Test drive with the luxurious all-electric BMW i7 in the surroundings of Palm Springs

Back in April, we followed BMW’s invite for the static world premiere of the first-ever BMW i7 and we were downright excited. The new BMW i7 is a great representation of the brand’s reinvented mindset, in terms of innovation, design and sustainability. Now we finally go to test drive the BMW i7 in the beautiful surroundings of Palm Springs and we have not been disappointed. What we can already say its an absolute driving pleasure paired with high comfort and a top-end digital experience.

Exterior design

Let’s talk about the exterior design of the BMW i7. It’s expressive, imposing and exclusive – a feeling created in part with the new interpretation of the twin circular headlights and the kidney grille with contour lighting. The lighting is also a big part of this reinvented design language, including the adaptive LED headlights and the optional crystal headlights Iconic Glow, which are arranged in L shapes and act as both sidelights and daytime driving lights. The monolithic surface design brings elegance, reinforced by flush-fitted side windows with invisible seals. Like the front end, the rear is also shaped by a clearly divided surface structure. The slim LED rear light units exude puristic elegance and extend weil into the car's flanks. The expressive and imposing design is also underlined by the dimensions of the car: 5.39 meters long and 1.95 wide. The doors open electrically at the touch of a button, so let’s get in.

Interior design

Inside we experienced a feeling of being at home. The BMW i7 is a mobile living room where luxury and spaciousness meet. The interior reflects the balance between driving dynamics and travelling comfort. High-end materials underline the premium look and the highest-comfort. A new feature is the use of exquisite cashmere wool for the seat surfaces exuding a soft and pleasantly warm feel. The newly developed comfort seats come as standard. They offer wider seat surfaces and extensive electric adjustment, seat heating and lumbar support for the driver and front passenger.

The BMW i7 harbours less buttons, and a fully digital display and control display. The i7 is equipped with the curved display and the new centre console, being familiar to us. What is actually new is the interaction bar below the large display running into the door panel trim. The bar can not only be illuminated in different colours, it also carries various functions.

We are highly impressed by the BMW i7 – but what impressed us the most are the following three features.

First of all the Theatre Screen in the back seat – a 31.3-inch touchscreen with 8K resolution that extends down from the headliner. Rear passengers can enjoy streaming, games, music, news and more all with surround sound. We absolutely enjoyed this feature, sitting in the back seat, being driven through the desert of Palm Springs while streaming a series. The BMW i7 offers cinema feeling at its best in a lounge chair with footrest. What a great experience.

Secondly the sound experience. The BMW i7 is equipped with Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system, optional is the Diamond Surround Sound System that creates a 4D audio experience with 1,965 watts through 40 tweeters, midrange speakers, central basses and shakers. We could sit in the i7 all day long to experience this immersive sound. What a pleasure.

Last but not least the BMW IconicSound Electric, offering soundscapes developed in collaboration with legendary composer Hans Zimmer. The BMW i7 offers five sounds to choose from, which underline the driving experience. Next to Personal, Sport and Efficient Mode, the BMW i7 is equipped with Expressive and Relax. The intensity and frequency of the drive sound are based on the position of the accelerator and the driving situation, creating an individually customised sound profile for each My Mode.

Performance

The BMW i7 xDrive60 is powered by two electric motors which together develop an output of 400kW/544 hp. The all-electric sedan has a range up to 625 km (according to WLTP). During our test drive, we couldn’t test, if with a single charge the i7 will reach 625 km. Driving the BMW i7 is simply fun and so comfortable. Driving quietly while listening to our favourite music sounding from the Bowers & Wilkins audio system. The acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is set to be in 4.7 seconds.

The accelerator pedal reacts sensitively to the commands, the recuperation works very well, in adaptive mode very attentive and anticipatory. The i7 is very powerful and fast, nonetheless very quiet as we are used to from the electric cars of BMW. It drives very confidently and with its 2.7 tonnes lies quietly on the road.

Summarised, the BMW i7 is a stunner. We like the design, the exclusivity, the comfort and the performance and can highly recommend the all-electric i7.

Pictures: BMW / Fabian Kirchbauer for ellectric