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BMW unveils its new 7 Series, the flagship of its range. This generation is for the first time offered in an electric version called i7, but it will also be sold with diesel, gasoline and plug-in hybrid engines.
In the automotive world, German manufacturers have certainly lost their luster in terms of innovation, especially against Tesla, but there are certain launches that remain real events.
This is the case of the recently renewed Mercedes S-Class and its eternal rival, the BMW 7 Series. The latter is now getting a facelift with a seventh generation, called G70 internally.
As with each new generation, the flagship of the BMW range brings many developments which can then be taken up on more accessible models.
In terms of design, first of all, this new 7 Series marks the difference compared to its predecessor. The current generation had already been debated during its mid-career restyling, an occasion on which it had seen its grille take on disproportionate proportions, and this new version is also likely to cause a lot of ink to flow. As much as Chris Bangle’s E65 generation?
In addition to this ever more gigantic grille, supposed to seduce Chinese customers, we notice new refined optics reminiscent of the restyled X7. The lines are more sculpted and slightly less rounded than before.
While the previous generation offered two different lengths, this new 7 Series is exclusively available with a long wheelbase (3.21 m). Overall length is 5.39m, compared to 5.12m for the current Series2 7 and 5.26m for its long-wheelbase version. Fortunately, four-wheel steering comes standard, making maneuvering a little easier.
The interior is reminiscent of the iX electric SUV in certain aspects, starting with its two Curved Display panels, made up of 12.3” instrumentation and a 14.9” central touch screen. The presentation is however slightly more traditional than on board the iX.
A Series 7 is appreciated above all in the rear seats, which are not to be outdone in terms of on-board technology. Gone are the days of individual screens attached to the front headrests and made way for the BMW Theater Screen. This large 31.3” 8k touchscreen with Amazon Fire TV descends from the ceiling to allow rear passengers to watch videos, play games or listen to music.
The system includes a Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system with in-seat subwoofers and touchscreen remote controls are integrated into the doors.
In terms of driving aids, this new 7 Series features numerous assistance technologies as well as a level 2 autonomous driving system. BMW specifies that it will subsequently be able to offer level 3 autonomous driving functions, which would make it possible to no longer have to keep your hands on the wheel.
Farewell to the V12, welcome to the i7
For the first time at BMW, this 7 Series will be assembled on a single production line with thermal engines with light hybridization, rechargeable hybrids and electric.
Indeed, this new 7 Series is available in an electric i7 version, at the same time as it abandons the V12. Unlike Mercedes, which launched an EQS not based on the S-Class, this electric version is only a variation of the 7 Series here.
BMW i7
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The i7 is also the only version that will be available at launch in France, in November 2022, with an xDrive60 engine. It has one motor per axle, for a combined power of 544 hp and a torque of 745 Nm. The i7 xDrive60 has a useful 101.7 kWh battery, for a maximum combined WLTP range of 625 km. Recharging takes place up to “only” 195 kW in direct current, making it possible to regain up to 170 km of autonomy in 10 minutes of charging.
The base price of this i7 is set at €139,900, a price that can quickly climb depending on the options selected. The Mercedes EQS starts from €128,550, but in a rear-wheel drive version of 333 hp. For the EQS 580 4MATIC, with 523 hp and whose mixed WLTP autonomy reaches up to 657 km, it costs 154,100 €, almost making the i7 xDrive60 seem like a bargain.
Later, a 740d xDrive diesel version fitted with a 48V mild-hybrid six-cylinder will join the 7 Series range. 571 hp xDrive.
Finally, a sporty M70 xDrive variant of the i7 will be offered, with 660 hp.