The all-new seventh-generation BMW 7 Series is arguably the biggest step-change in the luxury sedan’s history – and we’re not just talking about its looks. For the first time ever, BMW is now offering its range-topping 7 Series model in a fully-electric guise, dubbed the i7, and we had the chance to drive it in California, USA before its official market debut.
Making its introduction in the sole xDrive60 form, the BMW i7 is powered by a twin motor, all-wheel drive set-up, making a total system output of 544 hp and 745 Nm of torque. Despite weighing over 2.6 tonnes, the electric 7 Series still accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds, onward to a top speed of 240 km/h.
Electric juice to the motors is supplied by a 101.7 kWh battery pack located underneath the floor. On the i7 xDrive60, that translates to a pure electric driving range of 625 km based on the WLTP test cycle. To charge, a 195 kW DC fast charger can bring it up from 10-80% in roughly 34 minutes.
But more than just the powertrain, what makes the all-new BMW i7 truly standout is its tech package inside the cabin. The dashboard features a new “Interaction Bar” system that combines the usual controls into a touch-sensitive surface across the entire cabin, while also acting as an ambient light system, giving the all-new 7 Series a unique atmosphere unmatched by any other passenger car on the market today.
The highlight, however, is obviously in the rear seats. Customers will be able to opt for the Executive Lounge option, which offers up to 42.5 degrees of seat recline and a built-in gapless ottoman. Once laid back, you’ll be staring at a massive 31-inch widescreen 8K BMW Theatre Screen TV, with audio piped through a 36-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system.
If you thought that the Mercedes-Benz EQS is high-tech, wait till you have a look at this. Luckily for you, you can do so via the video above.
READ MORE: All-new BMW i7 leads the 7 Series into the electric era, but with a face only a mother could love
