BMW India on Friday launched the new 7 Series range in the country, with prices starting at Rs 1.95 crore, while announcing local production of the all-electric i7 at its Chennai plant. The move makes India the only country apart from Germany where the i7 is locally produced.
The new line-up comprises the petrol-powered BMW 740 M Sport and the electric BMW i7 eDrive50 xDrive M Sport, both priced at Rs 1.95 crore, while the range-topping BMW i7 M70 xDrive has been priced at Rs 2.65 crore. All prices are ex-showroom. Bookings have opened at BMW dealerships and deliveries are scheduled to begin in October.
i7 production begins in Chennai
BMW said the new i7 will be locally manufactured at its Chennai facility, significantly expanding the company's electric luxury-car manufacturing footprint in India. The performance-focused i7 M70, however, will continue to be imported as a completely built-up unit.
The i7 eDrive50 xDrive uses a 112.5 kWh battery and produces 455 hp and 660 Nm of torque. It can accelerate from zero to 100 kmph in 5.5 seconds and has a claimed WLTP range of up to 728 km — 125 km more than the outgoing model.
At the top of the electric range sits the i7 M70 xDrive, powered by two electric motors producing a combined 680 hp. Torque stands at 1,015 Nm in Sport mode and can increase to 1,100 Nm with Launch Control or the Sport Boost function activated.
The M70 can sprint from zero to 100 kmph in 3.8 seconds, has a top speed of 250 kmph and offers a claimed WLTP range of 686 km. BMW describes it as the most powerful 7 Series it has produced.
Petrol 740 gets 400 hp engine
The petrol-powered BMW 740 uses a three-litre six-cylinder engine producing 400 hp and 540 Nm of peak torque. It accelerates from zero to 100 kmph in 5.4 seconds and has a top speed of 250 kmph.
The electric models support 250 kW DC fast charging, allowing the battery to be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in 28 minutes. BMW says around 235 km of range can be added in 10 minutes under specified charging conditions. A 22 kW AC charger can replenish the battery from zero to 100 per cent in about six hours. The i7 and i7 M70 will also be offered with a complimentary BMW Wallbox charger and installation.
New screens, upgraded rear-seat experience
The new 7 Series receives a redesigned exterior featuring BMW's illuminated kidney grille and crystal headlights with diamond-cut glass elements produced by Swarovski. Adaptive LED headlights with matrix high beam are standard across the range.
Inside, BMW has introduced its Panoramic iDrive system with Operating System X. A panoramic display projects information across the lower section of the windscreen, while the dashboard houses a 17.9-inch central display. The 7 Series also becomes the first BMW to feature a 14.6-inch passenger touchscreen as standard. The passenger display automatically darkens if the interior camera detects the driver's attention being diverted towards it.
Rear passengers get a 31.3-inch 8K Theatre Screen that extends from the roof, paired with a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System with Dolby Atmos. Executive Lounge seating allows a reclining position with a torso angle of up to 43 degrees.