TESTED 28.3.22, MUNICH, GERMANY ON SALE NOVEMBER
The i7 is the technological spearhead of the upcoming Mk7 (G70) 7 Series and BMW’s largest and most luxurious electric car to date. Related models are in the pipeline, including mild-hybrid diesels and petrol-electric plug-in hybrids. However, it is the advanced i7, with a 500bhp-plus dual-motor electric drivetrain in the initial four-wheel-drive model, that will kick off sales of BMW’s new flagship four-door in November, promising a range, we’re told, of close to 400 miles on the WLTP test cycle.
To learn more about the upcoming Mercedes-Benz EQS rival, Autocar joined a round of i7 shakedown tests with a team of BMW engineers in Germany before the car’s unveiling later this month.
As the photographs here show, the prototype we drove on public roads was fully camouflaged, so there is not a lot we can tell you about the detailing within the exterior, other than at around 5400mm in length, it is the largest BMW model to date. It is over 100mm longer than today’s sixth-generation LWB 7 Series.
The i7 prototype’s spacious interior was also covered up but it’s clear certain elements are taken directly from the iX, the electric SUV with which the i7 also shares its drivelines and lithium-ion battery, among other key components.
This is a big car, more presidential limousine than your typical European luxury saloon in terms of visual boldness, with an upright silhouette, traditional three-box proportions, large framed doors that open and close automatically and, thanks to a wheelbase stretching to over 3000mm, luxurious and accommodating rear quarters.
This story is from the April 06, 2022 edition of Autocar UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 06, 2022 edition of Autocar UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Aston to keep ICE for as long as it can; goes all in on PHEV
*There's a lot more hype in EVs than demand, especially at our price,\" says chairman
UK keeps Porsches as EU cyber rules come in
Macan and 718 are just two models forced into European retirement by new tech regulations
US government cracks down on vehicle pollution
THE CAR INDUSTRY'S reaction to the UK's new zero-emission vehicle mandate hasn't been positive, not least as some makers are unable to comply - and here we can hear echoes from early-1970s America.
New face and more range for EQS
Electric luxury saloon gains fresh look and tech makeover that boosts range by 11%
FOCUS YOUR ATTENTION
The Mk3 ST packs a potent but usable hot hatch punch
SKODA KODIAQ
SUV becomes bigger and swisher, offering seven-seat petrols and diesels and, for the first time, a plug-in hybrid
What future for Lotus?
Steve Cropley
VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
Capacious estate strives to keep pace with techy newcomers in its ninth generation
AUDI RS E-TRON GT
Claims of a broader operating window and improved EV stats for Taycan sibling
Qashqai follows way of the samurai
Popular crossover dons traditional military helmet and enhances its combat skills