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By Jonathan Crouch

The BMW 7 Series can now be had in full-Electric form. Jonathan Crouch drives the i7.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 40

With the i7, BMW proves it can make a really credible modern era full-Electric model that isn't an SUV. This car is aimed directly at the Mercedes EQS and brings a prodigious level of Munich's technological firepower to the task.

Backgroundword count: 118

A full-EV luxury model should look different, futuristic. Well this one, BMW's i7, does. But visually, it's virtually identical to ordinary combustion-engined versions of the seventh generation 7 Series large segment saloon it's based upon. So, convention, evolution and cutting-edge technology, all in one prestigiously-badged package. How could any self-respecting, ecologically minded company board member resist? Well possibly quite easily because the car this i7 is directly up against a model lauded as one of the greatest luxury EVs so far produced in this era, the Mercedes EQS. That's a model with great front-of-cabin wow factor. This one though, aims to trump it an area arguably more important in this class of car: back seat luxury. Sounds intriguing.

Driving Experienceword count: 274

The full-electric i7 model is available in three guises; a base rear-driven sDrive50 derivative with 449hp; the mid-level xDrive60 version we tried with 544hp; and the fastest M70 xDrive variant with 650hp. All three variants use the same 101.7kWh battery, which offers a best of 379 miles with the base sDrive50 version, 387 miles of range in the xDrive60 guise or 348 miles in the M70 model. Enough with the facts and figures; what you really need to know here is that, better than any 7 Series design before it, this MK7 G70 model manages that ellusive combination of comfort and handling in a manner that sets a fresh class standard. There's a proper air suspension at last in a 7 Series - a two-axle set-up which can lower itself at speed or raise itself for rough roads. It also adapts to the various 'My Mode' drive settings, with the 'Sport' option featuring a powertrain soundtrack created by Hollywood composer Hans Zimmer. If you're prepared to spend more, you can add two further key drive tech features - an active anti-roll system and rear wheel steering. Even with a standard-spec model, there's a completely different level of driver engagement to that you'd get in an A8, an S-Class or an EQS. Thanks to the way that BMW has re-engineered this seventh generation design with features like a near-actuator wheel slip limitation system, sharper Servotronic steering, a more rigid body, wider tracks and broader tyres, all combining with the prodigious all-weather grip on offer from the standard xDrive system if that's been fitted. It's all quite surprising. Quite a lot about this G70 model is.

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