On March 16, the BMW Group announced at the 2021 annual meeting that the new generation of BMW 7 Series and its pure electric model BMW i7 will be unveiled for the world premiere at the Beijing Auto Show on April 20. However, in the past two days, there is news that the Beijing Auto Show will be postponed to June, and the specific appearance time is variable, but it should show its true appearance within the year.
In the Chinese market, which is favorable for new energy, the i7 has been pinned high hopes by BMW and has become a "pure electric flagship sedan". After all, the title of flagship is still very important within the BMW brand. So, what are the highlights of the BMW i7? Today we have a brief chat.
Let's first look at a set of data: BMW sold more than 840,000 vehicles in China in 2021, an increase of 8.9% year-on-year, becoming the only first-line luxury brand to achieve positive growth. Among them, new energy models accounted for 48,000 units, accounting for only 5.7%. Obviously, this rhythm has not kept up with the growth rate of the new energy market. At the end of last year, bmw pure electric platform iX listed, February this year i4 listed, followed by i7, BMW's electrification speed needs to be faster, pure electric platform is one leg, "oil to electricity" is another leg, two legs running together, in order to catch up with the pace of new energy growth.
i7 can be seen as the 7 series of "oil to electricity" products, although this term has always been considered to be an improper electric vehicle, but BMW in this field is obviously doing better than other brands, such as iX3 has done a very successful job, not only because BMW has accumulated enough experience in the field of three electrics, they have even strengthened the chassis structure, coupled with deep chassis tuning skills, the product performance is still quite mature.
BMW high-profile described the i7 as "the world's first pure electric luxury car", and many netizens were dumbfounded. "Wasn't the first luxury electric sedan a Mercedes-Benz EQS?" It is not, from the perspective of the body structure, Mercedes-Benz EQS belongs to the 5-door hatchback, and the BMW i7 is a 4-door sedan, so BMW's operation is really not black.
As BMW's flagship pure electric sedan, the i7 has a lot of innovations in its shape design. For example, it subversively interprets classic elements such as headlights and "double kidney" grilles, bringing unprecedented impact. The grille area is further enlarged, and a lightable ring light strip is added to the edge; the headlights are split for the first time, and the LED daytime lights are even embellished with crystal elements. Although the proportion of the shape is not in line with the norm, it is undeniable that the front of the car is more recognizable.
Judging from the interior spy photos previously exposed on the Internet, the i7 is equipped with a three-spoke multi-function steering wheel, using a slightly curved one-piece suspension screen, and the car machine will also be equipped with the latest iDrive 8.0 system, which we estimate should be the same as the iX.
In addition, the carriage will also add a set of mood lights and function buttons in one of the surround interactive light strip, through the new theme mode, the driver can set the driving characteristics and ambient lights of the vehicle according to their own preferences and needs, to create a rich and personalized visual experience.
The rear space, for the first time, introduces the floating giant screen, panoramic star orbit canopy and other technological configurations, of which the foldable screen size reaches 31 inches, and has a 32:9 ultra-wide ratio and 8k ultra-clear resolution; the LED light color on the sky screen can also be adjusted according to personal preferences. In addition to this, the carriage is equipped with a Bowers & Wilkins 4D Diamond Surround Sound System. As can be seen from the above assembly, the i7 still pays more attention to the feelings of the rear passengers, and also sets a new benchmark for the rear car entertainment system.
In terms of power, the i7 will be equipped with the fifth generation of eDrive electric drive system, divided into three power versions, the entry-level i740 maximum power may reach 400kW (544Ps), the top i7 M60 maximum power is expected to reach 484kW (658Ps), or will become the most powerful model of the 7 series. In terms of batteries, the i7 M60 will be equipped with a power battery with a capacity of 120 kWh, and the cruising range is expected to reach 650-700 km.
Kandi Comments:
The pure electric luxury D-class market has always been in a blank state, and Mercedes-Benz EQS is a precedent. However, the shape of the EQS coupe is not friendly to the rear space, and although several giant screens make the carriage shine, the rear row is shabby. The BMW i7, contrary to its road number, still leaves the sense of honor to the rear seat, and the experience of the rear passengers is more thoughtful. Oh my God, speaking of which, I am in a trance, are Mercedes-Benz and BMW in the new energy era a position exchange?