BMW i7 first drive review (Image: BMW)
It’s rare that people will fight over who sits in the back on a long journey but there’s nowhere else better to be when travelling in BMW’s new i7. This latest luxury car from the German manufacturer is fully powered by batteries and gets some awe-inspiring technology that makes it the ultimate vehicle to be chauffeured from A to B.
Strap yourself into the rear seats, hit Theatre Mode and this car transforms into a moving Cinema.
Just one tap on the 6-inch smartphone-style display – that’s tucked inside the door – and, like a scene from a bond film, the automatic blinds cover the windows, the interior lights dim and a giant 31.3-inch 8K screen drops down from the roof. BMW has even joined forces with Oscar-Winner Hans Zimmer to play unique sounds so the scene is set perfectly for your movie binge.
This is one of the biggest screens ever to be seen in the back of the car and it certainly makes sure a long trek along the motorway is a little more entertaining.
The rear is the place to be in the i7 (Image: BMW)
Thanks to full 5G mobile connectivity, this display can stream movies straight from all the most popular apps including Netflix and Prime Video plus it’s powered by Amazon’s popular Fire TV software which makes the UI feel very familiar.
Of course, for the ultimate Netflix binge you’re going to want some impressive audio and the i7 has that covered thanks to surround sound speakers that have been made by the experts at Bowers and Wilkins. This British audio firm is renowned for making some of the best products in the business and the i7 doesn’t disappoint with its speaker system belting out plenty of bass whilst keeping things crystal clear.
For a really chilled experience, the seat will recline and a leg rest pops up making things feel more like a living room than a car. The front passenger seat also moves forward electronically to give your legs some extra space. A little flap even extends so there’s somewhere to place your feet.
Stretch out and enjoy the drive (Image: EXPRESS NEWSPAPERS)
A huge 8K screen drops down from the roof (Image: BMW)
Other treats for those in the back include a Sky Lounge panoramic sunroof that features colour-changing LED lights that run through the glass.
The seats can be heated and cooled plus there’s a massage function making sure you arrive at your destination feeling fully pampered.
Sitting in the back of the i7 is a real treat and it definitely has a first-class feel.
Luckily, it’s not just the passengers that get all the fun
Luckily, it’s not just the passengers that get all the fun with the i7 offering plenty of treats for those behind the wheel.
The plush interior looks stunning with plenty of bling being added thanks to crystal effects throughout the car. You can even add extras such as touches of carbon fibre or comfy cashmere-covered seats.
The front features two huge screens (Image: BMW)
There are lashings of bling inside the i7 (Image: BMW)
Huge curved screens – that include a 12.3-inch display behind the steering wheel and a 14.9-inch main panel – sweep around the dashboard with full customisation allowing drivers to pick what data they want to see and a style to suit their tastes.
These displays control everything including the satnav, radio, air conditioning and even heating with physical buttons being replaced by this more futuristic touch technology. It can get a little overwhelming at times but the more you play BMW’s Operating System 8 the easier things become.
A head-up display is also beamed onto the windscreen showing speed and directions plus there are plenty of driving aids including full brake assists that help keep you safe. So you don’t get lost, the i7 now gets a satnav with clever augmented reality which shows a video of where you are with directions then overlayed over the top.
Our test drive took along the roads and highways around Palm Springs, California, and this gave us the chance to go fully autonomous. That’s all thanks to America’s driving rules which allow this technology to be used legally.
Look! No hands as the i7 will drive itself (Image: EXPRESS NEWSPAPERS)
With this assistance switched on, the i7 will drive itself – it can even stop at red lights and change lanes. The best part is you don’t even need to hold onto the steering wheel with sensors simply checking your eyes are on the road ahead for this feature to stay enabled.
It’s pretty unnerving at first but once you start trusting it, driving long distances become a total breeze.
Once off the motorway we also got to put the i7 through its paces on the winding mountain roads and things are seriously impressive.
We like the look of the new i7 but we’re sure it will divide opinion once it rolls out onto roads this month.
The throttle is super responsive, the brakes slow things fast and this huge car actually feels incredibly nimble and a lot of fun to drive. The X Drive 60 electric motor will whizz you silently from 0-62 in under 5 seconds and this car will keep on going for over 350 miles before it needs a refill.
When things do run flat it’s fully compatible with the latest fast charging technology and you can add around 100 miles of range with just 10 minutes of plug time.
It’s worth noting that an even more powerful i7 xDrive M70 version will launch next year which will take 0-62 times to under four seconds.
BMW i7’s design could divide opinion (Image: EXPRESS NEWSPAPERS)
BMW i7 review (Image: EXPRESS NEWSPAPERS)
Of course, we can’t finish this first drive review without talking about the design as the i7 looks very different from the previous 7 series cars.
In fact, it has a slight Rolls Royce appearance which might not come as a shock considering that BMW now owns the luxury car brand. We actually like the huge grille that not only dominates the front of the car but also lights up at night.
On either side of the grille are sleek thin double Swarovski crystal headlights which wouldn’t look out of place on the next Batmobile.
We really like the look of the new i7 but we’re sure it will divide opinion once it rolls out onto roads this month.
The i7 proves why going electric is the future as this car doesn’t compromise on performance or sheer driving pleasure.
Although this new car is a dream to drive, the best seat in the house is in the back. Those lucky enough to be driven in the i7 will feel pampered like a prince but with a starting price of over £100,000, that’s exactly what owners will be expecting.