The BMW i7 has arrived to challenge conventional thinking about luxury electric vehicles, combining cutting-edge technology with traditional comfort in a package that might just justify its six-figure price tag.
A Rear-Seat Cinema Experience Like No Other
Let's address the elephant in the room first: that controversial front grille. Style remains subjective, and this BMW's design appears tailored for markets beyond European shores. However, any aesthetic concerns quickly vanish when you experience what the i7 offers its passengers.
The star attraction is undoubtedly the 31.3-inch 8K Theatre Screen that gracefully descends from the roof lining. Paired with a 36-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system delivering 1,965 watts of audio power, it creates an immersive entertainment environment that impressed even the harshest critics - children. During testing, young passengers declared it superior to various Ferraris and Lamborghinis, demanding movie nights complete with popcorn and fizzy drinks.
The rear cabin treats occupants to heated, cooled and massaging seats, electric privacy blinds, individual touchscreen controls, and airline-style reclining functionality. The sumptuous headrest pillows evoke comparisons with chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce experiences, elevating comfort to extraordinary levels.
Performance and Practicality Combined
BMW offers the i7 in several configurations, starting with the £101,865 eDrive50 Excellence producing 455hp. The tested xDrive60 M Sport Pro variant delivers 544hp and retails at £143,530, featuring the Executive Pack with the Theatre Screen as standard equipment.
Power comes from a substantial 101.7kWh battery positioned within the floor, driving motors on both axles for all-wheel traction. The xDrive60 accelerates from 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds, while the range-topping M70 version reduces this to 3.7 seconds for £164,420.
With a tested range of 372 miles and maximum charging speeds of 195kW - capable of adding 106 miles in just 10 minutes - the i7 addresses practical electric vehicle concerns effectively, though it falls short of the Mercedes-Benz EQS's 481-mile maximum.
Driving Experience and Interior Technology
From the driver's perspective, the i7 delivers serene, near-silent progress that feels utterly effortless. The 2.7-tonne limousine gathers speed rather than aggressively accelerating, with carefully calibrated throttle response and progressive brakes encouraging smooth driving.
An innovative boost paddle behind the steering wheel provides ten seconds of maximum power for overtaking manoeuvres. The head-up display proves essential since the absence of engine noise can disguise surprising velocity.
Some traditional BMW enthusiasts might find the interior's crystal-effect switches and full-width colour-changing light bar somewhat gimmicky compared to the brand's historically driver-focused layouts. The plethora of screens replaces physical buttons for functions like climate control, which some may find less intuitive.
Ride comfort remains exceptional thanks to air suspension with adaptive dampers, while optional four-wheel steering enhances urban manoeuvrability. The cabin maintains remarkable quietness at motorway speeds, with wind and tyre noise well contained.
Market Position and Verdict
Choosing between the BMW i7 and its key rival, the Mercedes-Benz EQS, ultimately comes down to personal priorities. The BMW delivers more engaging driving dynamics and that spectacular rear Theatre Screen, while the Mercedes offers superior range and arguably more attractive styling.
Considering that similar engineering underpins the electric Rolls-Royce Spectre starting at £350,000, the i7's pricing appears more reasonable - especially with the Executive Pack included. As one tester noted, the journey becomes more comfortable than the destination, even when heading to five-star hotels.
The BMW i7 successfully translates traditional luxury values into the electric era, creating a compelling proposition for those seeking comfort, technology and performance in equal measure.
