BMW has launched the facelifted version of its luxury electric sedan, the i7, in India. The new BMW i7 features several updates, from design to battery life and technology. Most notably, the entry-level eDrive50 model now has a reduced price. Its starting ex-showroom price is ₹1.95 crore (approximately $1.95 crore), while the more powerful i7 M70 xDrive is priced at ₹2.65 crore (approximately $2.65 crore).
A Range of up to 728 km
The biggest change in the new i7 is its battery. It now features a larger 112.5 kWh battery pack, compared to the previous model’s 101.7 kWh pack. According to BMW, the eDrive50 can travel up to 728 km on a single full charge, according to WLTP certification. This is approximately 125 km more than the previous model. The more powerful M70 xDrive, on the other hand, has a claimed range of 686 km.
Significant price difference
The new BMW i7 eDrive50 is priced at ₹1.95 crore (approximately $1.5 million USD). The old eDrive50 was priced at ₹2.10 crore (approximately $2.1 million USD). This means the new model has seen a price reduction of ₹1.5 million (approximately $1.5 million USD). However, the M70 xDrive has seen a price increase. Originally launched at ₹2.50 crore (approximately $2.65 million USD), it now costs ₹2.65 crore (approximately $2.65 million USD). The eDrive50 is locally assembled at BMW’s Chennai plant, while the M70 is imported as a fully assembled unit.
Power from 455 bhp to 680 hp
The BMW i7 eDrive50 produces 455 bhp and 600 Nm of torque. The car can accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in just 5.5 seconds. Its top speed is limited to 210 kmph. The M70 xDrive is powered by two electric motors. It produces 680 hp and 1,015 Nm of torque in Sport mode. In Sport Boost mode, torque reaches 1,100 Nm. The car accelerates from 0-100 kmph in just 3.8 seconds and has a top speed of 250 kmph.
10 to 80% charge in 28 minutes
The new battery now supports DC fast charging at up to 250 kW. According to BMW, charging from 10 to 80 per cent takes approximately 28 minutes. Just 10 minutes of fast charging can provide a claimed range of approximately 235 kilometres. A full charge using a 22 kW AC charger takes approximately 6 hours. Both models also come with a wall box charger and installation.
The i7 has changed significantly from the inside too.
The new i7’s design remains completely unchanged from the outside. It features a more square-shaped illuminated kidney grille, new split LED headlamps, and updated bumpers. The M70 features larger air intakes, M badging, and 21-inch alloy wheels. The cabin also receives significant changes. The old instrument cluster has been replaced by BMW’s Panoramic Vision display below the windscreen. It also features a 17.9-inch central touchscreen and a 14.6-inch display in front of the passenger.
Luxury for Rear Seats
The BMW i7 also offers features such as powered doors, heated, ventilated, and massaging seats, a powered ottoman, connected-car features, and ADAS. Rear seats feature a 31.3-inch theatre screen and a Dolby Atmos audio system from Bowers & Wilkins. The panoramic glass roof can also feature over 40 LEDs. The car also features over-the-air software updates. Interestingly, at Rs 1.95 crore, the eDrive50 now costs the same as the petrol BMW 7 Series 740, but also offers a claimed electric range of up to 728km.
