BMW i7 xDrive60.
BMW showcased the brand new i7, the electric version of the brand’s flagship 7 Series limousine, to a select group of media and guests in Singapore.
Said event, which took place at the BMW i Pavillion at ION Orchard, gave guests a preview of the range-topping i7 xDrive60 model. It will remain available for viewing for invited VIPs and prospective customers from 9 to 18 September 2022.
It is estimated to be priced from $500,000 before COE. A BMW Asia spokesperson said that the vehicle’s Open Market Value (OMV) is around $174,261.
The electric sedan features unique styling that’s similar to the iX tech flagship.
The large kidney grilles, for instance, are blanked-off to optimise aerodynamics, while components such as the BMW logo surrounds are finished in BMW i Blue.
However, the most distinct feature in front are the slim light strips found on the upper part of the car’s face. Known as ‘BMW crystal head lights Iconic Glow’, they feature Swarovski crystals illuminated by LEDs. Apart from providing a unique ‘shimmer’, they also function as sidelights and daytime running lights.
Inside, the i7’s cockpit is dominated by the Curved Display, which brings together a 12.3-inch information display for the driver and a 14.9-inch control display for the infotainment. The system is powered by BMW’s Operating System 8.
Debuting in the i7 is what the carmaker calls the ‘Interaction Bar’. Stretching the width of the dashboard and into the door panel trim, it lets users adjust various functions including the climate settings, open the glove box and activate the hazard lights via touch-sensitive panels.
Backseat passengers can control the climate and operate the sunshades using the touch panels on the doors. All doors can be electrically opened and closed, too.
Meanwhile, providing the driver and passengers with a unique aural experience is the brand’s IconicSounds Electric, a sound production in collaboration with Hans Zimmer.
Powering the i7 xDrive60 is BMW’s fifth-generation eDrive, with integrated drive units on the front and rear axles.
These units combine the electric motor, power electronics and transmission within a single housing, and includes the accompanying charging technology and high-voltage battery.
No rare earth metals are used in the electric motors, as these do not contain magnets.
The motor on the front axle produces 255bhp (190kW), while the one at the rear delivers 308bhp (230kW). Their combined maximum output is 536bhp (400kW) and 745Nm of torque.
Together with xDrive, the i7 xDrive60 completes the century sprint in 4.7 seconds. Top speed is limited to 240km/h.
Equipped with a 101.7kWh battery, BMW says that the i7 xDrive60 averages between 19.6 to 18.4 kWh/100km, and offers a driving range of between 590km to 625km. The electric limousine is in the highest tier VES band (A1), which results in a rebate of $25,000.
BMW Asia expects to officially launch the all new 7 Series and i7 models in October 2022, with local deliveries to follow soon after. Interested customers can now register interest with Performance Motors Limited or Eurokars Auto.
This article was first published on Sgcarmart.
