Last week we followed BMW’s invite for the exclusive reveal of the first-ever BMW i7. The 7 series is an impressive step for BMW, offering a ground-breaking digital experience and high-luxury personal mobility. The worldwide launch will be in November 2022.

The new BMW i7 a great representation of the brand’s reinvented mindset, in terms of innovation, design and sustainability. The use of high-quality materials, innovative in-car entertainment and upgraded Executive Lounge option provide a sense of wellbeing in a classy and stimulating ambience.

Sustainable and flexible production

Sustainability-wise, the BMW i7 – and the whole 7 Series – is a step-up for BMW, in part because it will be manufactured at the BMW Group Plant Dingolfing. Its fully electric drive system, combustion engine and plug-in hybrid system all roll off a single assembly line, which is a huge step in reducing production energy costs. The electric motors and high-voltage batteries are also made on site. 

Exterior design

For the BMW i7, the brand has put a strong focus on design. On the exterior, the car is expressive, imposing and exclusive, a feeling created in part with the new interpretation of the twin circular headlights and the BMW 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 (using crystals from Swarovski), 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, and its long doors offer rear passengers easy entry and exit. Like the front end of the new BMW 7 series, 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 series will be available in one non-metallic and nine metallic colour shades and four BMW Individual paint finishes. Besides a BMW Individual two-tone paint finish will be available.

Interior design

Insides customers await a feeling of being at home. The 7 Series 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 in the new BMW 7 Series. They offer wider seat surfaces and extensive electric adjustment, seat heating and lumbar support for the driver and front passenger.

Connectivity

In terms of connectivity, design is still an important point – the BMW i7 harbours less buttons, and a fully digital display and control display. One of the most impressive features is the BMW Interaction bar, which runs for the full width of the panel and into the door panel trim. The single most impressive feature, though, is the Theatre Screen – 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. Audio can be enjoyed through the vehicle's Bowers & Wilkins speakers.

The BMW i7 features an unmistakable sound experience with BMW Iconic Sounds Electric, offering soundscapes developed in collaboration with legendary composer Hans Zimmer. The i7 xDrive60 is powered by two electric motors which together develop output of 400kW/544 hp. The all-electric sedan has a range up to over 600 km (according to WLTP).

We can’t wait to test drive the new all-electric BMW i7 and to compare it to the former 7 Series as we tested the BMW 745e.

Pictures: BMW for ellectric
Text: Britta Reineke