BMW i7 Long-Term Review – The Experience of Living with a Luxury EV

The BMW i7 is easily one of the most luxurious and expensive electric sedans ever to enter CarWale’s long-term garage. Every drive in this EV felt special—whether it was a casual cruise across the city or a relaxing commute to work. However, returning this car after three months brought mixed emotions, as living with an electric sedan of this size, price, and stature has its own set of highs and lows.

Design

If attention is what you crave, the BMW i7 delivers in abundance. It’s not conventionally beautiful, but it has an undeniable road presence. The large kidney grille, sharp lines, and sheer length make people stop and stare. It didn’t matter that it was finished in a subtle shade of vanilla—the i7 turned heads everywhere.

The reactions were fascinating: middle-aged neighbors curiously inquired about it, teenagers snapped pictures, and other drivers often let me go first at junctions, just to admire the car. This is not a vehicle for those who prefer to stay under the radar.

Range

As an EV, efficiency isn’t its main selling point, but it does offer an impressive real-world range. The i7 eDrive50 comes with a massive 101.7 kWh battery pack, boasting a claimed range of 603 km. My daily commute is 50 km, and I typically consumed about 10% of the charge each day. That meant no range anxiety, even without a home charger.

CFMoto 450MT India Launch Confirmed – Expected Arrival Later This Year

On Mondays, after weekend drives, I still had about 30% charge left, translating to around 150 km of range. In a full depletion test, the i7 managed 466.6 km before hitting 0%—about 77% of BMW India’s claimed ARAI range. While that’s not bad, it does highlight the gap between lab-tested and real-world efficiency.

Charging Challenges

One of my biggest concerns before living with an EV was charging. India’s infrastructure is still developing, and without a home charger, I had to rely on public stations. Luckily, a reliable DC fast charger near my workplace saved the day. Charging the i7 cost me around ₹3,000 per week, which isn’t bad for a luxury EV.

However, after about a month, the i7 stopped accepting slow AC charging. This meant I had to hunt for DC fast chargers, which are not as widely available and are more expensive. While this didn’t ruin the ownership experience, it did add an extra layer of planning.

Comfort

The BMW i7 isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about absolute luxury. While I mostly drove it myself, I did try out the rear-seat experience a few times, and it was nothing short of spectacular. The business-class-style reclining seats, small touchscreen controls on the doors, and a massive 32-inch screen that folds down from the roof in Theatre Mode make it feel like a rolling cinema.

Audi A5 Plug in Hybrid – New Era of Efficiency and Performance

Other modes, like Relax Mode, adjust the lighting, massage functions, and music to create a serene atmosphere. Whether in the front or back, the i7 makes every journey feel special.

Driving Experience

Despite its size (5.4 meters in length), the i7 is surprisingly easy to drive in the city. Rear-wheel steering helps make U-turns effortless, and while it doesn’t turn as sharply as some Mercedes models, it’s agile enough for its class.

That said, parking the i7 requires planning. It’s not an SUV, so ground clearance can be an issue on uneven roads or steep ramps. But overall, the i7 balances luxury and practicality better than expected.

Verdict

After three months with the BMW i7, it’s clear that this EV is special. It delivers road presence, comfort, and a genuinely unique driving experience. However, its size, charging limitations, and price (₹2.14 crore, OTR Mumbai) make it impractical for many buyers.

Still, for those who want an opulent electric sedan that commands attention and pampers its occupants, the i7 is a fantastic choice. And yes, I’ll miss seeing it in my parking spot.

FAQs