2022 BMW i7

BMW i7: it’s got huge presence, but wait until you step inside

VERDICT

The BMW i7 revolutionises the luxury sedan in ways that will dazzle owners and their passengers for years to come. But you do have to tick a lot of options, above the car’s R2.82 million starting price, to get the most out of it. It’s also worth noting that the i7 commands a R653 000 premium over the petrol-powered 740i.

 
Battle of the barges: BMW i7 vs Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Since Karl Benz himself was in lederhosen, Mercedes has built the world’s best luxury saloon. Can BMW finally upset the Apfelkarren?

So despite its win, the BMW doesn’t get to call itself the best car in the world. Still, this new i7 should be every bit as influential as 2001’s spatial oddity. It’s a fresher, brasher take on luxury than the car that has, until now, reigned supreme.

No 1: BMW i7 xDrive 60 M Sport (9/10)

The luxury saloon world has a new champ. Ignore the tricky visuals and focus on the lovely road manners and immersive rear seat experience

No 2: Mercedes-Benz S580E L AMG Line Premium Plus Exec (9/10)

The S-Class hardly lags far behind. Sumptuous in the back and easier to manage up front. Hybrid remains the pick of the range

 
BMW 7-Series Protection

BMW unveiled a new generation of protection vehicles in the luxury sedan segment. The two models developed on the basis of the new BMW 7-Series succeed in blending an unrivalled protection concept with outstanding levels of ride comfort and spaciousness, exceptionally advanced equipment features and the class-beating dynamic prowess for which the brand is renowned. As the world's first ever protection sedan with an all-electric drive system, the BMW i7 Protection is a genuine trailblazer. Driven by two powerful electric motors, it meets all the requirements of class VR9 protection without any limitations, as does the new combustion-engine BMW 7-Series Protection.

The integrated security concept of the new BMW i7 Protection and BMW 7-Series Protection was factored into the development of the new BMW 7-Series range. It centres around the new BMW Protection Core, which is unique worldwide and comprises the model-specific self-supporting body structure made from armour steel. This is then combined with features such as additional armouring for the underbody and roof and armoured glass. Both models will be built at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing in an elaborate "craft manufacturing" process. The two protection vehicles are set to make their public debut at the IAA Mobility 2023 international motor show in Munich, with deliveries to customers requiring special protection commencing in December 2023.

The new protection models offer customised protection from attacks with firearms or explosives for at-risk individuals. They have been classified as offering class VR9 protection based on the internationally recognised official test criteria of Germany's Vereinigung der Prüfstellen für Angriffshemmende Materialien und Konstruktionen (Association of Test Laboratories for Attack-Resistant Materials and Constructions - VPAM, for short). The certification is based, among other things, on the third edition of the guidelines for Bullet Resistant Vehicles (VPAM BRV) with regard to ballistic resistance and the guidelines for Explosive Resistant Vehicles (VPAM ERV, third edition) and PAS 300 with regard to blast resistance. The glass for the two models even protects against fire from calibre 7.62x54 R ammunition - a threat from the highest civilian resistance class VPAM 10. A partial protection extension is also available as an option for the new BMW 7-Series Protection in defined bodywork areas against fire from VPAM 10 ammunition.


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BMW has armoured the new electric i7 and V8 7 Series

Meet the BMW i7 and 7 Series ‘Protection’ cars: a pair of luxury road-going tanks

BMW hasn’t revealed how much the new armoured i7 and 7 Series weigh, but tellingly both cars’ 0-62mph times are a lot slower. Counterintuitive for a getaway car, or an unshakable belief in its ability to withstand massive blasts?

One suspects the latter. Ready your finest grille jokes and meet both the BMW i7 Protection and its V8-engined sibling, the BMW 7 Series Protection; the former the world’s first fully-armoured luxury electric limo. At least until Merc decided to bomb-proof an EQS.

So it’s the world’s best luxury saloon decked out with full VR9-level protection “without any limitations”, thanks to the entire supporting structure of the saloon’s body constructed from armoured steel. Basically, it’s armoured from the inside out while it’s on the production line – indeed BMW factored this in when designing the new i7 and 7 – rather than being retrofitted once the car’s been built.

As such, this ‘protection core’ forms a “self-supporting protective cell, which is then combined with protection-spec doors, armouring for the underbody and roof, and safety glass”. Of course.

 
BMW unveils armored i7 Protection sedan: safe, secure, and a bit sluggish

BMW is, without a doubt, pioneering in more ways than one. First, the German automaker brings us the luxurious i7 and then surprises us with its armored version. The i7 claims the throne as the first electric luxury sedan to get a protective makeover. If you're a head of state, a billionaire entrepreneur, or a successful 'pharmaceutical entrepreneur' - this might be the car you didn't know you needed.

Upon first glance, one word springs to mind - subtlety. The optional flashy lights and flag poles (probably the most visible giveaways that you're riding in something more than a regular sedan) aside, the exterior remains almost identical to the standard models. BMW's strategy here is to blend in rather than stick out like a sore thumb in public areas.

You might be curious about the tires since those are always the weak spot for this type of vehicle. Well, they're unique 20-inch alloys, perfectly compatible with a beastly braking system, wrapped in Michelin PAX run-flat tires. Now, these aren't your average tires, but that's what you'd expect from a car that is preparing for any scenario.

Under its luxurious exterior, this armored sedan is built like a tank. The BMW Protection Core - a protective armor steel structure - is married with underbody armor, thick safety glass windows, and even a self-sealing casing for the fuel tank. Should you ever find yourself under drone attack or amidst exploding grenades, BMW assures you're safe.

 
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