Seventh Generation: BMW i7 x Drive6

The first BMW 7 Series was launched in 1977. Forty-five years later, the seventh-generation model i7 with the internal code of G7 of BMW started its journey with full electric drive. Let's put these numbers aside, and let's experience this 2.7-ton luxury car with 4 kilowatts of power output.

in fact, some things don't often appear repeatedly. On average, BMW's flagship model, the 7 Series, is only updated once every seven years. What is particularly rare is that the first time we met the new car, it was actually picked up by the head of BMW development.

Stop gossiping and get to the point. Now, we are sitting in the i7 car, driven by Frank Webb, a member of BMW's board of directors, and I am sitting on his right. In front of us is California Highway 243, which meanders back and forth from the canyon to an altitude of 14 meters. At this time, the feeling on the road can be described as "loneliness". There are no cars, and only occasionally can the view be opened in the bend turning to Palm Springs. At this time, you can even see the hills behind joshua tree national park-this scenery is just like California seen in the picture book.

Frank Webb turned the steering wheel intently and skillfully to drive the i7 through the corner, and the X5 driven by the photographer and video shooting team behind us in the rearview mirror became smaller and smaller. He suggested that we should pay attention to the fine response of this car after steering operation and the agility of this large car to sudden operation during the test drive, after all, we should also consider that the net weight of this car has reached 2.7 tons.

"At the same time, please pay attention to how the weight of the battery itself affects the driving comfort", Frank explained while driving. "We don't like to mention the weight of the battery in the curb weight, but we like the heavy battery, because it does affect the ratio of the vehicle's dead weight to the unsprung mass, thus bringing this sense of calmness to the car." In fact, this feeling is more obvious for lighter electric vehicles. Of course, the effect is also very obvious for this large i7 xDrive6.

sitting in the co-pilot seat, there are some things that can be noticed. The i7 ran over the potholes on the expressway with great confidence, and the air suspension of this large car seemed to completely separate it from the asphalt pavement. The whole vehicle is completely immersed in a huge quiet and calm atmosphere. The two motors on the front and rear axles with a total power output of 4 kW are almost silent when working, but they can release gentle and powerful power. This combination further strengthens the feeling mentioned above.

Of course, the 7 Series will also be matched with other drive modules, but it must be said that BMW management also thinks that the pure electric version of the 7 Series is particularly harmonious: "The electric drive is especially suitable for the 7 Series, and driving it will make people feel particularly relaxed, because the pure electric version provides enough system torque, and because the pure electric version is particularly quiet, and it can keep this quiet for a long time, no matter what its immediate power output is." You don't need to buy this kind of driving mode together with other optional packages. Compared with the non-electric version, the body of the electric version is about 35 mm higher, which is of course a tribute to the driving battery installed under the car.

it's time to switch roles later. As a passenger, I am now in the driving seat, and Frank will say goodbye to us soon. He has other important things to do next. After leaving Highway 243, we need to borrow National Highway 74. It winds all the way to the north, with impressive bends, and there are many sharp bends in the valley. This is not a simple valley, it is also the south of the San Andreas fault. Here, the Pacific plate and the North American tectonic plate gently slide past each other. By the way, now, they are still moving at a speed of 6 cm per year.

in contrast, the i7 moves much faster. The feeling of ease and spontaneous reaction in driving is much more vivid and profound on the steering wheel and pedal than sitting in the co-pilot seat. The maximum torque of the two motors that push BMW forward is 745 Nm, and the torque output of this order of magnitude makes the original weight of the car body seem less obvious. The adaptive energy recovery system specially improved for i7 has also significantly improved the driving comfort of this car. Without the driver taking any measures, it will slow down at the traffic lights and traffic signs on the downhill slope heading for Palm Springs, even if the road guidance function is not enabled at this time.

the standard test energy consumption of p>WLTP is 18.4 kwh, which depends on different driving modes. The taxiing function is activated on Interstate 1, and the car continues to drive without driving torque at this time, so that the speed can be maintained for a long distance while the two motors do not need to draw energy from the high-voltage battery. Obviously, this can extend the cruising range and make the change of the remaining mileage number on the dashboard no longer make people anxious. According to WLTP standard test, the average energy consumption of i7 per 1 kilometers is 18.4 kWh. According to this calculation, the battery with a net capacity of 11.7 kWh installed under the bottom plate can provide a cruising range slightly higher than 6 kilometers. If you drive around in a sporty style on mountains or interstate highways, the average energy consumption must be slightly higher than this estimated value. But in the eyes of those drivers who are full of confidence in this car, this activity radius is still enough.

on the highway, i7 can fully display its talent in autonomous driving. All you need to do is press the corresponding button on the left side of the steering wheel to activate the automatic driver assistance system-this is no different from other BMW models. Next, on the American highway, the BMW i7 will drive autonomously at a speed of 85 miles per hour, even if your hands have left the steering wheel. You can even look away from the front for 6 seconds before the vehicle alerts the driver.

The driver assistance function can easily change lanes independently, enter the expressway exit ramp and overtake on the right. Note that overtaking on the right is legal here. This series of operations seems to be so steady for i7 that for a moment you even want to sit in the back seat and enjoy what is happening on the highway from the rear. Of course, in addition, the 7 series will provide a very rich range of other configurations. After all, a considerable number of 7 Series will be sold to more traditional markets such as China and South Korea.

By the way, this large car is only produced in the BMW factory in Ding Gorfin, and there is only one version this time, that is, the long wheelbase version. This is obviously to take more care of the comfort of the rear passengers. Of course, for drivers, because the whole system comes standard with an integrated active steering system, this 7-Series not only has a relatively easy turning diameter of 12.9 meters, but also can easily complete daily tasks such as changing lanes.

Controversial design and high-quality technology are almost the tradition that accompanies each generation of 7 series. G7 has excellent suspension comfort and noise control, electric drive with flexibility and strength, and the most advanced driver assistance function. This is what a luxury car should look like in the 21st century.

from the spring of 223, Europe will launch a light hybrid version using diesel engines and a plug-in hybrid version using gasoline engines. The 76i xDrive currently on display in Palm Springs is equipped with a V8 engine with an output of 544 HP, and will not be sold in the European market.

BMW i7 xDrive6

Body

Five-seat luxury car, with a length of 5391 mm, a width of 195 mm, a height of 1544 mm, a wheelbase of 3215 mm, a luggage compartment volume of 5 L, and a curb weight of 2715 kg

Power system

Two excitation synchronous motors in front and behind, with motor power of 19 kW and 23kw. After 38 Nm, the maximum power of the system is 4 kW(544 PS), the maximum torque of the system is 745 Nm, the net capacity is 11.7 kWh

transmission system

four-wheel drive, fixed gear ratio gearbox

chassis suspension

front double wishbone/air suspension, rear multi-link/air suspension, front and rear disc brakes, Tyre size: front and rear 245/5 R19

driving performance

~1km/h acceleration time 4.7 s, maximum speed 24 km/h, comprehensive energy consumption (WLTP)18.4 kWh/1 km, cruising range (WLTP)625 km

price

135 9. The content only represents the author's point of view and has nothing to do with car change.