Here is BMW’s new electric car – with “driving pleasure” and cinema

For those who think that the Mercedes EQS is too old-fashioned and the Porsche Taycan too sporty – here comes the alternative in between: the BMW I7. The electric car is launched as part of the 7-series family and as such it will attract those who want the traditional German luxury, but then in combination with electric drive.

BMW describes the I7 as “a symbol of luxurious driving pleasure” and the electric car will be the most powerful variant of the new 7-Series.

What do you get if you choose an I7? To begin with, it is a car that is almost 5.4 meters and 195 centimeters wide. In other words, something you can hardly indulge in cramped city garages, even if the car has four-wheel steering so as not to be too barren.

Under the shell of the Xdrive60 version that is initially launched is a driveline with dual electric motors for a total of 400 kW (544 horsepower). Enough to accelerate the car from a standstill up to 100 km / h in 4.7 seconds. And since it is a German luxury cruiser – of course the top speed of 240 km / h is adapted to cope with the autobahn.

Officially, the consumption is written to between 1.84 and 1.96 kWh per mile, which then thanks to a battery of 101.7 kWh (net) should give a range of between 590 and 625 kilometers. BMW does not specify the exact fast charging capacity, but considering what the IX has – it’s over 200 kW. However, the manufacturer states that in ten minutes it should give 170 km in range and that a DC charge from ten to 80 percent is completed in 34 minutes under optimal conditions.

But when it comes to the 7 Series, the powertrain is only one half of the package. Interior luxury and technology have always been at least as important. And that is also the case with the new generation. Like the I4 and IX, the new electric car has been fitted with the curved, really large screen for infotainment, but this is also accompanied by another screen – and it is solid.

It is the rear seat passengers who get access to a 31-inch screen in the panoramic format 32: 9. This has an 8k resolution and in order to get a really good cinema experience on the go, the car also has a solid sound system from Bowers & Wilkins.

Autonomous driving characteristics in the future

When it comes to assistance systems, BMW states that the new 7-Series has the entire day’s battery of auxiliary and safety systems. In addition, everything is in place to be able to turn on autonomous driving characteristics that are described as level 3 on the SAE scale in the future. This means that the I7 must be able to drive completely without driver intrusion when certain parameters are met. As an example when traveling on a meeting-separated motorway with clear exits and entrances.

For those who think that the car that comes this year is far too small, BMW launches an M70 Xdrive until 2023. In this, the driveline has been tuned up to 600 horsepower and 1,000 Nm. In addition, a plug-in hybrid version will also be launched, the power of which is almost equal, but which will then have to make do with a range of 84 km on electricity – but in exchange be able to use petrol in other respects.

If, on the other hand, you think that this is the right car, BMW states that the I7 Xdrive60 will be launched in November with the easy starting price of SEK 1,580,000. Swedish dealers have opened for ordering and given that the delivery times for many electric cars have really skyrocketed, it is required that you are quick to get a copy.