BMW NZ to launch electric i7 later this year

The BMW i7 is based on the seventh-generation 7 Series flagship sedan. Photos: BMW

BMW New Zealand will further advance its upper luxury offering and progressive product strategy with introduction of the all-new fully electric i7 xDrive60 later 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 forward-thinking, zero emissions mobility solutions.

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. 

The BMW i7 has a backlit control panel in the centre console with a new gear selector.

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 has increased by 130mm, 48mm and 51mm respectively.  

A combination of dynamic ability and first-class comfort are delivered through comprehensive chassis upgrades as well as by fitment of two-axle air suspension and adaptive damping as standard.

An innovative technology toolkit with new generation of sensors, enhanced software stack and 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.   

The BMW i7 has the new-look vertical grille.

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.

Its impressive range and charging capability are complemented by towering power and torque figures of 400kW and 745Nm. The BMW i7 xDrive60 achieves the standard sprint in only 4.7-seconds.  

Announcement of pricing and specification will occur in the lead-up to the market launch. It will be competing against Mercedes-Benz’s EQS sedan and Tesla’s Model X.

The BMW i7 is 3215mm, is 5mm longer than the sixth generation long wheelbase model.