Seventh generation BMW 7 Series now available as i7 EV
BMW's seventh-generation, all-new flagship sedan is now in the country. SMC Asia Distributors Corp has officially launched the 2023 BMW 7 Series, and for the first time, the full-size luxury sedan is available with a zero-emissions version called the i7. It's part of the company's plan to introduce more EVs as well as become a more eco-friendly automaker.
Unlike the outgoing G11 generation, the all-new 7 Series (codenamed G70) has a boxier body and features a split headlight design derived from the refreshed X7. Not only does the sedan come with a more imposing front end courtesy of larger kidney grilles, but it also gets heavily redesigned LED headlights and thin LED daytime running lights.
At the back, the 7 Series gets a distinct pair of wraparound LED taillights. It also gets a clean-looking bumper and uniquely-designed exhaust finishers neatly tucked away in the ICE version. Other notable exterior features include a prominent beltline that runs the entire length of the vehicle and broad shoulder lines that highlight the sedan's Teutonic roots.
Size-wise, the all-new 7 Series comes in at 5391mm long, 1950mm wide, 1544mm tall, and has a very generous 3215mm wheelbase. When it comes to wheels, the 735i gets 19-inch alloys while the all-electric i7 rolls on bigger 21-inch wheels.
Open the doors and the all-new 7 Series greets occupants with a bevy of high-resolution displays. Starting with the front, BMW's latest Live Cockpit Plus features the newest iDrive 8 software and a pair of massive digital screens.
It gets a 12.3-inch instrument cluster along with a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment display. Below the screens is a touch-sensitive bar that manages the vehicle's ventilation and climate control settings.
For those seated at the back, they will be happy to know that both the right and left doors come with a 5.5-inch tablet that controls the infotainment system, climate control, and many more settings.
Since the dashboard is practically devoid of physical buttons, BMW was able to maximize the Live Cockpit Plus screens and cleverly “hide” the aircon vents from view – giving the cabin a more high-tech and sophisticated look.
Other in-car amenities available in the 2023 7 Series include; wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, satellite navigation, four-zone climate control, a Bowers & Wilkins sound system, BMW intelligent voice control, a fixed panoramic glass, the Touch Control control system, heated and ventilated seats (front/rear), power-adjustable front/rear seats, and electronically-adjustable roller sun blinds.
Under the hood, the 2023 7 Series is powered by a 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline-six that's available in the 735i Excellence. It comes with a 48V mild hybrid (MHEV) system that gives the full-size sedan 286 PS along with 425 Nm of torque. It is then paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission while the mild-hybrid system provides up to 200 Nm of extra pull and an additional 12 PS while under load. This also allows the 735i to sprint from 0 - 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds.
Fitted as standard in the 7 Series is the adaptive two-axle air suspension system with an automatic self-leveling system as well as an adaptive suspension with electronically controlled dampers. This is to constantly maintain the optimum ride height at all speeds, resulting in comfortable, assured handling.
Those who prefer their 7 Series as an electric vehicle can choose the i7. It comes with the same boxy exterior design, as well as the uber luxurious cabin complete with plenty of features. However, this particular sedan doesn’t come with an engine. Instead, it’s powered by a pair of electric motors each driving an axle.
Called the i7 xDrive60, this particular version has a combined system output of 544 PS and 745 Nm of torque. Thanks to its dual-motor setup, this EV benefits from all-wheel-drive for better traction and grip. In addition, it has a massive 101.7-kWh lithium-ion battery pack that allows it to have a range of up to 590 to 625 km on a full charge. Also, BMW says it can catapult itself from 0 - 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds.
Every purchase of the all-new i7 comes with a BMW i Wallbox charging system. They will be installed by BMW i partners in the customers' homes. It's rated to charge the i7 up to 11 kW and comes with an intelligent battery management system to ensure the battery's health is up to standards.
For peace of mind, the i7 is covered by a 5-year BMW factory warranty, an 8-year high-voltage battery warranty, and a 6-year BMW Service Inclusive warranty. Meanwhile, the 735i Pure Excellence has the brand's 5-year BMW factory warranty. The i7 is only available at BMW Libis in Quezon City and RSA Motors in Greenhills, San Juan.
Pricing for the 2023 BMW 7 Series is as follows:
-7 Series 735i Pure Excellence - PHP 8.99 million
- 7 Series i7 xDrive60 - PHP 10.390 million