The seventh generation of the 7 Series arrives and it is also electric for the first time, indeed sales will begin with the lithium-ion variant. In fact, BMW moves the offensive into the zero-emission flagship sector with the i7 xDrive60, the first full-electric 7 Series in history. And it is a model that challenges the Tesla, Audi and Mercedes lithium ion. The i7 is part of a range in which there are also versions with conventional 48V hybrid engines and on tap, offered only in a single body variant based on a brand new floor. The seventh generation of the 7 Series has nothing in common with the previous one because it is even bigger, more refined and with a very advanced technological kit that also includes exclusive solutions.
The new platform developed for the 7 Series has a wheelbase of 3.21 meters which allows it to accommodate large batteries such as that of the i7, therefore also ideal for those of the hybrid versions. The architecture incorporates the electric and electronic platforms for propulsion, level 3 semi-autonomous driving and connectivity with the 5G standard brought to the fore by the iX electric native SUV.
The first 7 Series sold in Italy towards the end of the year will be the i7 xDrive60, powered by a powertrain with 544 horsepower and 745 Nm of torque consisting of two rare earth-free synchronous electric units, which form the all-wheel drive. The engines are powered by a 101.7 kWh battery with prismatic cells that promises an autonomy of up to 625 kilometers, rechargeable by systems to 11 kW in nine and a half hours and up to 80% in 34 minutes by rapid columns from 195 kW.
5.39 meters long, i.e. 13 centimeters more than the old long wheelbase L version, 1.95 meters wide and 1.54 meters high, the new 7 Series has a monolithic line inspired by that of the iX, but proposes an evolution from the front. of the BMW family style with the lights split over two levels.
Very large space and the cockpit exhibits digital technologies for every aspect of life on board and functions of the car. In fact, in addition to the large front widescreen formed by the instrumentation and infotainment displays based on the BMW 8.0 operating system, the 7 Series can offer the rear 31.3 ”screen with 8K resolution of the Theater Screen, which protrudes from the headliner. The device connects to the Amazon Fire TV and offers numerous entertainment options, selectable with touch controls or from the two 5.5 “displays on the door armrests. The latter also allow you to interact with smartphones, to manage many functions of the rear area and, even, to select digital melodies to accompany the opening of the doors, starting and switching off as well as the accelerations of the powertrain.