For those buyers serious about owning a luxury electrified sedan, that of course must sport a Bimmer badge, the wait will soon be over. BMW New Zealand have recently announced that they will introduce the all-new fully electric i7 xDrive60 in Q4 this year. The i7, which is based on the seventh-generation 7 Series flagship sedan, will join BMW’s rapidly expanding line-up of zero emissions mobility solutions.
According to BMW New Zealand the i7 encapsulates driving pleasure, unsurpassed long-distance comfort and an outstanding digital experience, while showcasing a new styling package that underlines its commanding position and road presence.
Longer wheelbase
Buyers can expect a longer wheelbase that the sixth-generation long wheelbase model. At 3215mm it is 5mm longer, while the overall vehicle length, width and height has increased by 130mm, 48mm and 51mm respectively.
A combination of dynamic ability and first-class comfort are delivered through comprehensive chassis upgrades as well as by fitment of two-axle air suspension and adaptive damping as standard.
An innovative technology toolkit with a new generation of sensors, enhanced software stack, and powerful computing platform with clear potential for Level 3 automated driving and parking capability allies with the latest suite of cutting-edge active safety technologies.
Sustainability at the forefront
Development of the new 7 Series is in full alignment with BMW’s primary focus on C02 reduction and all-encompassing sustainability strategy with use of green energy and a high proportion of natural and recycled materials in the production phase.
Modern style
The front-end styling for BMW vehicles in the luxury segment is marked prominently by features – including the split headlight design – that are typical of the brand but with a clear distinction between these models and others in the BMW line-up.
Innovative features highlight the progressive character of the new 7 Series sedan, including the multi-sensory vehicle experience BMW iDrive with the latest generation of BMW Operating System 8, as well as the BMW Curved Display and the Manoeuvre Assistant for automated parking and manoeuvring.
Interior comfort – all about maximising wellbeing
In addition to the enhanced level of comfort and the unique in-car entertainment system, the Executive Lounge option for the rear with optimised reclining seat position and new BMW Individual Merino leather/cashmere wool interior trim takes a pioneering route to maximising wellbeing inside the vehicle.
Other prominent interior elements include a subtly backlit control panel in the centre console with a new gear selector, as well as glass applications for selected controls. Newly designed function buttons on the steering wheel include active haptic input. The two steering wheel design features a flat-bottomed rim.
Newly-developed seat surfaces in Veganza – a material with leather-like properties – will also be available in multiple tones to further personalise cabin ambience.
Interior tech bling
The new BMW 7 Series offers customers the new multi-sensory vehicle experience BMW iDrive with the latest generation of BMW Operating System 8.
With the fully digital BMW Curved Display, the innovative BMW Interaction Bar, the enhanced capabilities of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant – plus additional My Modes, the latest version of the BMW Head-Up Display, and the Augmented View function available for the first time on the information display behind the steering wheel – intuitive dialogue between the driver and vehicle has reached new levels.
The driver and front passenger can also use YouTube video-on-demand streaming on the control display for the first time, while a 5G-compatible aerial system manages high-speed connectivity aboard the new flagship sedan.
BMW eDrive technology
The BMW i7 xDrive60 features fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology with highly integrated drive system, intelligent energy management, new charging process and advanced battery cell technology.
The combination of efficient electric drive, optimised adaptive recuperation, improved climate control and high energy density for the high-voltage battery with usable capacity of 101.7kWh deliver a range of 590-625km on the WLTP cycle.
High speed DC charging with up to 195kW will enable customers to increase the range of their BMW i7 xDrive60 by approximately 170 kilometres in 10 minutes.
Its impressive range and charging capability are complemented by towering power and torque figures of 400kW and 745Nm. The BMW i7 xDrive60 achieves the standard sprint in only 4.7-seconds.
We expect to see the new BMW i7 line up against rivals the Mercedes-Benz electric S-class, the EQS and other high-end electric sedans, such as the Tesla Model S and Porsche Taycan.
Announcement of pricing and specification will occur in the lead up to market launch. Buyers can register their interest in the all-new BMW i7 here.
*All output, performance and energy consumption figures for the BMW i7 M70 xDrive are estimates based on the car’s current development stage including temporary boost.