The BMW i7 is the best electric car that I don't want to drive
Despite some impressive specs, with so much tech on this car for the passengers, I'd rather someone else took the driving seat
As much as I love the experience of driving a car, there's a lot to be said for sitting in the passenger seat. That's especially true of the new 2027 BMW i7 (G70 LCI). This luxury saloon has had a significant upgrade on the original BMW i7 that launched back in 2022 – which is still an excellent vehicle.
For the driver, the i7 now features a similar Panoramic iDrive system as the other Neue Klasse models, such as the BMW iX3, iX5 and the upcoming BMW i3. It has also had some styling changes on the outside, with a reprofiled kidney grille, new crystal glass on the daytime running LEDs, and new two-tone paint combinations, but it's still the passenger that really gets spoilt in this car.
It's no surprise that the BMW i7 has been a popular executive limo. It offers extreme comfort for the rear passengers, and this updated model has made it even better. I spent a day with one of the first models in the country for an exclusive look around. It reminded me just how much I like this car, and how those new features really add up.
iDrive second display
You don't need to be sitting in the back in the BMW i7 to experience luxury, as that front passenger seat now has its very own screen. In addition to the 17.9-inch angled central display, it features a large 14.6-inch passenger display in the same style.
This means that in addition to the extremely comfortable Merino leather seat (or other chosen fabric), with massage function, heating and cooling, you can watch content on your very own big-screen display.
The screen has been designed so that it can't be watched by the driver, for safety reasons. In addition to the fact that its positioning is out of the driver's eyeline, it features not only a privacy shield protector, but will also dim if the built-in camera detects the driver looking at it.
Back seat
As nice as those front seats are, it's the back where you really want to be, and for maximum effect, the one not behind the driver. Both sides have a new screen in the door handles that provides adjustments to the seat position, including leg support, heating and massage functions, plus lighting and the blinds on the side windows, back window and panoramic (Sky Lounge) roof.
If you are sitting behind the front passenger seat, the comfort gets even greater thanks to the Executive Lounge seats. With a single press of a button on the screen, the seat lies right back, and the front passenger seat folds forward, giving you extra space and even a footrest.
The central armrest has a tray for charging your phone, and there's even an option to add a fridge, should you need to keep those refreshments cool on the journey. On a long journey, you could just as easily get some rest in the back of the i7, as much as you could do a day's work – work tray tables are also available as an option.
Entertainment
As much as you could sleep or work in the BMW i7, the biggest reason not to is the entertainment on offer. BMW has upgraded its Theatre Screen display, so the massive 31.3-inch display now has an 8K resolution, so you can watch your content in style.
The Theatre Screen folds down from the roof automatically (controlled from the side displays or the driver), while closing the blinds at the same time. The screen is running the latest BMW operating system X, and includes gaming options, streaming apps such as TiVo and YouTube, plus video conferencing options and an HDMI input so that you can connect your own device to the screen.
All this premium visual entertainment is paired with one of the best audio systems in existence. It features the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System, with 36 speakers and 1965 watts of power. This also delivers Dolby Atmos sound to make those movies on the Theatre Screen truly cinematic.
Entertainment on wheels
When it comes to long car journeys, I often prefer to be the one at the wheel, but if I could do them in the BMW i7, I'd definitely opt for the back seat. The rear of this car is a cross between a business class plane seat, a cinema and a games machine. As nice as the new Panoramic iDrive system looks for the driver, it's definitely in the back where the magic happens.
The new BMW i7 is available to order now, with prices starting from £104,230 in the UK and $115,550 in the US. The model I tried was the 60 xDrive M Sport at £120,335.
