This is the face of BMW’s new flagship, and it isn’t just the controversial nose which will spark discussion. The 7-Series is going to ditch the diesel and be an all-electrified range for the first time, with an all-electric i7 arriving first in the UK. 

To ensure the top BMW is seen to be at the cutting edge of technology, the new 7s will also be available with gadgets which include Swarovski crystal headlamps and a 31-inch 8K TV screen for rear seat passengers.

The pure electric i7 xDrive60 will go on sale later in 2022, followed by the plug-in hybrid 750e and M760e in spring 2023. An i7 M70, the future flagship electric model, will follow later in 2023.

The new 7s are bigger in every direction than the outgoing model

The i7 has a huge 101.7 kWh battery, which is good for an official range of between 367-388 miles, depending on the specification and wheels. Charging at a rapid point can be taken on board at a rate of up to 195 kW. This is slower than key rivals such as the Mercedes EQS, Audi e-tron GT and Tesla Model S, but still allows 106 miles of range to be added in 10 minutes at a suitable charger in ideal conditions.

To help make the conditions ideal, the car’s systems will suggest a charging-optimised route if the i7’s range is not enough to reach the destination entered into the navigation. Live data is processed during the journey, allowing charging stops to be automatically swapped if any of the stations originally planned for charging no longer have availability or are broken.

The navigation will work out the best route and monitor live data to make sure there are no broken chargers

The two motors – one for both the front and rear - deliver a combined maximum output of 537bhp. This enables the i7 to sprint from 0 to 62mph in 4.7 seconds.

The PHEVs have an 18.7kWh battery mated to a six-cylinder petrol engine. Both models have a 50 miles electric-only range and CO2 figures of 28g/km, meaning they both qualify for the lower 8% Benefit-in-Kind rates for company car drivers.

Compared to the outgoing 7-Series, the new model has grown by 130mm in length to 5,391mm, by 48mm in width to 1,950mm and by 51mm in height to 1,544mm. To keep the car manoeuvrable in tight spaces, it is fitted with four-wheel steering.

The hybrid cars qualify for 8% BIK for company car drivers

The extra millimetres have improved comfort for rear seat passengers, who can be treated further with a massive 31.3-inch 8K BMW Theatre Screen, with a built in Amazon Fire TV app. It also includes a Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system with optional in-seat ‘exciters’, touch screen remotes in the door panels, and an automated rear shade system that closes when the screen is turned on.

The show isn’t just on the inside either. The optional Iconic Glow headlamps have crystals from Swarovski backlit by LEDs which are said to sparkle, even when switched off. When the customer approaches their car, these lights combine with others around the grille and door sills to create a ‘dynamic light carpet’ on the ground.

As you’d expect, this doesn’t come cheap. The i7 xDrive60 is priced from £107,400, with the first UK deliveries expected to commence from December 2022. No prices have yet been announced for the PHEV models.

BMW i7 Prototype Review

The 31.3" Theatre Screen includes a surround sound system with seat ‘exciters'