EV limousine takes shape as BMW i7 details revealed – and tech is the focus
BMW has teased its upcoming i7 electric limousine as it starts logging expressions of interest for the new addition to the growing EV family.
BMW Australia has started taking expressions of interest on its website and revealed more details about the electric version of the 7-Series.
The new model is due to be revealed next month and will have a range of up to 610km using the WLTP measurement – although in the US the company is claiming a maximum range of 300 miles (483km) using the EPA calculations. Even assuming some optimism in those figures, the new i7 looks set to cover upwards of 500km between charges in real-world driving when it lands down under.
The i7 is also set to come with big performance.
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Early iterations will be available as an i7 xDrive 60, which is expected to use the dual motor set up from the iX M60, which makes 455kW and 1100Nm.
Those figures are only available with launch control engaged, but even in its regular driving model it makes a still-impressive 397kW and 1015Nm.
Either way, it should comfortably outpunch the V8-powered 750i (390kW/750Nm) and V12-powered M760Li (448kW/850Nm).
That 760 model is claimed to hit 100km/h in 3.8 seconds, so for an estimation of its performance expect the i7 to undercut that.
The i7 has already undergone extensive testing and development ahead of its 2022 on-sale, some of it in alpine areas.
Of course, there will be less ferocious models available – and the iX SUV that’s already on sale gives an idea of what to expect.
The iX xDrive40 gets a dual motor system producing 240kW and 630Nm while the iX xDrive50 makes 385kW and 765Nm.
Whereas many new EVs are using bespoke EV architectures, the i7 will utilise the ICE platform of the 7-Series, albeit modified for use only with electricity; it’s the same strategy BMW employed for its iX3 mid-sized SUV.
But it’s the tech that will in many ways define the new pinnacle of luxury for BMW.
The 7-Series has long been the flagbearer for new features and technology – and now the i7 looks to be taking that over.
While those up front will be pampered with plenty of gear, there’s also a big emphasis on the back seats, with the new BMW Theater Screen
The broad 31-inch screen sprawls across the back seats with a 32:9 aspect ratio (versus 16:9 for modern TVs).
The BMW Theatre Screen is designed to create a “private cinema lounge where passengers can select their personal entertainment programme”, complete with 8K resolution delivered through a 5G mobile connection.
The i7 also picks up the iX’s Curved Display and debuts BMW’s Interaction Bar that spreads across the dash as an ambient lighting feature that also incorporates touch buttons.
On the outside there’s illumination around the classic BMW kidney grille as well as “crystal headlights”.
The BMW i7 is in a race to become the first electric limousine on sale in Australia.
The rival Mercedes-Benz EQS was delayed but first deliveries are due soon.
The i7 is due to be revealed globally at the Beijing motor show – or Auto China 2022 – which is scheduled to take place late in April (there are reports it could be delayed due to Covid outbreaks).
It should arrive in Australia later in 2022.
The i7 is one of a new breed of electric limos that are set to change the luxury market.
Already Bentley and Rolls-Royce have committed to electric limousines, and each uber luxury brand says they will do away with petrol engines by the end of the decade.
Given the suitability of e-motors to limousines – easy torque, excellent refinement and almost no noise – it’s difficult to see big-engined luxury sedans surviving beyond a few years.
