Image: BMW
Image: BMW
Image: BMW
Image: BMW
Image: BMW
Image: BMW
Image: BMW
Image: BMW
Driving ImpressionsBy: Alex Shahini
While all (G70) seventh-generation BMW 7 Series now feature some form of electrification with their respective drivetrains, the new pinnacle derivative is, indeed, the all-electric i7. Ian McLaren got to grips with the premium Bavarian silent sedan in California.
Image: BMW
Featuring a 101,7 kWh battery mounted below the passenger compartment, the i7 is fitted an electric motor on each axle, front and rear. Offering combined outputs of 400 kW and 745 N.m of torque. Despite the battery pack contributing around 700 kg worth of mass to this package, the i7 will sprint from a standstill to 100 km/h in a claimed 4,7 seconds. A drivetrain setup that debuted in the iX xDrive60, the first all-electric 7 Series offers a claimed operating range of up to 625 km.
Based on my time behind the wheel of this stealthy limousine, while a range of more than 600 km seems instinctively optimistic in everyday driving conditions, as confirmed by company men I spoke to throughout the launch event, a realistic range of around 500 km is viewed as the unofficial benchmark for viable, relatively carefree EV ownership.
Image: BMW
Complete with an alluring soundtrack courtesy of renowned movie composer Hans Zimmer, the all-electric drivetrain arrangement in the i7 neatly complements a vehicle mandated to offer both hushed sophistication and Autobahn-crunching performance, when required. The combination of adaptive air suspension and standard all-wheel steering means that, despite its 2,7-tonne overall mass, this remains very much a surefooted, relatively easily manoeuvrable product built by BMW.
DRIVEN: Electrified BMW i range to lead the charge
It’s cliqued now – and all too often quoted at each subsequent reveal of a new BMW product – but I was less offended by the stance of the new 7 Series once I viewed it in the metal. Certainly, this observation was helped by the fitment on most of the test fleet of the optional M Sport Package, this cosmetic upgrade drawing some of the attention away from that very large grille.
Image: BMW
A sentiment shared among the group of journalists gathered after a day spent sampling this new range is that the i7 xDrive60 is the 7 Series to have. A vehicle that offers such a bold and unapologetic stance may as well continue its tale of flamboyance with a future-focused drivetrain that only adds to the sense of occasion.
BMW i7 xDrive60 Fast Facts
- Price: R2 825 600
- Engine: 101.7 kWh battery, dual electric motors
- Transmission: single-speed auto
- Power: 400 kW
- Torque: 745 N.m
- Driven wheels: All
- 0-100 km/h: 4,7 sec
- Top speed: 240 km/h
- Fuel consumption: 8,1 L/100km (combined)
- CO2 emissions: 182 g/km
- Rivals: Mercedes-Benz S-Class; Audi A8
Keyword: BMW i7 xDrive60 Review