Small details show great self-confidence
You have a lot planned in Munich this year. The 50th anniversary of M GmbH is being celebrated in style with the M4 CSL, M3 Touring and the giga hybrid SUV XM (vehicles are not for sale, homologation pending)². The series models also have to keep up and the crown naturally goes to the 7 series, the luxury flagship of Bavaria. As part of the annual press conference, BMW therefore gave a new insight into the upcoming model.
In addition to the traditional petrol, diesel and hybrid variants, the new 7 Series will also be available as an all-electric i7 (vehicle not for sale, homologation pending)². With this model, BMW speaks of the world’s first electric luxury sedan. It seems the Mercedes-Benz EQS and Tesla Model S aren’t seen as competition – maybe they just don’t count as sedan opponents given their hatchback bodies. But no matter how subtly one interprets the dig of Munich: The self-confidence seems to be right.
Specifications don’t come as a surprise
Above all, the technology is surprisingly unexciting. BMW promises a consumption of 19.7 kWh per 100km for the i7 and wants to achieve a range of up to 610 kilometers. Since these values can no longer be extrapolated as a rule of three, but can only be extrapolated using a difficult matrix, the capacity of the built-in battery can only be estimated.
However, it should be the unit used in the iX with a good 105 kWh of usable energy. So it has to be subordinate to the EQS, which not only has more capacity, but also needs a little less power according to the standard. In terms of loading speed, you should also be able to draw analogies from the iX. 200 kW on the fast charger with an average output of around 135 kW with a 10 to 80 percent charge should also be achievable for the BMW i7.
New light graphics with illuminated kidney
A groundbreaking visual innovation in the BMW i7 and the upcoming 7 Series will be the separation of daytime running lights and main headlights. While the latter, made of fine crystal glass, lie like squinted eyes in the familiar place in the upper area of the front, the adaptive LED laser main headlights are crouched further down. Also new: the illuminated contour of the BMW kidney. People are already used to the gigantic size of the former cooling air intake.
LED light show on the glass sky and 31-inch cinema screen
Also of gigantic size is an equipment highlight, which is primarily intended to emphasize the chauffeur character of the 7 Series. If desired, a 31-inch screen can be lowered into the headliner, which turns the rear into a rolling cinema hall at the push of a button. With a 32:9 screen diagonal and 8K resolution, in combination with the Bowers&Wilkins sound system, which is also optional, it is equipped for the latest cinema blockbusters, while the whisper-quiet i7 electric drive reduces background noise to a minimum.
If you prefer to look out of the window instead, we recommend the Sky Lounge. As an additional gimmick to the large panoramic glazing of the roof, integrated LED light threads create an impressive atmosphere. BMW speaks of generosity, modernity and well-being. It will be interesting to see whether it is as impressive in everyday life as it is when reading the press release. (Text: Fabian Mechtel | Images: BMW)
