The new flagship of the Munich manufacturer is now available in a 100% electric version of 544 hp with four-wheel drive. An emission-free palace that makes you completely forget about traffic.
The new luxury limousine from BMW is available in diesel (740d), plug-in hybrid (750e and M760e) or 100% electric (i7) versions. The latter uses two motors integrated into its axles to deliver 544 hp for 745 Nm. These synchronous blocks with permanent magnets are powered by an imposing lithium-ion battery (of the Nickel Manganese Cobalt type) offering a capacity of 105.7 gross kWh i.e. 101.7 useful kWh. In addition to its intimidating face with huge nostrils surrounded by LEDs, the BMW i7 has a colossal size of 5.39 m long, 13 cm longer than the previous generation in its long wheelbase version. The width of 1.95 m (excluding mirrors), however, remains reasonable compared to that of a Tesla Model S (1.99 m).
Exterior size
Unlike its American rival, the BMW i7 is a four-door with a trunk. Its 500-litre trunk is quite large and rather accessible thanks to a wide opening and includes a double bottom. But the carrying capacity is much less than that of the American and there is not the slightest accommodation under the front cover. In the rear seats, the BMW i7 frees up plenty of space for side passengers to cross their legs. It is also possible to add a Lounge seat at the rear right with a calf support to travel as in “Business Class” (option at €2,300). If the seat is comfortable, it remains fixed and this i7 suffers from an imposing easement tunnel which greatly penalizes the central square. With the Screen Theater option (€4,900), it is possible to immerse yourself in the dark like in a cinema by closing the rear sun visors and deploying an 8K screen. Very impressive in the image, but not necessarily very relevant in use, because the deployment of the screen requires moving the front seats forward and then masks the rear vision of the driver who cannot use the rear camera beyond 35 km/h. Having to raise your head to watch a movie while driving can also cause nausea and is actually less practical than a good digital tablet. Another criticism is the lack of storage. As is often the case with BMW, the door panels are narrow, the armrest shallow and the induction charger only accepts a small phone.
Cut in the mass
If this luxury limousine offers a poor size / habitability ratio, it can undoubtedly serve as a new benchmark in terms of finish and manufacturing quality. The thick door seals, the padded roof, the sumptuous leathers and the backlit furniture provide a chic and opulent atmosphere that is warmer than that of a Tesla and less flashy than a Mercedes. The precise assembly of the body panels and the quality of the paint contrast with those of a Tesla. The imitation leather upholstery of the M Sport finish presents very well and ensures a perfect driving position with numerous electric adjustments. If the short windshield gives the feeling of being at the controls of a tank, the large side windows and the backlit panoramic roof (option at 1000 €) provide a beautiful light.
An urban Airbus
Behind the wheel, the BMW i7 confuses with its particular ergonomics with buttons or applications galore as in the SUV iX or the BMW i4. If the touch screen offers neat graphics and a nice fluidity, a long time of adaptation is necessary before mastering the countless features offered. The take-off of this four-wheeled Airbus is much more natural. The variable-ratio steering facilitates maneuvering and the steered rear wheels contain the turning circle at 12.3 m (12.6 m for the Tesla Model S). The many cameras with a 360° view and the relatively thick tires avoid chattering your teeth in tight parking lots. Once launched, the ship floats on the boulevards in a monastic silence and swallows the speed bumps like donuts thanks to its formidable air suspensions which allow a variation of the ground clearance from 12.6 to 15.6 cm if necessary (13, 6cm in standard mode). Each green light is an opportunity to put traffic in “pause mode”, but the incredible softness of this limousine encourages you to let it drive almost alone. The most advanced active cruise control (Drive Assist Pro at €2,250) perfectly manages the environment and manages the accelerator as well as braking with mastery. Undoubtedly the most pleasant semi-autonomous driving system of the moment.
Highway concert
Same pleasure on the highway where our limo seems to be resting on rails. No annoying beeps or untimely cuts like sometimes with Tesla or some new Chinese manufacturers. Small flat however, the button of the regulator on the steering wheel, not very intuitive, does not allow to modulate the distance with the vehicle in front. The setting is made via the display as for the different regeneration modes. But once again, the efficiency of the semi-autonomous driving mode invites you to let yourself be driven. To play, the BMW i7 is content with a paddle on the steering wheel with the inscription Boost aimed at exploiting the maximum power of the engine for 10 seconds. With a 0-100 km / h shot in 4.7 s, the German is certainly slower than a Model S, but sticks enough to the neck of its occupants and can cruise at 240 km / h on the autobahn with rail stability . The Hi-Fi system at 29 HP and 895W (or 39 HP and 1,965 W at €5,900 for conductors) erases the very slight aerodynamic whistle that dares to point at the retro level. Note also the incredible efficiency of the “Crystal” headlights (€2,200) capable of turning night into day.
Moving mass
On small, narrow and winding roads, our safe is necessarily less at ease. In the absence of active anti-roll bars (option at €3,650), body movements are felt, especially in Efficient mode where the car sometimes tends to pump. The Sport mode however strengthens the damping well and also intervenes on the direction, the accelerator and even the maintenance of the front seats (on the M Sport finish). BMW announces 2715 kg, but with a good list of options (including the glass roof) a few quintals more can hang around. A burden that is all the heavier because the very power-assisted steering communicates too few sensations. In winters by -3°, with P ZERO tires which prefer the heat, this encourages caution. Fortunately, this BMW can count on its remarkable traction and its well-calibrated electronic aids. Powerful braking lends precise metering, but we wouldn’t bet on the endurance of the four-piston calipers under heavy use.
Greedy while running
During our test between Paris and Lille by -3°, consumption was 27 kWh/100 km on the motorway using the active regulator, which is enough to travel around 350 km. Not so bad for a machine of this size with such low temperatures. By maintaining a good 130 km / h, consumption can however quickly climb to 32 kWh / 100 km. In urban use, regeneration makes it possible to approach 22 kWh/100 and reach 450 km. A test in summer would undoubtedly allow to exceed 500 km. Regarding charging on DC terminals, we were able to reach the peak of 195 kW announced (on Ionity and Tesla Superchargers) at the start of charging before stagnating around 140 kW. It then takes approximately 35 minutes to go from 10 to 80% battery. To connect to alternating current, this BMW i7 incorporates a 22 kW charger as standard.
The propeller cheaper than the star.
The prices of this BMW i7 are those of a luxury limousine, therefore excessive. From €139,900 and €146,850 in the M Sport finish. With a few options, our test model was close to €165,000. All in all modest claims against its main rival, the Mercedes EQS 580 4MATIC which claims €166,900 excluding options. Still, a Tesla Model S PLAID with three motors and 1000 hp is displayed at €138,990 fully equipped. Admittedly, the quality of manufacture of the American is in retreat, but the multimedia equipment at the top and the superior autonomy.
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