News
Coming soon: new BMW 7 Series and i7
New generation of BMW’s flagship arrives with tech galore, a bold new look and option of an all-electric i7 variant
Words by: Dan Trent
Published on 21 April 2022 | 0 min read
In the age of the SUV a big, luxurious saloon car like the new BMW 7 Series may seem a relic of a bygone era. But, since it first launched in the late 70s, the 7 Series has always been the first with the brand’s latest design and technology, and a big influence on the rest of the BMW range. So, yes, a new 7 Series is a big deal.
Literally. At nearly five and half metres in length this is more limo than luxury saloon and will launch as the 544 horsepower, pure electric i7 xDrive60 at just shy of £110,000. This will be followed by 750e and high-performance M760e plug-in hybrids combining a turbocharged six-cylinder petrol engine with battery assistance. This is an interesting contrast to arch-rival Mercedes, which has split its luxury saloon range into electric EQS and more traditional S-Class options, as compared by Rory Reid here. BMW, meanwhile, takes the core 7 Series and will offer the pure electric i7 version under its i sub-brand, while the M760e is sold under the M Performance banner. This is familiar BMW practice, following the likes of the 4 Series Gran Coupe with its all-electric i4 and sporty M440i variants spun off the same car.
Literally. At nearly five and half metres in length this is more limo than luxury saloon and will launch as the 544 horsepower, pure electric i7 xDrive60 at just shy of £110,000. This will be followed by 750e and high-performance M760e plug-in hybrids combining a turbocharged six-cylinder petrol engine with battery assistance. This is an interesting contrast to arch-rival Mercedes, which has split its luxury saloon range into electric EQS and more traditional S-Class options, as compared by Rory Reid here. BMW, meanwhile, takes the core 7 Series and will offer the pure electric i7 version under its i sub-brand, while the M760e is sold under the M Performance banner. This is familiar BMW practice, following the likes of the 4 Series Gran Coupe with its all-electric i4 and sporty M440i variants spun off the same car.
While much of the initial reaction has focused on the imposing new exterior look with double-deck headlights and outsized BMW ‘kidney’ grille the real interest is on the inside. And whether you go full electric or hybrid the 7 Series promises astonishing levels of both luxury and technology, with gizmos and gadgetry galore.
Highlights include a combined 12.3-inch driver display and 14.9-inch central screen combined into one seamless curved unit angled toward the driver, beneath which is the BMW Interaction Bar. This touch-sensitive trim element includes everything from controls for heating and ventilation to glovebox release switch and changes colour according to your chosen mode or preferences. It even includes an illuminated ‘safe exit’ warning to let you know there’s nothing coming when you open the doors. This is nothing compared to what you can get in the back, though. You’ll also need to budget for a chauffeur to make the most of it but with the optional BMW Theatre Screen and your 7 Series becomes nothing less than a mobile cinema, where you can stretch out and stream movies onto a 31.3-inch screen that lowers from the roof and includes built-in Amazon Fire TV. No need to worry about glare on the screen either – when selected the window blinds in the back automatically close and the ambient lighting is reduced for that full cinematic experience. You’ll still need to supply your own popcorn, though. This is but one feature from the 7 Series’ vast range of luxury and tech portfolio, BMW’s intent being that, whether driver or passenger, everyone aboard enjoys both first-class comfort and all manner of assistance technology. For a super luxurious machine it even boasts admirable levels of sustainability, with much of the car made from repurposed materials to reach the goal of half of the entire car being built from recycled content. The new 7 Series launches with the i7 version later this year, with the hybrids to follow in the spring of 2023.
Highlights include a combined 12.3-inch driver display and 14.9-inch central screen combined into one seamless curved unit angled toward the driver, beneath which is the BMW Interaction Bar. This touch-sensitive trim element includes everything from controls for heating and ventilation to glovebox release switch and changes colour according to your chosen mode or preferences. It even includes an illuminated ‘safe exit’ warning to let you know there’s nothing coming when you open the doors. This is nothing compared to what you can get in the back, though. You’ll also need to budget for a chauffeur to make the most of it but with the optional BMW Theatre Screen and your 7 Series becomes nothing less than a mobile cinema, where you can stretch out and stream movies onto a 31.3-inch screen that lowers from the roof and includes built-in Amazon Fire TV. No need to worry about glare on the screen either – when selected the window blinds in the back automatically close and the ambient lighting is reduced for that full cinematic experience. You’ll still need to supply your own popcorn, though. This is but one feature from the 7 Series’ vast range of luxury and tech portfolio, BMW’s intent being that, whether driver or passenger, everyone aboard enjoys both first-class comfort and all manner of assistance technology. For a super luxurious machine it even boasts admirable levels of sustainability, with much of the car made from repurposed materials to reach the goal of half of the entire car being built from recycled content. The new 7 Series launches with the i7 version later this year, with the hybrids to follow in the spring of 2023.
