2022 BMW i7

BMW 740i Design Pure Excellence Review

Fitted with a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission, both the 740i and the 220 kW/670 N.m 740d xDrive (all-wheel drive) offer compelling respective arguments against the inevitable demise of the combustion engine. While the imposing new dimensions and, indeed, newfound sense of presence afforded to the new 7 Series felt right at home cruising the motorways and suburbs around our California-based launch location, expect the profile of BMW’s latest flagship offering to dominate the whatever South African setting that it arrives in – as is a modern 7 Series owner’s want.

BMW 740i Design Pure Excellence Fast Facts

  • Price: R2 172 751
  • Engine: front-mounted, turbopetrol, 2 998cc, inline-six
  • Transmission: eight-speed auto
  • Power: 280 kW @ 5200 – 6250 rpm
  • Torque: 540 N.m @ 1850 – 5000 rpm
  • Driven wheels: Rear
  • 0-100 km/h: 5,4 seconds
  • Top speed: 250 km/h
  • Fuel consumption: 8,1 L/100km (combined)
  • CO2 emissions: 182 g/km
  • Rivals: Mercedes-Benz S-Class; Audi A8
 
BMW 7 Series and i7 (2022) Specs & Price

How much does the BMW 7 Series cost in South Africa?

BMW 740i Design Pure Excellence – R2 160 000

BMW 740i M Sport Package – R2 235 000

BMW 740i M Sport Package Pro – R2 275 000

BMW 740d xDrive Design Pure Excellence – R2 280 000

BMW 740d xDrive M Sport Package – R2 355 000

BMW 740d xDrive M Sport Package Pro – R2 395 000

BMW i7 xDrive60 Design Pure Excellence – R2 825 000

BMW i7 xDrive60 M Sport Package – R2 900 000

BMW i7 xDrive60 M Sport Package Pro – R2 940 000

*note these indicative prices include VAT but exclude CO2 emissions tax

 
PRICING: New BMW 7 Series and i7 launched with advanced new features

The new-generation BMW 7-Series has landed in South Africa and while its looks could prove controversial, it does come with a mind-blowing array of tech and features.

Two models will be available initially, in the form of the i7 xDrive60, which is the first-ever electric variant, and the petrol-powered 740i, while the 740d xDrive diesel variant is set to arrive in the second half of 2023.

But how much? According to BMW, the 740i starts at R2 160 000, while the 740d xDrive is set to cost from R2 280 000 and the i7 xDrive60 is yours from R2 825 000.

The latter features a two-motor all-wheel drive system, offering maximum outputs of 400kW and 745Nm, which will get you from 0-100km/h in just 4.7 seconds, according to BMW. The manufacturer also claims a range of 590 to 625km between charges on the WLTP cycle.

As for the combustion models, the 740i is powered by a mild hybrid six-cylinder turbopetrol engine that offers 280kW and 540Nm, for a 5.4 second 0-100km/h time, while the 740d xDrive will be good for 220kW and 670Nm, and 5.8-second acceleration.

 
BMW 7 Series (2023) Launch Review

The all-new 7th-gen BMW 7 Series has gone on sale in South Africa and, for the first time, the first-class sedan range features an all-electric derivative – the i7. We spent some time behind the ‘wheel of the G70-generation limousine’s flagship offering.

Since its debut back in 1977, the BMW 7 Series has been the Bavarian brand’s answer to the mighty Mercedes-Benz S-Class and subsequently, the Audi A8 and Lexus LS (as far as our market is concerned, anyway). Despite the rise in popularity/prominence of the high-riding SUV, there’ll always be a market for a lengthy limousine, boasting state-of-the-art technology, excessive comfort and luxury in abundance.

How much does the new BMW i7 cost in South Africa?

BMW 740i BMW 740d xDrive BMW i7 xDrive60
Design Pure Excellence R2 160 000 R2 280 000 R2 825 000
M Sport Package R2 235 000 R2 355 000 R2 900 000
M Sport Package Pro R2 275 000 R2 395 000 R2 940 000

Summary

We’re well into the era where high-end luxury vehicles are digital tech fests, but this BMW i7 feels like the most advanced first-class sedan, which is its raison d’etre. Given the multitude of gadgets and gizmos, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and it will take time to understand and appreciate all the 7’s functionality.

There are some great “rich-kid toys” to show off to people, including the BMW 7 Series’ doors, all of which can open and close by themselves, the hazard light button that activates lighting throughout the cabin, the rear entertainment package (and those touchscreen control panels), plus the incredible Bowers & Wilkins audio system that incorporates speakers in the seats.

BMW is claiming level 3 autonomous driving capability too. It’s a massive step forward and a glimpse into the future, not just for BMW or the luxury car segment. This is anything but a tool to get you from A to B.

Where can a premium manufacturer go after introducing a car like the i7? Granted, we have yet to drive the all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQS, but there’s a strong likelihood that it will prompt similar questions…

Given the absolute luxury and comfort offered in the rear, as well as the i7’s remarkably nimble road manners, we found ourselves feeling quite perplexed. Is this a car you want to drive – or be chauffeured in? We look forward to taking a deep dive into this highly-advanced, ultra-comfortable high-end sedan.

 
FIRST DRIVE | How does BMW's new electric i7 makes sense with SA's Stage 6 load shedding?

Doesn't stage 6 load shedding undo the appeal of an i7?

The i7 is an unquestionable technology benchmark for BMW, but the South African context for a battery-powered limousine, is theoretically troubling due to Eskom.

"Why buy an i7 when stage 6 load shedding could be the new normal, and electricity is about to increase by 18.65%?" The answer is simple: i7 customers are already off-grid. Because they can afford to be.

In the context of that customer profile and its reality of resources, i7 has ironically arrived at the perfect moment for South Africa's limousine buyers.

 
DRIVEN: New BMW 7 Series and i7 take luxury to the next level

So, basically it has every bell and whistle you can think of, or haven’t for that matter, which makes the BMW 7-Series a very special car for the select few that have BMW blood in their veins and a lot of money.

BMW 7 Series Pricing (January 2023)

Design Pure Excellence:

740i – R2 160 00

740d xDrive – R2 280 000

i7xDrive60 – R2 825 000

M Sport Package

740i – R2 235 000

740d xDrive – R2355 000

i7 xDrive60 – R2 900 000

M Sport Package Pro

740i – R2 275 000

740d xDrive – R2 395 000

i7 xDrive 60 – R2 940 000

 
The BMW i7 accounted for 43% of all 7 Series sales last month

A German market analysis for January shows that users looking to buy luxury cars are steadily moving over to EVs. The case is highlighted by BMW's latest 7 Series. About 43% of all 7 Series sales in January are of the fully-electric i7 variant. Perhaps that may not be surprising to some, given that last year Tesla was the top-selling luxury car brand. Although, it's a bit of a stretch to compare Model Sand Model X to BMW's 7 Series or Mercedes' EQS.

In any case, the i7 was well-received by reviewers and it's arguably the best version in the family due to its extremely smooth powertrain as well as the smooth drive that's intrinsic to EVs.

The second most sought-after variant was the 740d, which is the diesel-powered version. That's hardly a surprise since it's the cheapest version to get and run. The more intriguing part is that the i7 is actually the most expensive iteration of them all.

 
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The E38 7 Series , the E39 5 Series and the E46 3 Series will always be the best BMW design of all time.
 
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