BMW i7: launched redefines luxury electric sedans with technology that feels straight out of a sci-fi movie. Priced between ₹2.03–2.50 crore (ex-showroom), this flagship EV, built on the seventh-generation 7 Series platform, combines electrifying performance, a 625 km range, and an opulent cabin.
With features like a 31.3-inch 8K Theatre Screen, Swarovski crystal headlights, and augmented reality navigation, the i7 targets affluent buyers seeking cutting-edge innovation.
Competing with the Mercedes-Benz EQS and Porsche Taycan, it sets a new benchmark for luxury EVs in India’s premium market.
BMW i7 Legacy
BMW journey in India began in 2007, with models like the 3 Series and X5 establishing its luxury credentials.
The i7, introduced as the electric counterpart to the iconic 7 Series, builds on BMW’s EV expertise from the i4 and iX.
Launched in 2023, the i7 has already gained traction, with the M70 xDrive variant added in October 2023, making it BMW M’s first all-electric model.
This legacy of blending performance and luxury positions the i7 as a flagship for India’s growing EV market.
Development Journey
The i7 was developed alongside the ICE-powered 7 Series on the CLAR platform, ensuring seamless integration of electric powertrains.
BMW collaboration with Hans Zimmer for bespoke drive sounds and its focus on sustainable, cobalt-free motors highlight its forward-thinking approach.
Designed in Germany and imported as a CBU, the i7 reflects BMW’s global vision of electrified luxury, tailored for India’s elite with local market insights and premium dealership experiences.
Design and Styling
The i7 mirrors the 7 Series’ bold aesthetic, with a massive illuminated kidney grille and Swarovski crystal LED headlights that exude futuristic elegance.
Its 5.39-meter-long body, 200 mm ground clearance, and 21-inch M alloy wheels ensure road presence. Blue EV accents and sleek L-shaped taillights distinguish it.
The cabin, with Merino leather and oak trim, feels like a private lounge, blending minimalism with high-tech sophistication for a sci-fi-inspired experience.
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Exterior Highlights
The i7’s exterior is a visual spectacle, with “Iconic Glow” kidney grille lighting and crystal headlights creating a dazzling effect. M-specific bumpers, side skirts, and blue brake calipers on the M70 xDrive add sporty flair.
Aerodynamic design enhances efficiency, while hidden tailpipes maintain a clean look. Available in nine colors, including Tanzanite Blue, the i7’s flowing lines transform its size into balanced spaciousness, turning heads in urban India.
Interior Craftsmanship
Inside, the i7 is a tech haven with a 14.9-inch curved touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital cluster, and a 31.3-inch 8K Theatre Screen for rear passengers.
Ambient lighting, a panoramic Sky Lounge roof, and Executive Lounge seating with massage functions create a serene atmosphere. The BMW Interaction Bar, a dynamic control strip, adds a futuristic touch, making the cabin feel like a spaceship cockpit tailored for luxury.
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Battery, Range, and Mileage
The i7’s 101.7 kWh battery delivers a WLTP-certified range of 560–625 km, with real-world estimates of 480–550 km.
The xDrive60 variant offers 544 hp and 745 Nm, while the M70 xDrive boasts 660 hp and 1,100 Nm. A 195 kW DC fast charger tops up 10–80% in 34 minutes, and a 11 kW AC charger takes 9.5 hours. Efficiency of 19.6–22.14 kWh/100 km ensures practicality for long drives.
Battery Technology
BMW’s cobalt-free, current-excited motors enhance sustainability, while the i7’s thermal management system ensures performance in India’s diverse climates.
The battery, warrantied for 8 years or 160,000 km, supports over-the-air updates for optimized efficiency.
Compared to the Mercedes-Benz EQS’s 107.8 kWh pack, the i7’s balance of range and power suits urban and highway needs, with regenerative braking boosting city efficiency by 10–15%.
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Price and Pricing Strategy
Starting at ₹2.03 crore for the eDrive50 M Sport and reaching ₹2.50 crore for the M70 xDrive, the i7 is priced competitively against the EQS (₹1.59–2.45 crore).
Imported as a CBU, it incurs high taxes, but BMW offsets this with three years of free Electrify America charging and flexible financing, with EMIs from ₹4.05 lakh/month. This strategy targets India’s elite, emphasizing exclusivity and tech.
Variant Options
- eDrive50 M Sport: Base model with 449 hp, 603 km range, and essentials like a 14.9-inch touchscreen and panoramic roof, priced at ₹2.03 crore.
- xDrive60 M Sport: Mid-tier with 544 hp, 625 km range, and luxury features like massaging seats and a Theatre Screen, at ₹2.13 crore.
- M70 xDrive: Top-spec with 660 hp, 560 km range, and M-specific styling, targeting performance enthusiasts at ₹2.50 crore.
Competitors Analysis
The i7 faces the Mercedes-Benz EQS, Porsche Taycan, and Audi RS e-tron GT. The EQS offers a 737 km range but less dynamic handling.
The Taycan’s 406–503 km range and sportier drive come at a higher ₹1.61–2.84 crore. The RS e-tron GT, priced at ₹1.95 crore, lacks the i7’s rear-seat luxury. The i7’s tech, comfort, and balanced range make it a strong contender.
Competitive Strengths
- Tech Innovation: A 31.3-inch 8K Theatre Screen and AR navigation outshine the EQS’s Hyperscreen.
- Comfort: Executive Lounge seating and a plush ride surpass the Taycan’s sportier focus.
- Performance: The M70 xDrive’s 3.7-second 0–100 km/h sprint rivals the RS e-tron GT.
- Brand Appeal: BMW’s driver-centric legacy attracts India’s new-age millionaires over Audi’s understated style.
Specifications
The i7 measures 5391 mm long, 1950 mm wide, with a 3215 mm wheelbase. Its 136 mm ground clearance suits urban roads. The 500-liter boot, dual motors, and all-wheel drive ensure versatility.
Safety features include six airbags, Level 3 ADAS, and a 360-degree camera. The M70 xDrive’s 660 hp and 250 km/h top speed make it BMW’s fastest EV, blending luxury with thrill.
Performance Metrics
The i7 xDrive60 accelerates to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds, while the M70 xDrive hits it in 3.7 seconds. Rear-wheel steering reduces its turning radius, enhancing agility.
The Executive Drive Pro suspension smooths India’s potholed roads, though body roll appears in sharp corners. Efficiency modes like Expressive and Sport, with Hans Zimmer’s sci-fi sounds, elevate the driving experience, making it feel otherworldly.
Comfort and Cabin Features
The i7’s cabin is a sanctuary, with ventilated, massaging seats and a Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system. The 31.3-inch Theatre Screen with Amazon Fire TV transforms the rear into a cinema.
Automatic doors, a panoramic roof, and customizable ambient lighting enhance luxury. The BMW Operating System 8.5 ensures intuitive control, though the screen-heavy interface may overwhelm traditionalists.
Tech Highlights
- Theatre Screen: A 31.3-inch 8K display with 5G and Fire TV for rear passengers, a segment-first.
- AR Navigation: Projects route guidance on the cluster, simplifying complex junctions.
- Interaction Bar: A dynamic cockpit control strip for climate and lighting, feeling futuristic.
- MyBMW App: Enables remote parking, digital key sharing, and charge monitoring, enhancing connectivity.
Key Factors for Buying
The i7 suits India’s affluent seeking luxury, tech, and eco-conscious performance. Its 625 km range covers daily commutes and weekend getaways, but sparse fast-charging infrastructure outside metros may challenge owners.
The high price and CBU import costs deter budget-conscious buyers, yet its unmatched cabin tech and comfort justify the premium for those prioritizing exclusivity and innovation.
Buyer Considerations
- Luxury Tech: Unrivaled features like the Theatre Screen appeal to tech enthusiasts.
- Performance: M70 xDrive’s power suits thrill-seekers, unlike the EQS’s calmer drive.
- Charging Access: Limited DC chargers require strategic trip planning.
- Resale Value: Strong residuals compared to rivals, per Kelley Blue Book.
New and Latest Features
The i7 introduces a 31.3-inch 8K Theatre Screen, AR navigation, and BMW’s iDrive 8.5 with QuickSelect for seamless control.
The M70 xDrive’s M-specific displays and Sport mode, paired with Hans Zimmer’s Star Wars-like sounds, create a sci-fi vibe. Level 3 ADAS, including hands-free Highway Assistant, and remote parking via smartphone elevate its futuristic appeal.
Sustainability and Appeal
The i7’s cobalt-free motors and 80% recyclable materials align with BMW’s sustainability goals. Its 625 km range reduces charging frequency, lowering energy use.
The luxurious cabin and sci-fi tech appeal to India’s young, self-made millionaires, while its silent, emission-free drive suits urban eco-conscious elites. Exports to global markets amplify BMW’s green luxury vision.
Market Impact in India
Since its 2023 launch, the i7 has sold over 500 units in India, capturing 10% of the luxury EV sedan market. The M70 xDrive’s arrival boosted demand, with bookings extending into Q2 2025.
Its tech and performance pressure rivals to innovate, while BMW’s plan for 10 new charging stations in 2025 strengthens its EV ecosystem.
Conclusion of BMW i7
BMW i7 launched in India delivers a sci-fi-inspired luxury experience with its 31.3-inch Theatre Screen, Swarovski crystal headlights, and 625 km range.
Priced at ₹2.03–2.50 crore, it blends electrifying performance, unmatched comfort, and cutting-edge tech, outshining rivals like the Mercedes-Benz EQS in innovation.
Despite charging infrastructure challenges, its appeal to India’s elite and sustainable design make it a flagship for the future. As BMW expands its EV presence, the i7 sets a bold standard for luxury electric sedans in 2025.