Why Lease The i7?
by: Donna KellyDonna Kelly has over 14 years of experience in the motoring industry, writing, test driving and tweeting about cars. Her weekends are spent trackside, covering racing events.
BMW i7 Review 2023
The BMW i7 is an all-new electric luxury sedan from BMW. It is the latest addition to the BMW i brand, which includes the i3 and i8. The i7 combines elegant design with advanced technology to provide a comfortable and sustainable driving experience.
Rivals to the BMW i7 include the Mercedes-Benz EQS, Tesla Model S, Audi e-tron GT and Porsche Taycan.
Our BMW i7 review covers:
BMW i7 Key Features
- Sophisticated exterior design, with a low, wide stance and a sleek roofline.
- Luxurious and high-tech interior packed with a range of advanced safety features
- 500 litres boot space, but the opening is relatively small
- Powered by two electric motors that deliver a total output of 516 horsepower
- Compact 102kWh capacity battery pack capable of up to 388 miles on a single charge
- Four trim models available, including Excellence, M Sport, Excellence Pro and M Sport Pro
BMW i7 Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- One of the best EVs to drive
- Superb comfort and performance
- First-class luxury inside and outside
Cons:
- Expensive
- Range isn't as good as rivals
- Not the most practical boot around
Design, Practicality and Boot Space
The BMW i7 has a sleek, sophisticated exterior design, with a low, wide stance and sleek roofline. The front of the car is dominated by the iconic BMW kidney grille, which is flanked by sharp LED headlights. The car's aerodynamic profile helps to reduce wind resistance, making it more efficient and quieter on the road.
Inside, the i7 has a spacious and luxurious cabin with high-quality materials and advanced technology features. Despite its sporty profile, the BMW i7 is a practical car that can comfortably seat up to five passengers. The rear seats have ample legroom and headroom, making them suitable for tall passengers.
As for boot space, the BMW i7 offers 500 litres of room which is large enough to accommodate several suitcases or other items. Additionally, the i7 has a variety of storage compartments and cubbies throughout the cabin, providing plenty of space for smaller items. However, it's not the most practical boot as the opening is relatively small and not as big as its rival's 610 litres of space inside the Mercedes EQS.
Interior and Trims
The interior of the BMW i7 is excellent as it's designed to provide a comfortable and luxurious experience for both the driver and passengers. One of the standout features of the i7's interior is its spacious cabin, which offers ample room for up to five passengers. The seats are covered in high-quality leather and offer both heating and cooling functions to ensure maximum comfort in any weather conditions. The front seats are also equipped with massage functions, which can help reduce fatigue during long drives.
The dashboard of the i7 is dominated by a large digital display that serves as both the instrument cluster and infotainment system. This display is fully customizable, allowing drivers to choose from a range of different layouts and information displays. The infotainment system is controlled via a large touchscreen display located in the centre console, which provides access to a wide range of features, including navigation, climate control, and media playback.
Four models available: Excellence, M Sport, Excellence Pro and M Sport Pro
Excellence models come with a panoramic glass sunroof and adaptive LED headlights on the outside, while inside, there's a curved display with the latest operating system, heated seats and Bowers and Wilkins Surround Sound System.
M Sport models add a sportier styling package with 20-inch alloy wheels, high-gloss Shadowline exterior trim, M Sport Brakes and an M-specific leather steering wheel.
Excellence Pro models with automatic front and rear doors, Adaptive air suspension and a Sky Lounge Panoramic Glass sunroof, which can mimic a starry night.
M Sport Pro models come with 21-inch alloy wheels, electric blinds for the rear windows, and Iconic Glow Crystal headlights.
Power and Performance
The i7 model utilizes a 102kWh battery pack that is surprisingly slim-fitting, providing an official range of 388 miles on a single charge. However, the Mercedes EQS boasts a slightly larger battery and can achieve a claimed range of 464 miles on one charge, making it a more impressive option. In actual use, the i7 may not reach the maximum range, especially during highway driving, with a likely range of around 250 miles in mixed driving conditions.
On the bright side, the i7 is capable of charging at up to 22kW on AC power, allowing for a quick top-up of the battery (according to BMW, a full charge at 22kW takes just over six hours). Furthermore, more powerful DC public chargers can offer up to 195kW charging, providing an additional 106 miles of range in only ten minutes.
To ensure that the i7 delivers optimal performance while also being energy-efficient, BMW has incorporated several advanced technologies into the car's design. These include regenerative braking, which captures energy from braking and uses it to recharge the battery, and an intelligent energy management system that optimizes power usage based on driving conditions.
The i7 is a smooth and comfortable electric vehicle to drive. It has a powerful electric motor that delivers quick and responsive acceleration, and its slim-fitting battery pack provides a low centre of gravity, which improves handling and stability.
Overall, the BMW i7 is an impressive electric luxury sedan that combines performance, range, and luxury. With its fast charging capability and advanced features, it is sure to impress even the most discerning drivers.
Leasing vs Buying
The new BMW i7 is available to purchase with an on-the-road price starting from £113,065.00* or to lease with monthly payments starting from £1,431.81.
If you have any inquiries about leasing a BMW i7, we offer some of the best car leasing services in the UK. Our leasing deals come with a manufacturer's warranty, inclusive road tax, breakdown insurance, and free delivery to the UK mainland (excluding some areas).
Leasing a BMW i7 might be a more cost-effective option compared to buying one outright due to the set monthly payments, variable mileage, low initial rental, and flexible contract lengths.
Please note that the 'on the road' price, which includes a year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee, and number plate fee, is accurate at the time of publication and is subject to change. It's always best to check with your nearest retailer.