The new generation of BMW’s top model, the 7 Series, also has a fully electric version for the first time: the i7. With a lot of new technology and luxury, it makes it very difficult, among other things, for the S-Class from arch-rival Mercedes-Benz. Is it the best car in the world?
The answer, of course, begins with the question of whether there really is a “best car in the world.” After all, it just depends on what kind of car you are looking for and tastes and preferences differ. Yet in the past, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has often been hailed as the best car, even by the international automotive press.
Frantic attempts have been made to dethrone King Mercedes. BMW has done this since 1977 with the 7 series and Audi since 1994 with the A8. But those brands have never been able to match the success of Mercedes, not even in sales numbers.
With the renewal of the 7 Series, BMW has once again done everything to change that. The new flagship arrives on the market with a choice of combustion engines. Specifically a six-cylinder in-line engine and an eight-cylinder V8 as a plug-in hybrid and, for the first time, also as an all-electric i7. For the Netherlands, the combustion engine only version is limited to the six-cylinder diesel (740d).
One option is the executive lounge: an extendable chair with a reclining position in the right back.
Cinema screen for rear seat passengers
BMW puts on a real show not only on the outside, but also on the inside with its new top model. The rear seat also features an optional 31.3-inch 8K touchscreen, which is hidden in the headlining and folds away when needed.
When this “movie screen” comes down with a gentle hum, it won’t go unnoticed. BMW has put together an entire show around it. The curtains close, the ambient lighting dims, and you hear a melody composed by Hollywood composer and Academy Award winner Hans Zimmer.
The system offers Amazon Fire movies, videos, games, music, apps, and TV shows. And it all sounds better with the optional Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system. A completely different option is the executive lounge – an extendable chair with a reclining position in the right back.
The seats are very comfortable
The front is a little less decadent, but still very luxurious. There is enough space, the seats are very comfortable, the materials and finishes are refined and of high quality. The curved display (a large curved screen) looks impressive, but for purists it might be a bit too much of a good thing graphically. This also applies to the touchscreen menus, with an almost infinite number of functions. You can get quite lost, but the iDrive controller on the center console helps. Intelligent voice control is also always by your side.
Two electric motors and 625 kilometers of autonomy
The i7 xDrive60, with which AutoWeek could already drive, it is powered by two electric motors. They are placed in front and behind. The power of the system is 544 hp. The battery has a capacity of 101.7 kWh and the range is up to 625 kilometers (WLTP standard) according to BMW. You can charge with up to 22 kW AC and 195 kW DC; it therefore takes 34 minutes to charge the battery from 10 to 80 percent.
Incredibly light and dynamic
The accelerator pedal responds sensitively and the steering is easy to dose. The BMW has standard air suspension, adaptive dampers and four-wheel steering. The test car also has rollover stabilization options and 21-inch wheels.
The new BMW handles excellently, you can drive it quietly and very fast. Accelerate with emphasis and with the ease and power of powerful motor vehicles electric machineS. It drives very confidently and, thanks in part to its weight of no less than 2.7 tons, lies like a block on the road. And despite all those kilos of experience AutoWeek he incredibly agile and dynamic. Though quiet cruising probably suits the character of its powerplant better. Also view the smooth suspension, because this car offers excellent suspension comfort.
The generous amount of cameras, ultrasonic sensors and radars makes an impressive amount of assistance systems possible. This makes driving a car very easy for the driver and at the same time the car constantly monitors safety.
The cheapest option to drive the 7 Series is the 750e plug-in hybrid with a starting price of 124,207 euros. The i7 is available in our country starting at 141,809 euros, while the 740d reaches 130,979 euros. Do you really get the best car in the world for that amount? It could just be, he says AutoWeek.
In this video AutoWeek brings you the new BMW.
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