BMW i7

The first-ever BMW i7 is the flagship electric saloon made by BMW and it served as the frontrunner for the next-generation BMW 7-Series. Better be prepared when you see one because this would be the most controversial BMW ever made when it touches down the road to make a scene.

2023 BMW i7

2023 BMW i7 interior

Priced at 135,900 Euros plus additional costs, the first-ever BMW i7 is going to be every Bimmer's worst nightmare because of its controversial styling that is worth debating, especially when they try to compare it to its main rival, the Mercedes EQS.

The styling is definitely every speedo boy's worst nightmare because of the extra-large kidney grilles and the quad headlights plastered to it. When you see this one coming from your rear-view mirror, be ready because this nightmarish front face is about as scary as...the scary video you show to your kids. It doesn't really bark but it really bites you hard like a shadow sneak attack. Looking away from its front face, the side, and rear view are rather dramatic indeed so there's something emotional about the i7.

Swerving from its nightmarish front face, the i7's interior is business class for the elitists. On the driver's side, you'll be greeted by the curved widescreen display panel that runs on BMW Operating System 8. With one side taking care of its instrumental cluster and the other side that controls the entire car from airconditioning, entertainment, and navigation, not to mention the artificial engine sounds programmed to it, it's all business behind the wheel. 

As for the passenger side, you can expect an "out on a limo" feeling when the i7 comes with the Executive Lounge option, a 31.3-inch 8K BMW Theatre Screen with Amazon Fire TV, and a nifty touchscreen on the passenger door handles, making it a true business class at the business end. If you were a billionaire or a right-wing politician, this is the one for you.

Running on the new CLAR platform and xDrive all-wheel-drive system, the i7 feels as bulky as the Mercedes EQS due to its electric powertrain that adds burden to its dynamics, making it a mild and menacing experience when you take it through the bends with the Sport Mode on. In terms of comfort, thanks to its electric drivetrain, it feels rather sociable and smooth like Queensland butter. The grandeur that is.

The only electric powertrain available at launch is the xDrive60 which comes with a 102kWh battery pack and two electric motors powering both wheels, generating a total of 544PS of power, 745Nm of torque, a 0-100kph time of 4.7 seconds, a top speed of 240kph, and up to 625km of driving range in one full charge. This is just the beginning because there will be more variants coming soon, including the M70 xDrive in the works.

For safety, the i7 is packed with advanced driver-assist systems, including the ones from the Driving Assistant package, the Driving Assistant Plus, and the Parking Assistant Professional. Although it is capable of Level 2 autonomy, there will be new features that will make it Level 3 autonomy coming soon.

The BMW i7 is a sign of things to come because you can expect nightmarish-looking larger grilles like this in the future. Despite its terrifying front grille that draws flak from speedo boys, its business-class comfort, electric drivetrain, and surprising tech are proof that the future's becoming real. Like it or not, it's out there.

Photo: BMW AG