BMW unveils its new all-electric i7: a progressive blend of luxury and sustainability

The progressive design of the new 7 Series is characterized by innovations that directly enhance the user experience, wide-ranging connectivity, and standard-setting sustainability of the new 7. In this way, the new BMW 7 Series has been designed to meet the needs of drivers that are committed to meeting challenges in a responsible manner.

The 760i xDrive combines the relentless power of the 4.4-liter TwinPower Turbo V8 with BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive. The new V8 borrows technology from BMW Motorsport, and features a new exhaust manifold, external oil cooling, and further developed turbocharging.

The V8, too, gains 48V mild hybrid technology, and with the electric motor integrated into the new eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission delivers the twin benefits of optimized response and power delivery under acceleration, and greater efficiency thanks to adaptive recuperation.

The expressive design features created for the exterior of the new BMW 7 Series authentically reflect its place atop the BMW luxury class and the promise of an extraordinary on-board experience. The vertically prominent front end, with the combination of the optional illuminated BMW kidney grille presiding as its centerpiece and two-piece split headlight units, give the new 7 Series a powerful and distinctive presence. The front-end design, developed specifically for BMW’s flagship models, enables clear differentiation from the brand’s other models.

The brand’s signature twin circular headlights and BMW kidney grille have been newly interpreted. The light functions are now divided into two separate areas, with the upper elements acting as the more prominent focal point, especially when highlighted by optional Swarovski crystal details. This gives the front end of the new BMW 7 Series a progressive and memorable appearance.

BMW presents progressive luxury inside its new 7 Series. A select choice of materials, precision craftsmanship of the highest order and a clearly structured, minimalist interior design underpin the exclusive on-board experience for both the driver and passengers. Here, generous amounts of space meet innovative equipment features and the clever interplay of high-tech control/operation, connectivity, driver assistance, ‘infotainment,’ and digitalization solutions.

And then there is the artfully stylish selection of materials, which capture the imagination in terms of both looks and tactile appeal. A new optional feature is the use of exquisite cashmere for a portion of the seat surfaces. The soft and pleasantly warm feel of this sumptuously refined natural material comes together with the standard glass applications for selected controls, the optional open-pore fine wood of the interior trim strip, and the stainless steel speaker covers to create a luxurious sense of wellbeing.

The outstanding efficiency of the current BMW eDrive technology results in an anticipated EPA range of up to 300 miles for the i7 xDrive60 (estimated range of up to 300 miles according to preliminary BMW AG tests based on the EPA’s test procedure standards). A broad selection of standard and optional wheel and tire combinations, whose efficiency has been optimized across the range of available sizes, gives customers plenty of scope when designing their vehicle with only a limited impact on range.

The car’s impressive long-distance credentials are also down to the high-voltage battery’s excellent energy density. The extremely slim high-voltage battery with a cell height of just 4.3-inches is located low down in the vehicle floor and provides 101.7 kWh of usable energy. The heat pump technology used in the integrated heating and cooling system for the cabin and drive system also helps boost efficiency, as does the adaptive or individually adjustable recuperation feature. The high-voltage battery is heated using a dedicated 5.5 kW electric flow heater.

The Combined Charging Unit in the BMW i7 xDrive60 allows AC charging at a rate of up to 11 kW, while DC power can be taken on board at a rate of up to 195 kW. This means the range can be extended by as much as 80 miles in just ten minutes during a mid-journey stop at a high-power charging station.

The brand-typical driver-focused cockpit design in the new BMW 7 Series has been re-interpreted in a progressive style. Digitalization enables the number of buttons, switches, and controls in the cockpit to be significantly reduced. Standard specification includes an interior trim strip for the instrument panel in Fineline Black with Metallic Inlay on 740i and 760i xDrive and Mirror Oak High Gloss on i7 xDrive60.

They provide an elegant stage for the BMW Curved Display. The fully digital screen grouping consists of a 12.3-inch information display behind the steering wheel and a 14.9-inch control display screen. Arranged beneath a shared glass surface, the displays are directed ergonomically towards the driver, making the already intuitive touch control even more straightforward.

The BMW Curved Display’s state-of-the-art graphics and the operating system’s menu structure have been designed with a smartphone-style appearance. The user interface impresses with its striking forms, dynamic light effects, strong depth of color and modern color palettes that change depending on the selected My Mode.

The graphic layout of the information display and the content shown in the center of the display can both be adapted to suit the situation and requirements. The clearly structured arrangement of widgets on the control display’s home screen provides a simple overview of the menu options and can be configured by the driver, as desired. Frequently used functions can be added to a favorites bar.

The BMW Interaction Bar debuts in the new 7 Series as a new breed of control/operation and design element. This functional unit, which boasts a crystalline surface structure with dramatic backlighting, extends from below the trim strip across the full width of the instrument panel and well into the door panel trim.

It houses touch-sensitive control panels for adjusting the ventilation and climate control, activating the hazard warning lights and opening the glove compartment. The light design of the BMW Interaction Bar takes its cues from the color palette of the My Mode setting selected or can be set as desired by the user.