The Ultimate Luxury & Innovation: Test-Driving The BMW i7

Posted on September 8, 2023 by Design in Design Innovation | 0 Comments

When it comes to premium vehicles that embody sheer driving pleasure, luxury beyond compare, and cutting-edge technology, one car has done that this year: the BMW i7.

  • The BMW i7 is a remarkable release of automotive engineering that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of luxury sedans.
  • This all-electric luxury sedan is set to revolutionize the way we perceive sustainable mobility and what’s possible in a car.
  • The BMW 7 Series has been the epitome of luxury and innovation for decades, and with the 7th generation of this iconic vehicle, BMW is raising the bar even higher.
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With an array of cars coming through the test-drive schedule, it is often hard to distinguish one motor-vehicle release from another. Most manufacturers provide a decent car, at an entry, mid- or premium price point and it would take a serious miscalculation for anyone to release a car that wasn’t good in 2023. However, once in a while a test-drive comes along that stops everything in its tracks. The BMW i7 was just that kind of week-long test-drive that just kept on giving.

BMW i7
It’s more than just a car; it’s a symbol of BMW’s unrelenting innovative strength – somewhere between motoring and space-travel. Image: BMW

This generation, boasting an unmatched design coherence and an array of ground-breaking features, marks a new chapter in the luxury segment. In a world that’s increasingly focusing on sustainability and environmental consciousness, the BMW i7 arrives as a breath of fresh air, or rather, as a breath of clean energy with incredible power as the foot pushes down the accelerator. This fully electric luxury sedan, the first of its kind in the BMW line-up, showcases how a high-end driving experience and a commitment to sustainability can come together harmoniously and does not leave you wanting.

BMW i7
The BMW i7 xDrive60 is a stunning showcase of what’s possible when luxury meets electric technology and plenty of features. Image: BMW

The new BMW 7 Series commands attention even before you set foot inside…and did this vehicle get attention wherever we went with it. Its expressive and imposing exterior design is a sight to behold. The iconic BMW kidney grille, along with the twin circular headlights, create a powerful presence that is unmistakably BMW. The optional BMW crystal headlights Iconic Glow, adorned with Swarovski crystals, illuminate the road in a way that’s not just functional, but also visually captivating.

BMW i7
The quality, layout and haptics of the controls in the BMW i7 are superb offering a comfortable, luxurious and futuristic motoring experience. Image: BMW

Step inside, and you’re greeted by a world of innovation and comfort that knows no ends. The cockpit is a digitalization dream, featuring the BMW Curved Display – a fully digital screen group consisting of a 12.3-inch information display behind the steering wheel and a 14.9-inch control display. The BMW Interaction Bar, a pioneering new control and design element, stretches across the instrument panel, creating an immersive and intuitive experience which is easy to use and exciting to explore.

BMW i7
The Executive Lounge configuration, available for the rear bench, offers an unparalleled level of seating comfort, complete with a reclining function and leg rest for the ultimate relaxation – a bit like business class on an aircraft. Image: BMW

Traveling in the new BMW 7 Series is akin to entering a realm of speed, silence and pure luxury. The interior has been meticulously designed to strike a balance between driving dynamics and passenger comfort. This is certainly a show-stopper!

BMW i7
The BMW Theatre Screen, a 31.3-inch touchscreen with Amazon Fire TV integration, transforms the rear compartment into a private cinema lounge, ensuring that every moment spent in the car is a memorable one. Image: BMW

The new BMW 7 Series comes with a diverse range of powertrain options that cater to various preferences and market demands. The BMW i7 xDrive60 takes the spotlight as the all-electric wonder, proving that zero-emission driving can go hand in hand with performance and luxury. The electric sedan is powered by two electric motors producing 400 kW, and innovations in range optimization allow it to cover distances between 590 and 625 km’s on a single charge.

For those who seek the perfect balance between efficiency and power, the line-up also includes combustion engine options, including the BMW 740i and the BMW 740d xDrive. And in a world where technology is ever-advancing, the new BMW 7 Series paves the way for Level 3 automated driving functions, offering a glimpse into the future of transportation.

BMW i7
The all-new BMW 7 Series is not just a car; it’s a statement that encapsulates BMW’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible as this flagship vehicle takes to the road. Image: BMW

In South Africa, the pricing for the new BMW 7 Series (including VAT and excluding CO2 tax) is approximately as follows:

  • BMW 740i:
    • Design Pure Excellence: R2’160’000
    • M Sport Package: R2’235’000
    • M Sport Package Pro: R2’275’000
  • BMW 740d xDrive:
    • Design Pure Excellence: R2’280’000
    • M Sport Package: R2’355’000
    • M Sport Package Pro: R2’395’000
  • BMW i7 xDrive60:
    • Design Pure Excellence: R2’825’000
    • M Sport Package: R2’900’000
    • M Sport Package Pro: R2’940’000

With the BMW 7 Series the german motoring manufacturer has truly created something extraordinary. As the world embraces sustainability and innovation, the BMW 7 Series inspires the way, showing that luxury and electric power can go hand in hand, and proving that driving pleasure and environmental consciousness are not mutually exclusive.

So, gear up for the future, because the new BMW i7 is here to redefine luxury and set the standard for the road ahead.

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