BMW is expanding its electric vehicle line-up in Thailand with the introduction of the flagship i7 saloon launched earlier this month.
While the i7 is the first model from the new 7-Series line-up to be launched in the Kingdom, a locally-assembled plug-in hybrid variant will join it in 2023, according to distributor BMW Group Thailand.
"The launch [of the i7] marks not only a new milestone for our iconic models but also the beginning of yet another exciting chapter for BMW Thailand in our mission to bring about the Future of Mobility," Alexander Baraka, president and CEO of BME Group Thailand, said.
The prices range from 7,599,000 baht for the i7 xDrive60 M Sport (First Edition) to 7,849,000 baht for the i7 xDrive60 M Sport and 8,599,000 baht for the range-topping i7 xDrive60 M Sport Gran Lusso.
According to BMW Group Thailand, the BSI Standard package for battery electric vehicles includes up to 4 years of unlimited mileage warranty and maintenance, plus 8 years/160,000km warranty for the battery.
The i7 is powered by two electric motors with a combined output of 544hp and maximum torque of 745Nm. It comes with the fifth-generation eDrive system (also used in the iX) with a 105.7kWh lithium-ion battery that's stored in the car's underbody.
BMW claims a driving range of up to 625kms (WLTP), 0-100kph acceleration of 4.7sec and a top speed of 240kph.
Driving assistant professional, active cruise control with stop & go function, integral active steering and adaptive two-axle air suspension are standard across all three variants (the Gran Lusso also gets the executive drive proactive chassis technology).
The i7 shares the same monolithic front-end design as the regular 7, including the large kidney grille with illuminated surround and adaptive LED headlights with "Iconic Glow" side lights and daytime running lights. It comprises 22 LED backlights that light up Swarovski crystals from behind.
The M high-gloss Shadowline trim and M rear spoiler is standard and apart from soft-closing doors, there are also automatic closing doors on the top two variants.
The Gran Lusso comes with 21in M aerodynamic wheels in multicolour titanium bronze 3D polished buff, while the other two variants feature 21in M light alloy wheels in bicolour. The wheelbase of the i7 has been increased to 3,215mm, resulting in a larger interior.
All three variants feature massage functions for the driver's seat and rear passenger seats, plus active seat ventilation and four-zone air-conditioning. The seats come with M headliner Alcantara and there's a carbonfibre M trim with silver stitching/piano black finish.
Being an electric car, BMW has made sure the i7 comes with loads of digitalisation enhancing driving pleasure and long-distance comfort as well as an innovative user experience.
Thanks to the new "My Modes" and the latest generation of BMW's iDrive operating system, it enables the driver to precisely customise the car's driving characteristics and interior ambience. Other interior highlights include the fully digital BMW curved display, BMW interaction bar, enhanced capabilities of the BMW intelligent personal assistant, the latest version of the BMW head-up display, and augmented view function for the first time on the display behind the steering wheel. Meanwhile, intuitive dialogue between the driver and vehicle has also reached a new level, and the BMW IconicSounds allows passengers to enjoy a different aural experience, composed by Hans Zimmer, for each drive mode.
A newly-developed Sky Lounge panoramic glass roof creates a sense of spaciousness and comfort, but also features clever LED light strands which can be individually adjusted to bring a new degree of elegance in terms of ambient lighting.
Passengers in the rear of the i7 get the new BMW Theatre Screen -- a 31.3-inch panoramic display in 32:9 format with 8K resolution, which extends downwards from the roof and transforms the second row of seats into an exclusive private cinema on wheels. Passengers can select their personal entertainment programme from a diverse range of streaming offers.
There are also 5.5-inch touch control displays on the rear doors as well as significantly-improved seat reclining positions and gap-free leg rest for the rear seat on the front passenger side.
The Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system features a whopping 39 speakers with a total output of 1,965W.
