• Swindon & Wiltshire Motors
• Tuesday April 26 2022
• Author Name: Peter Davison

BMW unveils its new 7 Series – and the launch begins with the electric option

BMW has unveiled its new flagship saloon, the 7 Series – and the roll-out starts with an electric option for the eco-conscious (or drivers worried about spiralling fuel prices).

The electric BMW i7 will be the first version to go on sale. It starts at £107,400 with the first deliveries promised at the end of the year.

Less expensive plug-in hybrid models will be joining the line-up in 2023, as will standard petrol and diesel variants.

BMW says its 101.7kWh battery is capable of transporting the driver between 367 and 388 miles on a single charge. Using a a 195kW DC public fast-charger the driver should be able to top up with an extra 100 miles in just 10 minutes.

Two electric motors produce 536bhp and BMW promises acceleration from standstill to 62 mph in 4.7 seconds. The top speed is 149 mph.

And while the driver can enjoy a curved infotainment system on the dashboard and music from a Bowers & Wilkins stereo system with up to 36 speakers, back seat passengers can enjoy entertainment on a 31-inch 8K cinema display. 5G internet connection means passengers can stream movies or make video calls, all controlled by touchscreens on the door handles.

Along with all the tech, there are classic touches with oak and ash wood trims and leather or cashmere seats. Oh, and headlights made from Swarovski crystals are an option – and when the driver approaches the vehicle, the illuminated surround of the kidney grille is activated, followed by the enhanced sparkle of the BMW crystal headlights.

This welcome display continues in the interior as part of what BMW describes as “a neatly composed choreography.”