BMW India has launched the new 7 Series range with petrol and all-electric powertrains including the 740i, i7 eDrive50 and range-topping i7 M70 xDrive. Prices start at Rs. 1.95 crore for the 740 and the i7 eDrive50 each while the i7 M70 carries a sticker tag of Rs. 2.65 crore (ex-showroom). The 740i and i7 are rolled out of BMW Group’s plant in Chennai as India becomes the only country apart from Germany to locally produce the i7. The i7 M70 xDrive will reach India as a completely built-up unit.
The i7 eDrive50 packs a 112.5 kWh battery and develops 455 hp with 660 Nm. It accelerates from 0 to 100 kmph in 5.5 seconds and has a 210 kmph top speed. BMW claims a WLTP range of up to 728 km – an improvement of 125 km over the outgoing model. A 250 kW DC charger takes the battery from 10 to 80 per cent in 28 minutes and BMW claims 235 km of range can be added in 10 minutes. A 22 kW AC charger takes about six hours for a full charge.
The i7 M70 xDrive sits at the top of the electric range with two motors and a combined output of 680 hp. Maximum torque stands at 1,015 Nm and rises to 1,100 Nm with Launch Control and M Sport Boost. The flagship EV reaches 100 kmph from rest in 3.8 seconds and has a 250 kmph top speed. Its upgraded battery enables a WLTP range of up to 686 km.
| Specification | BMW 740i |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder turbo-petrol |
| Maximum Power | 400 hp |
| Maximum Torque | 540 Nm |
| 0-100 kmph | 5.4 seconds |
| Top Speed | 250 kmph |
| Production | Locally produced in India |
Petrol power comes from the 740i which features a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine. The engine churns out 400 hp and 540 Nm – good enough for a 0 to 100 kmph time of 5.4 seconds and a 250 kmph top speed. The three variants cover conventional petrol propulsion as well as two distinct electric specifications within the new 7 Series lineup.
| Specification | BMW i7 eDrive50 | BMW i7 M70 xDrive |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Electric | Dual-motor electric |
| Maximum Power | 455 hp | 680 hp |
| Maximum Torque | 660 Nm | 1,015 Nm |
| Maximum Torque With Boost | – | Up to 1,100 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | 112.5 kWh | Not separately specified |
| WLTP Range | Up to 728 km | Up to 686 km |
| 0-100 kmph | 5.5 seconds | 3.8 seconds |
| Top Speed | 210 kmph | 250 kmph |
Exterior revisions introduce BMW’s luxury-class design treatment with an illuminated kidney grille and crystal headlights with Swarovski elements. Adaptive LED headlights include matrix high beam and selective beam with a claimed illumination range of up to 600 metres. The M Sport package adds model-specific bumpers, side skirts, aerodynamic elements and 20-inch wheels and the i7 M70 receives 21-inch M aerodynamic wheels, darker exterior detailing and M-specific trim.
The cabin introduces BMW’s panoramic iDrive with Operating System X. A display projects information across the lower windscreen accompanied by a 17.9-inch central display, 3D Head-Up Display and a new 14.6-inch passenger touchscreen. Rear occupants get Executive Lounge seating and a 31.3-inch 8K theatre screen supported by a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System with Dolby Atmos. The updated automatic doors rely on radar-based technology and a panoramic glass sunroof is also available.
Driver assistance equipment comprises cruise control, Attentiveness Assistant, Parking Assistant Professional with remote parking through a smartphone and Reversing Assistant Professional. The i7 adds active cruise control with Stop & Go, Steering and Lane Control Assistant and blind-spot monitoring. BMW also supplies the i7 and i7 M70 with a complimentary Wallbox charger and installation with home charging capability of up to 22 kW.
