Overview (BMW i7)
Though it’s disguised as the brand-new 7 Series, this is the BMW i7, BMW’s sixth all-electric vehicle. Yes, the BMW i7 joins the rest of the regular new 7 Series range. Rather than separating its electric luxury limo like the Mercedes EQS or Porsche Taycan does. That will eventually include a variety of engines, including a plug-in hybrid, a petrol engine, a diesel engine, and a diesel engine. Despite the fact that not all are accessible in the UK. BMW insists that regardless of drivetrain, the vehicle is a 7 Series.
The company’s top model, which debuted in 1977 and is now in its seventh generation. Offers more poise and dynamism than Mercedes’ somewhat patriarchal and stuffy S-Class and more modernism than Jaguar’s gin-and-cigars XJ. Since then, nearly two million units have been sold, and innovations are happening quickly.
Keep in mind that the gen four car from 2001 was the one that introduced the overly complicated i-Drive and ushered in the Bangle design era. Although it is probably a bit annoying, conventional wisdom holds that the Mercedes S-Class has always been the ‘best car in the world’. You get the impression that BMW has put all of its knowledge into the new vehicle in an effort to finally, completely overcome the longtime rival.
But the game has changed, and BMW is redefining the luxury car experience around on-board well-being, a class-leading digital experience thanks to its new OS8 software, and precedent-setting sustainability. As a result, the electric i7 takes centre stage. Oh, and for the people in the back seats, there is a sizable 31.3-inch panoramic television (or “theatre”) screen that folds out of the roof. Everyone became very energised over that. Who knows, driving might be advantageous as well.
TELL US IT LOOKS BETTER IN THE FLESH (BMW i7)
Without a doubt, BMW has committed to a difficult new design ethos. Some critics, i.e. almost the entire internet, seem to believe that the new 7 Series is yet more evidence that BMW has lost its senses (or less flattering words to that effect). On the go, it kind of functions. Actually, no. It’s contemporary and defiantly, unapologetically different whether it’s painted white, has all the shiny parts covered in gloss black, or has been completely, um, “murdered out.” The 21-inch alloy wheels and larger brakes included in the M Sport Package Pro are helpful (the 19-inch wheels that come standard are underpowered). Think all new cars have the same appearance? No, they don’t here.
With the option of Swarovski “iconic glow” crystal glass, the upper lights of that massive grille catch the eye at night when it is illuminated. This face is definitely direct. The adaptive LEDs are standard, and the low- and high-beam headlights are recessed into the front apron. A Coldplay concert could be floodlit by the new 7 Series.
Strangely enough, the split-level lights and brick outhouse front end are not what bothers us; rather, it is the new 7 Series’ oddly generic rear where it loses its courage of conviction. Ironic, considering the controversy the 2001 E65 iteration created at the time.
Anyhow, we had the chance to inquire about the situation with Oliver Zipse. The CEO of BMW, who ultimately approves everything. Any step into the future that is considered to be novel will automatically be controversial if you want to change the design, he claims. “A future-oriented design cannot exist without controversy. We want to elicit debate regarding what we’re doing. I seek conflict. You already know it’s too easy if we don’t have it. Of course, you can’t just let it fly; you have to direct it towards a choice. Then, engagement emerges from the controversy. Make it a little bit bigger, electrify it, and digitalize it. That is the solution.
SO, THAT’S HIS RESPONSE.
Last but not least, the new 7 Series has a long wheelbase and is very aerodynamically efficient despite being larger in every dimension and having a blocky appearance. This is significant because in the world of electric vehicles (EVs). Where slipperiness equals efficiency, the i7’s drag coefficient is only 0.24. Aero was a big deal in car design in the early 1980s. Well, it’s happening once more and it’s making cars look funny.
UNDERSTOOD. THEN WHAT ELSE IS NEW?
Essentially everything. According to BMW, in a globalised market, the new 7 Series was “designed from the ground up for particularly demanding target groups.” Overall, it is bigger and more useful, has a wider front and rear track, and a more rigid body. It employs a brand-new flexible vehicle architecture made of steel and aluminium that was designed from the ground up to support three different drive types. Here, we will emphasise the i7. The hardware in the excellent iX SUV’s hardware is very similar to that of the xDrive60, which has a combined 536bhp from two electric motors. The combined output of the front and rear engines is 255 and 308 horsepower. Additionally, that doesn’t quite add up: BMW states that “the total system output depends on all the electric powertrain components and cannot simply be added up.” The maximum speed of the i7 is 149 mph., and the claimed time from 0 to 62 mph is 4.7 seconds.
The evolution of powertrains is ongoing, and the electric BMW system is now in its fifth generation. The drive units are compact and precisely integrated in comparison to the i4 saloon and iX, and BMW claims that the charging software has been enhanced. For increased effectiveness and a more streamlined charging curve, the battery’s temperature is now even more precisely controlled. Additionally, the battery’s cooling has been improved, and customised charging settings can be stored for particular charging points. When going to a fast charger, the battery can also be manually pre-heated. Additionally, BMW claims it has eliminated the need for rare earth metals in the rotor because the motor utilises an electrically excited synchronous motor as opposed to one with fixed permanent magnets.
The lithium ion battery pack has a cell height of just 110mm. Fits comfortably under the floor, and offers 101.7kWh of usable energy. BMW claims a range of up to 388 miles and an efficiency of 3.1 to 3.3 miles per kWh. Additionally, the business has made a lot of effort to keep the best- and worst-case range scenarios as close as possible. BMW’s EVs are the most accurate when it comes to range information and actually achieve the claimed numbers, in our opinion, based on our experience with the iX. It’s an excellent USP. According to BMW, you can add 106 miles in about 10 minutes if you find a 195kW rapid charger. That kind of mid-journey energy boost is important in real life.
Its biggest sales market is China, where owners, who are 95% male. Are on average 38 years old compared to 56 and 57 in the US and Europe. It is obvious that the demographics have changed a little bit over time. Keep everything in mind as you shop for a new vehicle.
WHICH WAY DID IT GO?
This stage in the development of the electric car is fascinating. The i7 can be directly compared to its petrol-engined counterpart, which suggests that a crossover point has been reached. The i7 is an astonishingly capable vehicle, and it appears that BMW is on the rise with its EVs.
Additionally, it has real personality, which is a significant accomplishment. For the soul and sensation we all yearn for, as well as their dynamics. BMWs have always relied on their generally excellent engines, but the emphasis is now shifting elsewhere. The interior of the new 7 Series is arguably the best in the automotive industry. Having been expertly designed, made, and executed. You can disagree amongst yourselves about the exterior style, but the interior is stunning.
It is wonderfully smooth, quick and easy to drive, and amazingly efficient for such a big car. You can tell a lot of smart, driven individuals have dug deeply here. The i7 is a truly amazing vehicle.
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