- Available for the first time with an all-electric drive system via the BMW i7
- Available exclusively worldwide as a long-wheelbase version
- Wheelbase 5mm longer than sixth-generation long-wheelbase 7 Series and overall length increased by 130mm, width by 48mm and height by 51mm
- Optional crystal headlights with BMW Iconic Glow
- BMW Individual Merino leather/cashmere wool interior
- Sustainability elements include a high proportion of natural and recycled materials across the board and the use of green energy in production
- BMW New Zealand to launch one model: fully electric i7 xDrive60
- The fully electric i7 xDrive60 incorporates fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology with dual motors to produce 400kW and 745Nm
- New Zealand launch in Q4 2022 with pricing and specification to be announced ahead of the introduction
BMW New Zealand says it will further advance its upper luxury offering and progressive product strategy with the introduction of the all-new fully electric i7 xDrive60 in Q4 this year.
The fully electric i7 which is based on the seventh-generation 7 Series flagship sedan joins BMW’s rapidly expanding line-up of zero-emissions mobility solutions. BMW says it encapsulates driving pleasure, unsurpassed long-distance comfort and an outstanding digital experience while showcasing a new styling package that underlines its commanding position and road presence.
This is aided by the standard offering of a long-wheelbase variant across the model spectrum. The new wheelbase, at 3215mm, is 5mm longer than the sixth generation long-wheelbase model, while overall vehicle length, width and height have increased by 130mm, 48mm and 51mm respectively.
There are comprehensive chassis upgrades as well as the fitment of two-axle air suspension and adaptive damping as standard. A technology toolkit with a new generation of sensors, enhanced software stack and a more powerful computing platform with clear potential for Level 3 automated driving and parking capability allies with the latest suite of cutting-edge active safety technologies, they say.
Development of the new 7 Series is in full alignment with BMW’s primary focus on C02 reduction and all-encompassing sustainability strategy with use of green energy and a high proportion of natural and recycled materials in the production phase.
Announcement of pricing and specification will occur in the lead up to the market launch.
In addition to the enhanced level of comfort and the in-car entertainment system, the Executive Lounge option for the rear with optimised reclining seat position and new BMW Individual Merino leather/cashmere wool interior trim takes a pioneering route to maximise wellbeing inside the vehicle, claims BMW.
Other prominent interior elements include a subtly backlit control panel in the centre console with a new gear selector, as well as glass applications for selected controls. Newly designed function buttons on the steering wheel include active haptic input. The two steering wheel design features a flat-bottomed rim.
Newly-developed seat surfaces in Veganza – a material with leather-like properties – will also be available in multiple tones to further personalise cabin ambience.
2022 BMW i7: Market-specific drive system portfolio, tradition-rich production location
The new BMW 7 Series was designed from the ground up for demanding target groups in a globalised marketplace. The new range also includes models from the BMW i and BMW M brands, which allow its myriad characteristics – from elegant, modern and sustainable to expressive, sporty and dynamic – to be brought to the fore.
The degree of diversity in the drive system portfolio is based on a newly developed flexible vehicle architecture and represents an expression of a global model strategy for the new edition of the BMW 7 Series. This enables the BMW Group to take into consideration a customer’s individual needs, infrastructure factors and legal regulations in all relevant automotive markets around the world.
The BMW i7 xDrive60 features fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology with highly integrated drive system, intelligent energy management, new charging process and advanced battery cell technology.
The combination of efficient electric drive, optimised adaptive recuperation, improved climate control and high energy density for the high-voltage battery with usable capacity of 101.7kWh deliver a range of 590-625km on the WLTP cycle.
High-speed DC charging with up to 195kW will enable customers to increase the range of their BMW i7 xDrive60 by approximately 170 kilometres in 10 minutes.
The i7’s power and torque figures are 400kW and 745Nm and it can sprint to 100km/h in 4.7 seconds.
As was the case with all its predecessors, the new BMW 7 Series will be built at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing. The company’s largest production facility in Europe will fuse tradition with the future and is also the BMW Group’s centre of excellence for the production of e-drive components.
The highly integrated electric drive system and the high-voltage battery of the BMW i7 will also be manufactured at Dingolfing, while vehicles with combustion engines, plug-in hybrid systems and all-electric drive systems will come off the same production line. In addition to the all-electric BMW iX and the new BMW 7 Series, the BMW 8 Series luxury sports car and BMW 5 Series models, among others, are also produced there.
2022 BMW i7: Unique digital experience with new BMW iDrive and BMW Operating System 8
BMW says that driving pleasure, long-distance comfort and the user experience in the new BMW 7 Series are shaped largely by the latest innovations in the field of digitalisation.
The new BMW 7 Series offers customers the new multi-sensory vehicle experience BMW iDrive with the latest generation of BMW Operating System 8.
With the fully digital BMW Curved Display, the innovative BMW Interaction Bar, the enhanced capabilities of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant – plus additional My Modes, the latest version of the BMW Head-Up Display, and the Augmented View function is available for the first time on the information display behind the steering wheel.
The driver and front passenger can also use YouTube video-on-demand streaming on the control display for the first time, while a 5G-compatible aerial system manages high-speed connectivity aboard the new flagship sedan.
