Overview

The BMW i7 xDrive60 M Sport is the high-luxury, high-tech electric sibling to the combustion-powered 7 Series. It comes equipped with dual electric motors putting out 544hp and 549lb-ft of torque, delivering effortless acceleration while keeping ride comfort firmly in limousine territory.

Despite its size and weight, it feels surprisingly composed on the road. There is drama in the design, cleverness in the tech, and a quiet confidence to how it drives. It's also more capable than you might think in real-world conditions, thanks to rear-wheel steering and strong regen. Although parking in a tight space would present quite a challenge.

It’s not cheap, and it’s definitely not compact, but if you’re in the market for a luxury EV that blends performance, comfort, and cutting-edge tech, the i7 sets the bar pretty high. 

Driving

Driving the i7 is a bit like piloting a luxury yacht, that’s also designed and built for competitive sailing! It will carve out 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds, which is impressive when you consider it weighs over 2.6 tonnes. The Boost mode is really addictive, offering a short burst of extra power that makes overtaking and motorway merging effortless – it moves with surprising urgency!

The regenerative braking is some of the strongest I’ve experienced, stronger even than Tesla, and it allowed for genuinely effective one-pedal driving. It takes a bit of adjustment, but I soon got used to it and came to really appreciate the control it gave me.

Ride quality is generally excellent – soft and smooth in the comfort setting, but there were moments where it felt a little boaty, particularly on undulating country roads. That said, it never felt out of control, and for long-distance cruising it’s genuinely superb.

We took the i7 on a family trip to the Isle of Wight, and it was ideal. My boys (2 and 6 years old) were completely entertained by the massive rear theatre screen, and because they were sat so far back (this is a car designed for chauffeurs, after all), I could barely hear them at all. It was peaceful, luxurious, and importantly stress-free.

All that space does come at a price however, the sheer size of the i7 can be a bit daunting in town, and squeezing it into a standard parking space is quite difficult. That said, the rear-wheel steering is a game-changer. It gives the i7 a shockingly efficient turning circle for something this big, making low-speed manoeuvres much less stressful than you might expect.

Range and running costs

BMW claims a WLTP range of up to 387 miles, but real-world figures will vary. On my mixed test route, I got 228 miles from 70%, suggesting a usable range of just over 325 miles – not bad for a car of this scale and power.

Thanks to 195kW DC charging capability, a 10–80 per cent charge takes just over 30 minutes. When plugged into an 11kW home wallbox it takes just under 10 hours for a full top-up.

Running costs will be miles lower than an equivalent V8, especially on the company car tax front. However, we can't ignore the elephant in the room: the i7 xDrive60 M Sport starts at just over £110,000. Throw in a few optional extras (of which there are many) and you are quickly nudging amost £150k, as per our test car! Meaning insurance and upkeep stay firmly in the luxury bracket.

Design

There is nothing subtle about the i7’s appearance. In M Sport trim, it looks even more assertive, with blacked-out elements, larger wheels and sharp lines. The oversized kidney grille is backlit at night, and crystal-effect headlights add to the drama. It might not be to everyone’s taste, but it will certainly turn heads.

Step inside and it’s equally theatrical. The wide curved display dominates the dash, and there’s ambient lighting across the dash and doors, including a blue light strip that comes alive at night. Materials feel solid and high-end, with a mix of metal, leather, and glass. It’s all very flashy and modern. The rotary controller looks smart, though I did notice it reflects sunlight into your eyes at certain angles.

In the back, things get even more impressive. This is clearly a car designed with rear passengers in mind – legroom is vast, the seats are plush, and the optional drop-down 31-inch theatre screen turns the rear cabin into a mobile cinema. Whether you are driving or being driven, the i7 feels every bit the luxury vehicle.

Comfort and practicality

If comfort is your priority, the i7 delivers in spades. The seats are highly adjustable and supportive, and the cabin remains very quiet, even at motorway speeds. Rear passengers are especially well catered for, mine had their own climate zone, powered sunblinds, and that incredible 31-inch rear screen to keep them busy.

The Bowers & Wilkins Diamond audio system is a true highlight. Whether you’re listening to classical, podcasts or bass-heavy playlists, the clarity and richness is outstanding.

Boot space is slightly down on the petrol version due to the battery, but still usable. And while the car is vast, clever touches like a powered bootlid, multiple camera views and auto-parking tech do help make daily life that bit easier.

Verdict

The BMW i7 xDrive60 M Sport is a remarkable showcase of what electric luxury can be. It’s spacious, tech-laden, and shockingly quick, yet still manages to feel calm and serene when cruising. It’s not the easiest car to live with around town, and the design might divide opinion, but for those looking for a fully electric limousine with all the bells and whistles, it’s hard to beat.

Would I buy one? Not for city living, it’s just too big for that. However, for cross-country journeys, long weekends away, or wafting down a motorway in near silence? Absolutely yes.

Key Specs

BMW G70 i7 xDrive60 M Sport 

Price (RRP OTR): From £111,900, £147,055 (model as tested)
Top speed: 149mph
0-62mph: 4.7 seconds
Power: 544hp (113.7kW)
Torque: 549lb-ft
Driving range: 387 
Charging time: 30 minutes (195kW DC fast charging, 10-80%)
Insurance group: 50E
Vehicle warranty: 5 years / unlimited mileage
Battery warranty: 8 years / 100,000 miles