The brand new seventh-generation BMW 7 Sequence isn’t simply one of the crucial placing automobiles we’ve seen in many years, it’s additionally a bona-fide tech-fest with all of the makings of a headline act on the annual Shopper Electronics Present (CES).
Simply as BMW shook up the executive-class sedan world with its first iteration of the 7 Sequence greater than 45 years in the past as a correctly sporty lux-mobile, chock stuffed with state-of-the-art tech, the brand new range-topping i7 may simply blow every part else out of the water – after which some.
It’s an enormous automotive stretching practically 5.4 metres in size – longer than a Rolls-Royce Cullinan – in addition to standing wider and better than the earlier long-wheelbase 7 Sequence, and by some margin. Not will there be long- and short- wheelbase variations accessible, both, simply lengthy.
BMW Australia will launch two variants solely: the 740i with 48-volt mild-hybrid (MHEV) know-how paired with a twin-turbo petrol six, together with the fully-electric i7 xDrive60 flagship with twin motors examined right here, in Frozen Deep Gray.
There are approach too many massive ticket objects to catalogue now, however the characteristic ticket goes to the outstanding 31.3-inch 8K panoramic display screen in 32:9 format, with audio courtesy of a 35-speaker Bowers & Wilkins encompass sound system that makes Hoyts’ Dolby Atmos sound like a ’60s drive-in.
Then there’s the extravagant gentle present encircling the i7’s Merino leather-based/cashmere wool combo cabin that’s extra intense than Sydney’s famed New 12 months’s Eve fireworks show, due to the 15.6 million(!) attainable colors produced by the automotive’s so-called ‘Interation Bar’. I’ve by no means seen something prefer it, at the very least not in a automotive.
And, if you wish to open or shut the doorways, blinds or Sky Lounge roof, it’s simply, “Hey BMW, open all doorways and blinds”, and presto, it’s accomplished.
Whereas it’s honest to say it’s predecessor was merely an evolutionary design with a extra nip & tuck method to styling, the brand new 7 Sequence is 100 per cent revolutionary in its execution.
Headlining the brand new look with so-called ‘monolithic’ surfaces is the i7’s large kidney grille and entrance bumper, full with an new break up headlight design.
On high are mere slits that home the jewel-like Swarovski crystal-inlayed daytime operating lights, whereas beneath are Matrix LED headlights hidden behind smoked glass and pushed again a bit for stealthy impact.
The outside gentle extravaganza doesn’t cease there both. The enduring kidney grille can be lit below BMW’s Iconic Glow Illuminated encompass. Mixed with the ultra-low-profile DRLs, it’s an unmistakable gentle signature that’s certain to impress even non-car folks.
The L-shaped tail lights aren’t practically as spectacular, however they’re simply as intense with a 3D LED design that matches that of the steel speaker grilles within the cockpit.
Offsetting the deep entrance and rear-end remedies is a sleeker, extra elegant facet profile with flush door handles and an built-in Hofmeister Kink.
Regardless that the door panels appear massive, the glasshouse itself (bar the again window) is sufficiently massive to afford the motive force loads of all-round imaginative and prescient.
Then there’s the suite of engineering options centred across the upgraded chassis, which someway makes this cruise ship on wheels carry out extra like a seriously-sorted grand tourer, however with much more linearity and suggestions than you get from equal combustion-engined 7 Sequence. However, not on the expense of on-road consolation – that alone deserves applause.
It’s obtained adaptive air suspension to kind out the bumps and hold all 4 paws grounded, whereas all-wheel steering straightens out the corners, regardless of its dimension and heft. You received’t consider this massive Beamer suggestions the scales at a colossal 2715 kilograms – it simply can’t be.
It’s additionally a bone-fide nook crusher too, due to new 48-volt lively anti-roll bars (12-volt in its predecessor) – that magically counters any-and-all physique roll – and that’s within the canyons!
BMW additionally says inexperienced power and environmentally-friendly supplies issue closely into the manufacturing of the new-generation 7 Sequence – in-line with what its prospects are demanding.
For example, the supply materials for the ground coverings within the i7 embrace fishing nets recovered from the world’s oceans in addition to used flooring and residual waste from plastics manufacturing.
It’s the true deal, too, as the method for manufacturing recycled plastic emits 80 per cent much less CO2 than the usual apply of utilizing oil-based nylon.
The fabric itself is named Econyl, and is used all through the brand new BMW flagship, together with the substructure of the door panels, bumper guides and even the encompass for the entrance grille. It’s all constituted of 100 per cent salvaged plastics.
How a lot does the BMW i7 xDrive60 price?
The range-topping all-electric 2023 BMW i7 xDrive60 will begin from $297,900 plus on-road prices, and features a third-generation BMW Wallbox, in addition to a five-year subscription to the Chargefox nationwide charging community.
Entry-level for Australian consumers of the new-gen BMW 7 Sequence is the 740i petrol model with 48-volt mild-hybrid know-how, which kicks off at $268,900 plus on-roads.
Luxurious rivals embrace the Audi e-tron GT ($249,700), Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4Matic+ ($328,400), whereas the less-luxurious and sportier Porsche Taycan 4S begins at $208,200, or $283,300 for the faster Taycan Turbo model.
What’s the BMW i7 xDrive60 like on the within?
The difficulty is the place do you begin given the extravagant stage of equipment and real theatrics on present in what should absolutely be one of the crucial exiting (if not attractive) shows of cutting-edge know-how you’re more likely to see in a automotive for a while.
Commonplace fitment within the i7 is a mix of Merino leather-based/cashmere wool upholstery in Smoke white and Mild Gray. If you happen to’ve ever had the great fortune of carrying something product of cashmere, you then’ll perceive simply how luxurious this material may be.
Each millimetre of the mix can be perforated for the superbly even dispersal of maintain and chilly air relying on the specified settings. Even the armrests are heated.
Softer once more are the goose down-filled rear headrest cushions that present a sensation as in case your head is floating on a cloud.
They’re additionally the right accompaniment to the non-compulsory Connoisseur Lounge, which affords the right-hand-side rear passenger first-class-style stretched seating full with footrest and reclined seatback. It’s subsequent stage and never not like that provided within the new Bentley Bentayga EWB.
Subsequent off, you’ll need to use the rear-seat particular person touchscreen controller constructed into every armrest (it appears rather a lot like the most recent iPhone) to decrease the 8K widescreen and be dazzled by its 7680 x 2160 pixel show and incomparable encompass sound through 35 Bowers & Wilkins audio system in each seats and headrests. The feeling is completely immersive and off the charts.
It’s not simply the film display screen you’ll be able to deploy through the built-in contact display screen, passengers can even function change the audio supply, paired smartphones, My Mode features, rear-seat changes, window blinds, local weather management and inside lighting – that alone is particular.
The entire theatre expertise wouldn’t be full with out opening up the Glass Roof Sky Lounge – once more with the iPhone factor – to cap off the atmosphere with a light-weight impact utilizing gentle threads backlit by LEDs on the glass roof. The sample of the lights mirrors that of the seat quilting, whereas the colors work together with the My Mode tile you’ve chosen.
However, the true illumination blitz begins up entrance with BMW’s newest Interplay Bar extending to all 4 doorways, and greatest described because the world’s most vivid ambient lighting. The dash-mounted gentle strip additionally hides the air vents – you received’t choose them at night time.
Select between Expressive, Chill out, Theatre Mode and Digital Artwork and be blown away by the sheer depth and animation of color – apparently 15.6 million colors within the system.
The brand new 7 Sequence is a giant automotive with massive doorways, however by no means thoughts opening them manually that’s not the play right here. There’s a contact button on every door, or just use voice activation to the tune of, “Hey BMW, open the motive force’s door”, and it really works exceptionally effectively when you get the hold of it.
BMW i7 consumers get the selection of three inside trim packages – our tester was matched with the sporty M carbon-fibre with silver stitching and piano black mixture, however any one of many three trims we noticed on the launch appears and appears like an applicable match.
The i7 will get the identical curved-screen combo that we first noticed within the BMW’s iX EV – that’s to say a 12.3-inch configurable driver’s show built-in with an enormous 14.9-inch touchscreen unit boasting distinctive ranges of color and readability, together with infinite customisation, when you’re au- fait with the a number of layers of knowledge accessible.
A lot of the switchgear is genuine Swarovski crystal – diamond minimize and polished items for the seat controls, iDrive controller, drive selector and begin/cease button. Even the amount scroller is the true deal.
The big steel speaker grilles are specifically patterned to match the 3D impact inside rear taillights, whereas the brand new flat-bottom steering wheel is laden with all kinds of tech accessed via lively haptic contact buttons and round scrollers.
However, the steering wheel rim continues to be too rattling thick. BMW, simply check out a Porsche 911 steering wheel and let that be your template.
Not solely is there luxurious ranges of leg and headroom within the i7, storage areas are equally beneficiant, with wi-fi telephone charging pad up entrance, together with two square-shape cup holders and a sizeable dual-door console bin able to swallowing all method of wallets, sunnies and extra telephones.
Boot house is an inexpensive 500 litres for the i7 xDrive60, whereas the 740i will get barely extra at 540 litres.
What’s below the bonnet?
The all-electric flagship i7 xDrive60 makes use of a dual-motor all-wheel drive electrical powertrain with complete system outputs of 400kW and 745Nm.
BMW claims it might do the 0-100km/h dash in 4.7 seconds, with an electronically-limited high velocity of 240km/h. It’s mated to a 106kWh battery pack that may ship a variety of as much as 625km on the WLTP take a look at cycle.
AC charging with as much as 22kW is feasible, whereas DC charging with as much as 195kW means driving vary may be elevated by round 170km in 10 minutes. At this similar high-speed charging fee, the i7 xDrive60 can even go from 10 per cent to 80 per cent cost in roughly 34 minutes.
Energy consumption for the i7 within the WLTP cycle is rated at 19.6-18.4kW/100km. Towing capability for the i7 is rated at 2000kg, with a tow ball down weight of 80kg.
The 740i, in the meantime, is powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six-cylinder petrol engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system, with complete system outputs of 280kW of energy and 540Nm of torque. That is mated to an eight-speed computerized transmission, with drive despatched to the rear wheels solely.
BMW claims the 740i can do the 0-100km/h dash in 5.4 seconds.
How does the BMW i7 xDrive60 drive?
Proper from the get-go the i7 feels dynamically sorted from behind the wheel. Much more so than the twin-turbo V8-powered 760i xDrive we additionally obtained to pattern on the similar launch occasion within the California desert.
The i7’s decrease centre of gravity definitely helps by placing the battery-cell modules deep into the ground of the automotive – the right place for it, however there’s additionally much more happening right here.
The engineers cite the dearth of a traditional gearbox and exhaust system as contributing to the automotive’s higher steadiness and rigidity – one thing you’re aware of from the very first canyon nook you tuck into.
It’s rock-solid and completely predictable, as we throw the i7 from one back-to-back nook to a different. No approach this appears like a 5.4-metre, 2.7-ton colossus of a automotive. There’s an actual sense of agility at play right here matched with unusually quick response charges from all the key controls.
The all-wheel steering, throttle and brakes are calibrated for optimum linearity and suggestions. Not essentially fast, however in good sync with one another, giving the motive force stacks of confidence and evoking loads of smiles and normal disbelief as you correctly assault the infinite corners in these elements.
A lot of it comes all the way down to the chassis engineering, however the grip ranges too are spectacular. It appears ridiculous, however we’ve dialled up Sport+ and we’re pushing correctly arduous right here and the i7 continues to be fully unruffled.
A shout-out to the i7’s rear-wheel steering system, too, which we attribute to the automotive’s agility and smaller-car feeling from behind the wheel. Some techniques really feel contrived giving an unnatural feeling on turn-in, however this method feels largely linear.
Total, it comes all the way down to these mechanical controls once more, at the very least for me, and once more the linearity of the throttle and brake pedals specifically. You may modulate these features all the way down to the smallest diploma and get exact suggestions – even with mid-corner corrections. And for an enormous, heavy automotive, it’s uncanny.
Dialling it up additional with the enhance mode button we peel off out of the canyons and down onto flatter terrain, however nonetheless with loads of fast-flowing corners to lap up.
Nonetheless, there’s not a single squeal or protest from the tyres. And get this, these aren’t even the full-blown efficiency rubber we’ll see on the high-performance BMW i7 M70 model in 2023, quite a tyre that balances.
Maybe we’re not pushing arduous sufficient, however there’s no sense of understeer even within the tighter bends, which by the best way, I used to be absolutely anticipating at this type of tempo. So, you simply find yourself carrying extra velocity into the subsequent set of corners, and but the large electrical 7 Sequence is simply as obliging. Exceptional.
Furthermore, the automotive sits dead-flat too, it doesn’t matter what the G-meter says. And, it doesn’t really feel artificially contrived like some EVs, identical to a well-sorted chassis, in a a lot smaller automotive.
Put that impact all the way down to complicated new software program and BMW’s newest 48-volt lively roll bars over the earlier 12-volt items, the outcomes of which fully neutralise physique roll.
Whereas the upcoming i7 M70 will possible be skewed extra in direction of dealing with with a barely firmer journey, the i7 xDrive60 get will get the steadiness excellent – good, even.
We hit some pretty strange sections of highway on our path to Mt. San Jacinto and the single-chamber air-suspension soaked up all of the bumps and cracked highway like solely air-suspension can do.
It’s spectacular simply how effectively the i7 balances journey and dealing with, in order to be extremely competent with each elements of efficiency and luxurious.
We additionally had the chance to check out the Degree 3 driver help perform, the place the automotive successfully drove itself on sure sections of the interstate. It doesn’t interact on a regular basis for myriad of things, however when it takes over it’s fairly spectacular.
What do you get?
740i highlights:
20-inch M alloy wheelsM Sport packageM Sport brakes with darkish blue calipersHigh-gloss black M facet sillsRear-axle steeringAdaptive two-axle air suspensionBMW Crystal headlights with adaptive LED technologyIlluminated Kidney Grille Iconic GlowPanoramic glass roof Sky LoungeBMW Particular person metallic paintwork12.3-inch digital instrument cluster14.9-inch infotainment touchscreenHead-up displayBMW CraftedClarity Glass detailsiDrive controllerStart/cease buttonVolume curler dialGear selectorSeat adjustment buttonsM Carbon Fibre inside trimTravel & Consolation systemUSB-C ports behind the entrance seat backsInterior camera20-speaker Bowers and Wilkins encompass sound systemNatural InteractionInterior cameraBMW Particular person leather-based ‘Merino’ upholsteryMultifunctional entrance seats Heating, ventilatedPower lumbar supportPower head restraint adjustmentMassage functionHeat Consolation packageBMW Particular person Alcantara Anthracite headlinerRemote engine begin
i7 xDrive60 provides:
21-inch M alloy wheelsExecutive Drive ProActive roll stabilisationActive roll consolation technologyAutomatic doorsAcoustic safety for pedestriansBMW IconicSounds Electric31.3-inch 8K BMW Theatre Display screen for rear passengers35-speaker Bowers and Wilkins Diamond encompass sound systemMultifunction rear seatsRear seat leisure experienceBMW Particular person Gran Lusso interiorBMW Particular person merino/wool-cashmere mixture upholsteryFive-year Chargefox charging subscriptionBMW third-generation wallboxMode 2 home charging cableMode 3 public charging cable
Choices
Design Pure Excellence package deal:
Chrome exterior elementsGrey brake calipers
M Sport Professional package deal:
M Sport brakes with black high-gloss calipersBlack high-gloss M rear spoilerBMW Particular person high-gloss shadow line on the grille body and struts, rear apron trim and tail lights
Connoisseur Lounge package deal ($27,900 740i, $9000 i7 xDrive60):
Automated doorways (740i solely)31.3-inch 8K BMW Theatre display screen for rear passengers (740i solely)Govt Lounge seatingRear multifunction seats (740i solely)Rear ventilated seatsMassaging rear seatsExecutive lounge rear console (740i solely)40-speaker Bowers and Wilkins Diamond encompass sound system
There are additionally a variety of various alloy and titanium wheels accessible together with three 20-inch variations as a no-cost choice, or 4 21-inch variations of that are at no-cost for the i7, however incur a $2600 price with the 740i.
Colors
Alpine WhiteM Carbon Black metallicBlack Sapphire metallicSophisto Gray Good Impact metallicMineral White metallicOxide Gray metallicM Brooklyn Gray metallicSparkling Coper Gray metallicAventurine Pink metallicSpace Silver metallicDravit Gray BMW Particular person metallicTanzanite Blue BMW Particular person metallicFrozen Pure Gray BMW Particular person metallic ($2600)Frozen Deep Gray BMW Particular person metallic ($2600, as examined)
There are additionally a variety of BMW Particular person two-tone metallic paintworks accessible with both a Black Sapphire metallic or Oxide Gray metallic higher sections. These price a further $17,500.
Accessible colors to match Black Sapphire metallic embrace:
Dravit GreyTanzanite BlueOxide GreyAventurine Pink
Accessible colors to go together with Oxide Gray Metallic comprise:
Black SapphireDravit GreyTanzanite BlueAventurine Pink
BMW Particular person Merino Leather-based choices:
Smoke WhiteAmaroneMochaBlackTartufo
The i7 xDrive60 comes customary with BMW Particular person Merino leather-based/cashmere wool mix upholstery in Smoke White and Mild Gray, which can be specified with the 740i for $15,800.
Inside trim choices:
Carbon fibre M inside trim with Silver stitching/Piano BlackFine wooden trim oak Mirror end Gray metallic high-glossBMW Particular person fine-wood ash Flowing Gray, Open-Pore
Is the BMW i7 xDrive60 secure?
The brand new 7 Sequence and i7 haven’t been crash examined by ANCAP or Euro NCAP as but.
Security options embrace:
Driving Assistant ProfessionalParking Assistant ProfessionalReversing assistant (200 metres)Manoeuvre assistant (600 metres and as much as 10 saved manoeuvres)Tyre strain monitoring8 airbags
The brand new 7 Sequence additionally comes with new-generation sensors, a brand new software program stack and a extra highly effective computing platform that yields potential for Degree 3 Autonomous driving and parking.
How a lot does the BMW i7 xDrive60 price to run?
In contrast to virtually all its most important rivals who’ve moved to five-year warranties, BMW continues to supply a three-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.
The i7 xDrive60 comes with a six-year/limitless kilometre BMW Service Inclusive package deal. This explicit service package deal contains all logbook service necessities.
i7 consumers additionally get a third-generation BMW Wallbox with buy, in addition to a complimentary five-year subscription to Chargefox nationwide charging community.
The BMW 740i comes customary with a five-year/80,000km BMW Service Inclusive package deal.
CarExpert’s Tackle the BMW i7 xDrive60
You’ll make up your personal thoughts concerning the Monolithic-surfaced styling, however in case you’re in search of unmistakable highway presence with a cutting-edge look – the BMW i7 xDrive60 has obtained all bases lined.
Inside, it’s essentially the most thrilling automotive available on the market; EV or ICE, it doesn’t matter, this factor is the gold customary if you’d like unbridled luxurious and all of the cool tech on the planet at your fingertips.
Probably you’ll be simply as completely happy kicking again within the Connoisseur Lounge watching the most recent Prime Gun film on the perfect display screen we’ve ever seen, as you’ll behind the wheel carving up the Palm Spring canyons like all correctly engineered sizzling hatch may do.
That is top-shelf engineering at work right here, although, we’ll have to attend till we get to drive it on native roads earlier than we are able to make a definitive name on the i7.
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