The luxury electric car market has really intensified over the last few years, with a range of models from established carmakers like Mercedes-Benz to new players like Lucid, providing a lot of options. BMW’s entry into the luxury electric sedan arena is the BMW i7, which, depending on the trim, even comes with a massive TV for passengers.
The BMW i7 is designed to offer a smooth and tech-savvy driving experience, allowing both drivers and passengers to customize their ride to their liking. However, this luxury isn’t cheap—it starts at a hefty $105,700 for the base model, the BMW i7 eDrive50, which I had the opportunity to drive for a week. This is the entry-level model, sitting below the mid-tier xDrive60 and the top-of-the-line M70.
Even though the base model isn’t as pricey as the highest trim, it’s still quite an investment and faces tough competition. So, how does it compare to rivals like the Lucid Air and Mercedes-Benz EQS?
The design of the BMW i7 has sparked some debate. It’s not as distinct as the i3 or the i8 but stands out compared to other BMW models. The car is quite large, featuring slim headlights in front and a prominent kidney grille—elements that are likely to divide opinions. The car is famously available in two-tone color schemes, but the model I reviewed was in a more understated Dravit Gray Metallic.
I’m somewhat conflicted about the car’s design. It’s not the most stunning vehicle I’ve seen, but it’s also not unattractive. Some parts feel a bit too flashy, but it’s not as extreme as some of BMW’s recent models. My review car came with the M Sport Package, which included larger 21-inch wheels.
Step inside the BMW i7, and the focus on luxury is immediately apparent. The seats are padded and come with heating and cooling functions, wrapped in soft leather that does not feel cheap at all—unlike some other vehicles in this price range.
What really stands out about the i7’s interior is the emphasis on passenger comfort. The back seats feature a small display in the armrest for controlling window shades and third-zone temperature. Rear passengers also enjoy heating, cooling, and massaging seats. Although our model didn’t have the 31.3-inch display option, the overall comfort for all passengers, not just those in the front, is exceptional.
Tech-wise, the BMW i7 is packed with gadgets. We’ve already covered the rear displays, which are practical but can be a bit slow. Up front, there’s a large curved display comprising a 12.3-inch instrument panel and a 14.9-inch infotainment screen. Both screens offer bright, crisp visuals. The car runs on BMW’s iDrive 8.5, which is decent but not the quickest, and can be confusing to navigate at times. It also tends to freeze more often than I’d like, though I appreciate the widget layout, which even allows Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to appear as a widget.
In terms of driver-assist features, the i7 has adaptive cruise control and a lane assistant, making it feel almost like a self-driving car on the highway. It also provides a 3D traffic view on the instrument display and options like a parking assistant, which I found useful but not instinctive to use yet. Overall, it’s equipped with a helpful set of features.
Driving the BMW i7 is quite a pleasant experience. The base model has a single motor powering the rear wheels, unlike the xDrive60 and M70, which have two motors and all-wheel drive. Our car could reach 60 miles per hour in 5.3 seconds—not the fastest out there but sufficient for overtaking on the highway. This car prioritizes comfort and luxury over top performance, but if you opt for the M70, you get both, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 3.5 seconds.
Despite its size and weight, the i7’s steering is fairly responsive and the car is more nimble than I expected. The cabin remains quiet even at high speeds, and the suspension smooths out the ride, ensuring you don’t feel every bump—which is a plus for this kind of car.
The BMW i7 offers a range of between 274 to 321 miles, depending on the trim and options. The eDrive50 has the highest range, between 301 and 321 miles, depending on features like wheel type. This is robust, but can’t match the 419 miles of range offered by the base model of the Lucid Air, which starts at $69,900. If range is a priority, the Lucid Air is the better choice.
The i7 charges at up to 250 kilowatts, enough to add 100 miles of range in 12 minutes. While this is quick, it’s not as fast as some other electric cars like the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5.
In conclusion, the BMW i7 has a lot going for it, even in its base model. It delivers a great electric vehicle experience with an exceptionally luxurious interior and sets a high bar for comfort. If performance isn’t your main concern, the all-wheel-drive i7 xDrive60 is a great choice. However, if you’re looking for a luxury electric car that excels in range and charging speed, along with fast acceleration, the Lucid Air is still a better, more affordable option. Upgrading to the Lucid Air Grand Touring gives you a range of over 500 miles and an acceleration of 0 to 60 mph in just 3 seconds.