With the new latest version of the BMW 7-Series, there is a fully electric version branded as the i7. This new BMW i7 is an ultra-luxury electric saloon with a huge cinema screen for the back passengers. Notably for readers of this website it can also tow, with an official towing capacity of up to 2,000 kg. When it comes to range the usable battery capacity of over 100 kWh provides a real-world range of over 300 miles, but its a very heavy vehicle.
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Key BMW i7 Specs
- Official Towing Capacity – 2,000 kg
- Availability – Late 2022
- Price – Starting £110,445 (xDrive60)
- Range (EV Database) – 315 miles (xDrive60)
- Estimate Towing Range (50%) – 158 miles
- Maximum DC Charge Rate – 195 kW
- Rapid Charge 10% to 80% – 35 min
- Check Used BMW i7 Specs
BMW i7 HP & Torque
- xDrive60: AWD, 536 HP and 550 lb-ft of torque
BMW i7 Towing Capabilities
We currently only have details on one version of the BMW i7 and that’s the xDrive60, however, more versions will also apparently be available. Its currently unclear if those versions will all share the same usable battery capacity of 101.7kWh.
The 2,000 kg towing capacity of the i7 xDrive60 is pretty respectable compared to its closest direct competition in the form of the Mercedes EQS which can only tow a maximum of 750 kg, legally anyway. I’ll discuss more about that comparison below.
However, the i7 cannot tow as much as its SUV sibling the iX which can tow up to 2,500 kg. It appears much of the hardware found in the iX is what has been used to produce the i7. However, the i7 is actually the larger and heavier vehicle. Then again, that weight would add to towing stability.
Though the lower body style of the i7 means despite the slightly smaller battery capacity compared to the iX both vehicles will achieve a similar real-world range of 315 miles. The iX xDrive50 however comes in at just over £93K, around £17K cheaper than the i7 xDrive60.
BMW i7 vs Mercedes EQS
When it comes to ultra-luxury fully electric executive saloons the obvious competition for the BMW i7 is the Mercedes EQS. Specifically, the i7 xDrive60 competes against the EQS 580 4MATIC, though I should note the EQS will cost you £10K more.
As discussed above, when it comes to towing capacity its a clear win for the BMX i7 offering a 2,000kg towing capacity with the EQS only offering 750kg. Power figures are comparable, with the BMW having the edge on horsepower and the Mercedes providing more torque.
In terms of usable battery capacity, the BMW i7 gives 101.7 kWh and the Mercedes EQS 107.8kWh. However, the Mercedes is notably more efficient, likely due to its very slippery (if a bit boring) design. As a result, while the BMW i7 will have a respectable real-world range of 315 miles the EQS with only a slightly larger battery can achieve a real-world range closer to 380 miles.
BMW i7 First Impressions
With the i7 and the wider 7-Series BMW is obviously trying to make the rear passenger experience market-leading and superior to that been offered by Mercedes. With the huge motorised cinema screen which is fitted in the back of an i7 its hard to argue against the BMW being the superior experience for rear passengers.
However, until we get access to some journalist’s reviews testing ride quality one of the most important features of a vehicle in this class we won’t know how it stacks up with the Mercedes EQS. What we do know though is if you were to tow with a BMW i7 any kids in the back would get an unparalleled experience while on the road.
My Thoughts On The BMW i7…
The i7 does indeed appear to be a very impressive luxury electric saloon and the fact BMW has given the i7 a practical 2,000kg towing capacity is good to see. However, as a tow vehicle, it would be hard to justify paying more for less in relation to the BMW iX.
The BMW iX can tow more at 2,500 kg, has the same real-world range of 315 miles, a more practical body style for loading cargo and is around £13K cheaper than the i7.
Now you may comment the iX is ugly, and I agree, but I don’t think the i7 is exactly a looker either. Anyway, the styling is obviously subjective. Sticking to the facts/specs, I think the iX is a better option for towing over the i7.