I recently had the privilege of exploring the beautiful Normandy coast in a BMW i7 through BMW dealer GREGOIR, an electric luxury sedan that stands out in every way. This trip provided a perfect opportunity to thoroughly test this car’s performance, comfort and technologies. Here are my insights on this impressive car.
Design and First Impressions
Upon entering the car, you immediately feel the luxury of the BMW i7. With high-quality materials, a seamless finish and futuristic technological gadgets, the car exudes class. The BMW iDrive system with a curved display provides a great overview of all essential functions and data. The interior lighting, combined with the choice of colors and materials, gives a warm and sophisticated feel. The diamond effects are a bit different from my Tesla interior that I am used to.
Battery and Load Capacity
The battery of the BMW i7 M70 xDrive has a capacity of 105.7 kWh. Of that, 101.7 kWh is actually usable. This gives an estimated range of about 490 kilometers in practice. In practice, this Luxury sedan has a consumption that dips just under 25kWh/100km, comparable to an SUV in this class, but the 50 or the 60 variant is less sportily tuned and will consume slightly less. In terms of charging, the BMW i7 can be charged quickly with up to 195kW of power. This allows you to go from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes, ideal for longer trips like the one to Normandy. In practice, I only stopped once along the way because I wanted to have enough battery capacity left on site to explore the Deauville region.
Driving Experience and Performance
The BMW i7 combines power and silence in a way you rarely experience. During my drive, I could really appreciate the car: for its size, it always offers instant acceleration, quiet performance, and unseen damping on different types of roads. It was a pleasure to cruise the French highways, which offered a relaxing driving experience.
The i7 also offers advanced driving assistance systems that make long drives more comfortable and safer. Adaptive cruise control and lane assist worked together to create a streamlined and effortless driving experience, even on busy stretches of road. My Tesla’s autopilot works a little more direct, but on highways, BMW’s system is actually quite comfortable.
Autonomous driving
The BMW i7 features Level 2 autonomous driving functions. This means the vehicle can perform some tasks independently, such as adaptive cruise control and keeping within a lane with steering assistance. The system can also brake and accelerate automatically. However, the driver must change lanes himself. Possibly this will be further updated in the future via an over the air update.
Comfort: A riding lounge seat
The comfort level of the BMW i7 is second to none. The Executive Lounge Seating package offers extra legroom and even the ability to adjust the rear seats to an almost reclining position, ideal for passengers who want to relax on longer journeys. The combination of massage seats and adjustable seats that provide unseen lumbar support ensured that both driver and passengers enjoyed a journey in comfort and style.
The top-quality sound system designed specifically for the i7 provided a rich sound experience, where you can hear the nuances of each piece of music. The soundproofing of the cabin is excellent, creating the feeling of being in your own cinema.
Final Conclusion: A Journey with Class and Comfort
My experience with the BMW i7 on the way to Normandy was unforgettable. This car is more than just a means of transportation; it is a mobile luxury experience that effortlessly combines electric performance and comfort. Whether you are looking for a car for daily use or a vehicle to travel long distances in ultimate luxury, the BMW i7 does not disappoint. If you get the chance to experience the i7, it’s definitely a ride you won’t want to miss. The eDrive50 starts at 97,107.44 VAT excl – 117,500 VAT incl and you can outfit it to your liking. Thanks again to BMW GREGOIR for this experience.
