Eager to keep up with rival sedans like the Tesla Model S and Mercedes-Benz EQS-Class, BMW has built a unique electric car that may turn out to be its best yet. Called the i7, it demonstrates BMW’s advances in the electrification of automobiles. Featuring new and improved driver assist and rear seat technologies, the i7 is an electric vehicle (EV) to watch out for.
Although its design is based on the famous 7 Series, the i7 comes with certain features that separate the former. It's been an endless battle for supremacy and customers between BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Interestingly, the two German automakers have two separate offerings in the luxury sedan segment. Prospective buyers have had to opt for either the S-Class or 7 Series.
However, BMW’s latest vehicle has tipped the scale in the company's favor. Aside from being an all-electric vehicle, future buyers will love the i7 since it's built on the legacy of an existing model. Mercedes-Benz’s EQS is built on a custom-made platform, entirely different from its gasoline counterpart—the S-Class.
What's more exciting to note about BMW’s newest creation is that it's identical to the 7 Series. So, you shouldn't think of it as a different model, but as a worthy option in the already successful 7 Series. To the Mercedes EQS and Tesla Model S, we say “watch out”. The i7 is a potent sedan that screams luxury in all directions.
In this feature, we examine the notable differences between the i7 and 7 series.
Meeting The i7’s Muse: The BMW 7 Series
Before highlighting the differences between both models, we must dive into the 7 Series briefly. Doing this should provide you with a clear picture of this model. The 7 Series is a luxury sedan that's been in the market since 1977 and is currently in its seventh generation.
Presently, it's the flagship model for BMW and only comes as a sedan, though there are limousine and long wheelbase options. For the first generation, BMW’s design team opted for straight-six gasoline engines. Engines like the inline-4, V-8, and V-12 have been installed in subsequent generations of the 7 Series.
For long, it has served as BMW’s response to local rival Mercedes-Benz armed with the duo of luxury sedan options—the S-Class and EQS, an electrically-driven vehicle.
Unlike The 7 Series, The i7 Comes Without An Engine
The i7 marks a departure from the traditional way of building automobiles. Instead of a petrol or diesel engine, BMW chose to furnish its EV with a 4.3-inch high voltage battery pack that's strategically placed within the vehicle’s floor. Two electric motors form a part of the vehicle’s all-wheel-drive (AWD) system.
The battery pack is capable of reaching a max output of 536 hp and 549 lb-ft of torque. However, this is possible thanks to the twin electric motors found on the front and rear axles respectively. The former generates 255 horses while the rear creates 308 horses.
It can reach 60 mph from 0 within 4.5 seconds. This means that it's quite fast for a luxury sedan. Its top speed is 149 mph and is digitally monitored and restricted when necessary.
The i7 Comes With A Satisfactory Range And Battery Life
When asked about what their favorite feature of an EV is, many people will say “range” and “battery life”. That means EV enthusiasts are greatly concerned with how far an EV can reach using one charge and how long it takes to recharge a spent battery. Determined to correct some flaws observed in the iX and i4, BMW’s engineers revised the charging technology.
By doing so, they have improved their efficiency and battery temperature regulation system. The i7’s battery contains 101.7 kWh, which enables the sedan to cover 300 miles. Concerning charging, you can charge the battery at 11 kW using AC power, while DC power gets you 195 kW.
Curious about the DC system? Well, you are guaranteed 80 miles of range within 10 minutes. If you purchase the i7, you get to enjoy free charging at all US-based Electrify America charging stations. This benefit has a three-year duration.
The i7’s Interior Is Digitally Advanced
The new BMW Digital Key Plus allows you to use an app on your iPhone as a key. Here's how it works. Upon using the digital key, the vehicle will open soon as you are within 10 feet. It will close soon as you depart from the car.
Upon reaching the vehicle, you enjoy a show thanks to the unique “Great Entrance Moments” system which plays for you when you're inside or outside. The infotainment is spectacular, majorly because of the curved BMW display.
It's made of a 12.3-inch instrumentation display and a 14.9-inch infotainment display. Additional features include a giant 31.3-inch roof-based touchscreen that shows Amazon Fire TV in 8K resolution, a 5.5-inch display, and an 18-speaker sound system.
The i7 Is The Perfect Luxury Sedan
If the i7 ever represented anything, it must be BMW’s dedication to revolutionizing the luxury sedan segment. Currently, it costs around $120,295, a bit more expensive than the 7 Series. However, this is a complete vehicle, so what's some more dollars when you're about to own greatness?