Background
BMW i7 xDrive60 (G70) marked an important turning point in the history of BMW’s luxury saloons. Unveiled in April 2022, the seventh-generation 7 Series was the first to be offered with an all-electric powertrain. The BMW i7 combined the luxury and comfort traditionally associated with the brand’s flagship model with a new generation of electric drive technology. The original i7 xDrive60 was the first fully electric version of the range and represented the technological flagship of the new generation.
Design for a new era
The G70 generation introduced a more distinctive and imposing design. Its large BMW kidney grille, split headlight arrangement and long, prestigious body gave the car a unique appearance. The daytime running lights were positioned above the main headlights, creating an unmistakable front-end design. The fully electric i7 could also be distinguished from its combustion-powered counterparts by several design elements, including the blue accents characteristic of BMW i models.
544 hp and electric all-wheel drive
The BMW i7 xDrive60 features fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology, with one electric motor at the front axle and another at the rear. Together, they produce a maximum system output of 544 PS or 400 kW and 745 Nm of torque. Electric xDrive all-wheel drive distributes power according to driving conditions, delivering smooth acceleration and precise handling. The large luxury saloon accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 240 km/h.
Up to 625 kilometres of range
The BMW i7 xDrive60 has a high-voltage battery mounted low in the vehicle floor, providing 101.7 kWh of usable capacity. According to the original official figures, its electric driving range was 591–625 kilometres under the WLTP test cycle, depending on equipment. The battery could be charged at up to 11 kW using alternating current, while DC fast charging supported a maximum power of 195 kW. A heat pump and adaptive brake energy recuperation helped improve overall efficiency.
A luxurious digital interior
The BMW i7 introduced an entirely new digital interior to the 7 Series. The driver-focused cockpit featured the BMW Curved Display, complemented by the illuminated BMW Interaction Bar extending across the dashboard. Rear passengers could enjoy the optional 31.3-inch BMW Theatre Screen, a roof-mounted 8K display that transformed the passenger compartment into a private cinema. Other available features included Executive Lounge seating, automatic doors and a premium Bowers & Wilkins sound system.
The electric flagship
Series production of the BMW i7 began on 1 July 2022 at BMW Plant Dingolfing in Germany. Fully electric and combustion-powered versions of the new 7 Series were manufactured on the same production line. The introduction of the i7 demonstrated that BMW’s electric vehicle technology had reached the company’s most luxurious model family. It marked the beginning of a new chapter in 7 Series history, combining an all-electric powertrain with the comfort, prestige and driving characteristics of a traditional flagship luxury saloon.
Model in the collection
The BMW i7 xDrive60 (G70) in my collection was produced by Minichamps and represents a 2023 car. It is a limited-edition model, with a total production run of 336 examples.
Technical data in brief
World premiere: April 2022
Production period: from July 2022
Production location: BMW Plant Dingolfing, Germany
Body style: four-door all-electric luxury saloon
Powertrain: two electric motors, one at each axle
Technology: fifth-generation BMW eDrive
System output: 544 PS / 400 kW
Torque: 745 Nm
Drivetrain: electric xDrive all-wheel drive
0–100 km/h: 4.7 seconds
Top speed: 240 km/h
Usable battery capacity: 101.7 kWh
Electric range: 591–625 km WLTP according to the original official figures
AC charging: up to 11 kW
DC fast charging: up to 195 kW
Length: 5,391 mm
Wheelbase: 3,215 mm
Luggage capacity: 500 litres
Production volume: final production total not yet available
Special feature: BMW’s first fully electric 7 Series, combining flagship luxury with high-performance electric all-wheel drive