BMW i7 Review – Motorlegend

The new BMW Series 7 wants to shake up the established order with its unique lines and less successful interior. This is even more so with this new 100% electric i7 version, which claims to be unique in its kind. Indeed, for BMW, its new flagship is the only motorized limousine on the market. A statement that suggests not to consider the Mercedes EQS as such, but we’ll get back to that.

For now, let’s take a moment to admire the work done on board this i7 (we’ll leave it to everyone else to judge the single line of the exterior). And the Bavarian brand’s mastery in this area, thereby surpassing its German competitors, is clear. The precision of the details, the beauty of the covers (genuine leather, vegan leather or wool) the quality of the materials, even among the very low in the salon, this i7 becomes a new reference. Between the giant curved digital panel that doubles as the dashboard and central control unit, the faceted light strip that runs through the passenger cabin and the many tactile buttons we find everywhere, quality craftsmanship combined with a decidedly modern vibe. In the second row (the best for a limousine), the atmosphere, comfort and entertainment match. Automated doors, a lounge position that allows you to lie flat, a smartphone-style control unit on the storm doors and, above all, an excellent 31-inch screen that stretches across the width of the cabin and with internet connection allows access to a wide range of online content (platform, VOD, internet, etc.) to be. In short, it is enough to impress guests.

Once on the road, the BMW i7 does not impress with its level of comfort, it is truly exceptional and even for the category. Air suspension that offers a level of filtration worthy of its Rolls-Royce relatives. The highly advanced soundproofing also isolates everything that happens outside. In short, a limousine, a real one. Can EQS boast the same caliber? Hardly. The star’s competitor does not have such a spacious and comfortable second row, does not carry its passengers in such impressive comfort and does not offer such a level of infotainment. For this, it will be necessary to turn to the “real” S-Class, which is not electric…

The i7 is all of these at the same time. To move this amazing liner of almost 5.40 m (the short version is no longer available in the 7 series) the battery was needed for the task. Huge 101.7 kWh rechargeable battery. Combined power of 544 horsepower is not much to move the 2.6-ton machine. It’s not enough to offer the supersonic acceleration of some electric cars, but it’s enough to spray anything rolling. The good surprise is that the i7 also doesn’t forget to put a smile on the driver’s face with its surprisingly nimble chassis. Thanks to the steering rear wheels and optional active anti-roll bars. The overreactions reflect the calmness, attentiveness and gentleness that prevailed on board.

But it doesn’t matter, this remarkable i7 will above all need to transport beautiful people in a quiet atmosphere and preferably short distances. This shouldn’t be too much of a concern for an autonomy that can approach 400km even on an exceptional road trip. 195 kW charging also allows you not to spend a lot of time at the terminal. This i7 will please luxury establishments, ultra-select events, and general discount drivers. All at a price that lives up to the promises, with our test model on display at around €180,000.