BMW i7

Following the launch of the seventh-gen 7 Series PHEVs, BMW sparks up the Malaysian market once again with the new all-electric BMW i7.

A flagship model of the 7 Series line-up, the e-luxury saloon comes decked out in the M Sport Package (exterior), and underpins the fifth-gen BMW eDrive technology.

Offered in one variant (BMW i7 xDrive 60 M Sport), it tags at MYR 707,250 (standard warranty - two years) and at MYR 729,800 (extended warranty - five years).

Prices are on-the-road and without insurance. The latter includes a free service package, BMW Roadside Assistance, BMW Service Online and BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App - BMW Privileges Card.

Eight exterior colours. Oxide Grey, Brooklyn Grey, Mineral White, Sophisto Grey, Aventurine Red, Black Sapphire, Tanzanite Blue (+MYR 6,300), and Dravit Grey (+MYR 6,300).

Cockpit of the new BMW i7 is uber premium with high levels of hand-craftsmanship, where the dash is cloaked in M signature high-gloss fine-wood trim in fine-line black with metal effect highlights.

Main focus is the BMW Curved Display, which is paired to a new backlit BMW Interaction Bar (multi-function control). The latter, horizontally striking across the entire dash with crystal jewellery-like finish, serves as the centrepiece.

Complementing the layout is the exclusive ‘CraftedClarity’ crystal glass trim, outfitted to the fore-and-aft seat adjustment switch, the BMW Controller, the volume control, the Start/Stop button, and the gear selector switch.

Overall, the cockpit’s arrangement is both driver- and passenger-oriented, ergonomically-designed with most accessibilities having very easy reachability.

Luxuriously upholstered, the interior’s BMW ‘Merino’ leather comes in multiple hues. Black, White, Amarone (deep-red), and Tartufo (caramel-like).

Fitted in the front and rear are M Multifunction seats with electronic adjustments, active cooling, and heating and massage (rear seats) functions.

Then, exclusive is the rear Executive Lounge Seating with individually adjustable seats and backrest angles, heel rest, lumbar support, and memory function.

A fully-automated setup, all seating configurations can be controlled via electronic switches, or the infotainment system.

Alternatively, courtesy of the BMW Theatre Screen setup, it can be done via the BMW Touch Command (rear door-integrated touchscreens).

Completing the luxurious ambience is the ‘Sky Lounge’ panoramic glass roof with UV-protected laminated glass structure. 

Unique, it is accentuated by light graphics that illuminate a silk-screened pattern (side-integrated LED modules).

Courtesy of its extended-wheelbase cabin, it offers very generous head, shoulder and leg rooms, thus front and rear occupants have no issues with space. 

Notably, the rear offers ample movements with its lounge setting that features a fully relaxed seating arrangement (Executive Lounge Seating).

Entirely, the cabin’s spaciousness is majorly due to its presidential size (large dimensions), an elongated and widened build.

Equipped is a flat-bottomed two-spoke M Leather steering wheel, with multi-switches (media, vehicle settings), column adjustments (tilt, telescopic), and an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system.

Weighing in at 2,715 KG, the new BMW i7 is 5,391 MM long, 1,950 MM wide, 1,544 MM tall, and has a wheelbase spanning 3,215 MM.

Imposingly commanding, it radiates a muscularly luxurious and elegant demeanour, with its long front overhang and dynamically stretched cabin.

Tall and upright, its front-end is angularly-flowed with seamless lines emphasising on the BMW Iconic Glow kidney grille (LED illuminated frame).

Accentuating the layout is a sportily-styled M Sport bumper, detailed with horizontal M high-gloss Shadowline, and M high-gloss black side sills.

Portraying an equally commanding appeal, the rear-end is toned and expensive-looking, with horizontal lines highlighting its width.

Minimalistic with clean surfaces, it features the BMW insignia top and centre, which has the reverse camera washer nozzle integrated for a seamless look.

Akin to the front, it sees a sportily-styled M Sport bumper, detailed with chrome trims and blue elements.

Contributing to its focused looking outlook is a pair of inward-tilted, ultra-slim and slit-like split headlamps.

Fitted are BMW Iconic Glow Crystal headlamps, featuring full adaptive LED units with Swarovski crystal-embedded LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL).

Slim, sharp and elongated, the L-shaped tail lamps with a top-chrome-lining on the housing hold a very striking presence. Fitted are LED units.

Sportily luxurious, it glides on a set of 21-Inch M Aerodynamic, 909 M Multicolour Jet Black 3D-polished light-alloy rims, wrapped in 255/40 R21 (front) and 285/35 R21 (rear) tyres.

The other half of the BMW Curved Display, it sees a 14.9-Inch central touchscreen, paired to a new backlit BMW Interaction Bar (multi-function control).

Featuring the BMW Live Cockpit Professional (BMW OS 8), it supports BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, Connected Package Professional (Apple CarPlay, Android Auto), My Mode selections, and the BMW Iconic Sounds Electric.

Then, courtesy of the Rear Seat Entertainment Professional Package is the BMW Theatre Screen. A rear ceiling-mounted 31.3-Inch panoramic screen with 8K resolution and HDMI interface.

Plus, it also gets the BMW Touch Command. Two rear door-integrated 5.5-Inch touchscreens, controlling the infotainment system, lighting and seating functions.

Installed is a 1,965-Watts, Bowers and Wilkins Diamond 4D-Surround Sound System (39 tweeters, subwoofer, shaker). 

Fitted is an automatic transmission.

0 to 100 KM/H is done in 4.7 seconds, and the top speed is 240 KM/H. 

Air-conditioning vents are present in the rear cabin with its own set of controls.

The new and first-ever BMW i7 is in a class of its own. Radiating an uber luxurious appeal that commands a presence like no other. 

Paired to a formidable dynamic powertrain, it offers an electrifying driving experience only a BMW is able to.

Its elegant exterior is very well designed with clean surfaces and powerful contours, emphasising on its presidential demeanour. 

Quality of the equipment installed inside and outside, really impresses with the upscale, mature design and restrained detailing.

Outstandingly, the new BMW i7 is just a top-of-the-line breed in the uber-luxury segment, bargaining elegance, performance and practicality all in one.