.4 meters in length and around 2.7 tons of curb weight need to be moved – filled with tactile opulence.

400 kilometers of real range are always achievable even in winter

And since not all markets are as electric-friendly as Europe, it will come with several powertrains – with the “EU home market” starting with the electric i7 xDrive60 with 400 kW (544 hp), which are only needed for starting, so one can be content with a very modest 70 kW (95 hp) of continuous power. BMW states a consumption of 18.4 to 19.6 kWh/100 km, which, thanks to a 105.2-kWh battery, should suffice according to WLTP for 590 to 625 kilometers, and in practice, a real 400 kilometers more plus than minus x, even in winter.

And since enough can still be too little in this class, BMW will also introduce the i7 M70 xDrive from 2023 onwards, which is supposed to consume 21.2 to 26.4 kWh/100 km. The torque should be up to 1,015 Nm similar to the iX M60, increasable to 1,100 Nm in boost mode. This should allow the 7 Series to accelerate to 100 km/h in less than four seconds. The power should be similar to the iX at 455 kW or 619 hp. This is made possible by a six-phase double inverter of the high-revving motor, which spins up to 15,400 revolutions – but only at top speed – bringing us to classic electric motor tuning: because "M" here means a longer rotor plus dual inverter and up to 1,200 amperes of current.

But let’s finally take a seat, first in the rear: All doors open electrically at the touch of a button – side ultrasonic sensors are supposed to detect if there are obstacles in the way and stop the doors if necessary, almost too cautiously in practice: since the sensors are located under the doors, even a curb is enough to stop their opening. But it’s magic hour for the chauffeur: he no longer has to open the portals by hand – and can now finally match the electric sliding doors of the "conventional" vans.

The configuration options approach the bespoke models of Bentley and Rolls Royce

Then we are welcomed into a highly configured presenter costing 188,000 euros gross – one of the official photo cars – with an extremely inviting seating arrangement in cashmere wool and fine real leather, with the base starting with "vegan" faux leather, which is said to be indistinguishable from real leather in quality. There are several leather trim levels between the cashmere wool and the "base".

In general, the trim levels: They will be more lavish than ever before, including two-tone finishes, where "top" silver or black can be combined with various "sub-colors". There are 100 standard colors... Is yours not among them? BMW will paint it to your exact specification for an additional fee!

Via smartphone-like touch surfaces embedded in the door panels, you can make yourself at home in the rear: bring the seat (almost) into a flat sleeping position – the front passenger seat then folds away automatically – in the worst case, right into the field of view of the front passenger’s side mirror – then the chauffeur is out of luck. For passengers over 1.8 meters, the reclined position might be a bit tight – but mega-relaxed lounging is still possible. The standard footwell surprised us somewhat, as it is no less generous in the Lucid Air, which is 40 cm shorter and around 300 kg lighter. We would have expected even more in 5.4 meters...

Cinema in the rear - with lounge recliners

We lower the 31-inch cinema screen from the roof and enjoy the program, which should be recorded in 8k, otherwise it becomes blurry… and then we peel ourselves from the meticulously crafted, cozy rear to the driver’s seat, where the 7 Series doesn’t feel quite as opulent and “BMW-like”: the new instrument panel is a huge leap forward compared to the predecessor and despite slight bling-bling tendencies (unlike with DS, where this design theme is also loved), everything looks fresh and refined – thanks to plenty of aluminum, wood, leather, and fabric.

You should set up the "multi-sensory vehicle experience" as you would with the iX and plan some time for it: BMW has now accumulated a huge range of functions that often can’t be represented on the first level due to the options available. This is based on the BMW Operating System 8. BMW combines the Curved Display, the Interaction Bar, an Intelligent Personal Assistant, and additional My Modes, so that the intuitive dialogue between driver and vehicle reaches a new (very) complex dimension – which can make the driver, who already seems small given the vehicle size, feel even smaller if he is unfamiliar. The high-speed connectivity of the new BMW 7 Series is ensured by the vehicle’s own 5G-capable antenna system – which in Germany is rather difficult to maintain in the long run due to the patchy network...

We find nothing negative about the much-maligned appearance: The Seven scores with fine details, and if you want to see the Swarovski crystals (thankfully optional – absolute bling bling alert!) as "eyeliner" and the headlights below as a modern interpretation of the 2000 tilux, you can do that – and it was once the king of the "New Class."

Which is why the Seven is more oriented towards Asia and the USA than ever before, where "bigger" still means "better" – however, the fact that this seems to be the only fundamental idea of the new Seven – simply a lot more of everything – is bitter.

What does that mean?

Oh yes, BMW has once again massively raised the bar in the luxury class. However, in the simple way of making more of everything. Whether, where, and how sustainable that really is, the coming years will show.