Words by Chris Walsh
In the rarefied realm of full-sized limousines – where heritage often takes the front seat over cutting-edge transformation – the luxury sector has finally succumbed to the inevitable tide of electrification. And as the high-stakes contest for supremacy in opulence gathers pace, BMW has made its first foray to position itself at the forefront of automotive modernity.
Last year, Mercedes-Benz set the bar with its pioneering (if a little underwhelming) EQS and as the calendar unfurls towards the end of 2023, Tesla is preparing their new Model S and whispers are abound that an all-electric Audi A8 will also be with us come 2024. It seems that the moment is indeed ripe to seduce the luxury sector electrically.
Munich’s magnum opus, which is the seventh iteration of the BMW 7 Series, is introduced initially in its all-electric guise, being the i7 xDrive60 or xDrive50 respectively. But it will also be flanked by two plug-in hybrid variants (badged as the 750e and M760e respectively) and a high-octane M Performance model (christened the M70) that boasts an eye-watering 651 brake horsepower.
Distinct from certain rivals, this Bavarian exemplar stands on a shared platform with its fossil-fuelled siblings – a detail that in no way diminishes its excellence. Here exists an automobile that masterfully marries performance, range, spaciousness and an exhaustive suite of accoutrements – all couched in the sort of lavish opulence befitting this particular automotive sector.
What should be mentioned at this juncture is the fact that BMW has decided to not give their electric vehicles a new guiding framework to market around. For example, where Mercedes has elected to carve the EQS as a unique entity, distinct from its iconic S-Class brand, BMW has elected to seamlessly integrate electric options within its existing 7 Series portfolio. This remains a subject of debate for me, as the ‘Deutsche Automobilindustrie’ has historically worked hand-in-hand with one another to mutually benefit itself.
But given the heterogeneous array of powertrain alternatives on offer, it hardly raises an eyebrow that BMW elected not to dedicate an independent platform solely to the i7. Its modular CLAR architecture, while intrinsically malleable for all-electric utilisation, retains seamless compatibility with conventional internal combustion engines.
With the i7, the general topic of its design direction inevitably arises again because it seems that BMW have stuck with design principles that invariably spark some unwanted ‘spirited discussions’ on how they actually look. Nowadays, a kaleidoscope of views will be had about the current BMW’s exterior visual language can be found and while viewpoints do vary, the i7’s forthright, assertive lines do not automatically beguile me in the way that they used to.
The new iteration of the 7 Series introduces some avant-garde elements in both suspension and size. The vehicle is outfitted with a standard height-adjustable air suspension and adaptive dampers – which is a subtle but meaningful departure from traditional steel coils.
Available exclusively in long-wheelbase guise, the dimensions have been generously extended – approximately 50mm in both overall width and height, as compared to its predecessor, which is also supplemented by a proportional widening of the front axle track.
Turning our attention to driving technology, one finds it has been accorded some generous focus. Integral Active four-wheel steering and Executive Drive active anti-roll bars feature as optional accoutrements on a majority of variants; and my test specimen luxuriously boasted both.
Under the i7, the xDrive60 derives its potency from dual electrical motors, the rear being notably more formidable. The combined output stands at an impressive 536 brake horsepower and 745 Nm of torque. While it may not be in direct contention with a Tesla in this guise, it does discreetly eclipse a standard, non-AMG Mercedes EQS. Energy procurement occurs via an underfloor battery, boasting a capacity of 101.7 kW.
As mentioned previously, those with an unquenchable thirst for the pinnacle of performance might want to consider the M70, as it offers an unparalleled allure. Furnished with a six-phase electric motor mounted on the rear axle, the M70 delivers 651 brake horsepower and a not insurmountable 1100 Nm of torque. The ‘M Performance’ calibration further embellishes various facets, from damping and rear-steering to torque vectoring.
The G70-generation of the 7 Series continues to be draped in material finery and technological sophistication. And it accomplishes this with unadulterated audacity although be warned, as this comes at the expense of an imposing kerb weight; my test vehicle tipped the scales at over two and three-quarter tonnes.
Inside, the i7 draws aesthetic and functional cues from the iX, interlacing leathers, veneers and chrome trims into an elegant mosaic. Glass-crafted secondary controls incite tactile curiosity, while expansively contoured front seats equipped with motorised adjustments massage functionalities and heating options set the stage for motoring magnificence.
Continuing this narrative of technological grandeur, the i7 features BMW’s gracefully curved touchscreen for both infotainment and instrumentation. Adorning my test vehicle was BMW’s ‘Ultimate’ package, elevating its aura of luxury considerably beyond that of a standard 7 Series. However, even the most basic features radiate an air of precision engineering, whether it be the tactile weight of the indicator stalks or the sophisticated slide of cupholder covers.
The rear compartment is not to be outdone as electrically adjustable lounge-style seating remains an opulent option. Of particular note is the ‘sleeping seat’ on the passenger side – an expansive and plush affair that melds relaxation with supreme comfort. Each rear passenger has the luxury of individualised entertainment controls, facilitated by door-mounted touchscreen consoles. Tailored Bluetooth connectivity routes calls to the acoustically isolated environment of each seat, thus enriching the very concept of in-car privacy.
The i7 xDrive60 serves as the bedrock of BMW’s broader G70-generation 7 Series, destined to be accompanied by plug-in hybrids, each propelled by a harmonious marriage of BMW’s 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six petrol engine and an electric drivetrain. Each variant will feature xDrive all-wheel drive, with power outputs ranging from a commendable 483 bhp to the aforementioned zenith of 651 bhp.
In a dramatic pivot of business strategy, not a single model of the 7 Series on UK soil shall bear a price tag below the grandiose figure of £100,000 – which is a daring gambit indeed. Equally audacious is the fleet’s performance; none require more than a fleeting five seconds to reach the 62mph milestone. This impressive acceleration is partially attributable to BMW UK’s move to entirely jettison mild-hybrid petrol or diesel iterations from its catalogue.
As we navigate through what is arguably the luxury motoring sector’s most pivotal era of transformation, one tenet stands unambiguous: BMW remains resolutely committed to steering its illustrious 7 Series into the future with both aplomb and audacity.
So, as the tectonic plates of luxury motoring shift beneath us, BMW remains unflinchingly poised to guide its venerable 7 Series into the electrifying future. And in doing so, it confirms its position as a vanguard of automotive innovation.
To summarise, the BMW 7 Series has not just received a mere update; it has undergone a wholesale metamorphosis. In doing so, it sets new industry benchmarks, amalgamating lavishness, performance and technological ingenuity into an offering that is utterly irresistible. Through each painstakingly designed facet of the car, BMW has unmistakably hurled the gauntlet down in the arena of luxury automotive opulence.
Priced from: £118,470
