The curved screen we know from iX. That’s at the core of BMW’s push for digitization and combines a 12.3-inch instrument display with a longer 14.9-inch main infotainment glass touchscreen. The whole thing is a sculpture in its own right and rests on slender stands on top of the perforated translucent wood trim. Audio, navigation, Apple CarPlay, etc. directly in individual, customizable tiles. Voice activation also works (not all work), and passengers can now access the Personal Assistant. There’s even an unnecessary Qlocktwo digital clock widget that helps spell time. Choose the Heat Comfort package and you’ll get a heated steering wheel and dashboard heating for the armrests and center console. this is a more efficient way keep warm in EV rather than increase AC.
Below the center display is the Interactive Bar, new on the 7 Series, which has a glossy and backlit crystal surface and pretty much spans the width of the cabin. BMW certainly has a gem for crystal at the moment. It takes its color cues from any of the My Modes you’ve used; red for Sport, green for Performance, blue for Performance. BMW Art Car artist recently even created a separate Digital Art Mode. These also alter the sound signature, as developed using the code of the Hollywood soundtrack Hans Zimmerand they’re mostly sci-fi pacing variations.
The center console is lower and more conventional than the iX but has the same small crystal actuation controller (optional) and other tactile touch points. It’s an easy, quick way to get started and feel satisfied.
As on iX, you press a button to exit. New on 7 are automatic doors. There’s a small button below the wheel to close the door from the inside, or you can set the system up so the driver’s door closes when you press the brake pedal. Or use voice activation if you’re super lazy. In fact, there are 4 ways to open the door without touching the door handle. The door’s gyroscope and sensors sense tilt and possible hazards and obstacles, so don’t worry if you can’t get out.
The chairs are absolutely gorgeous, with massage programs and multi-functions. Behind the headrest is wood paneling with electroplated accent strips. The cashmere trim (optional) is sustainable and looks lovely. Various interior treatments are offered for wood and metal, and several vegan specifications are available. The overall effect is just as good as the real car interior is like a Bentley, Range Rover or Rolls-Royce. Interestingly, at least in the UK, the i7 won’t be one of the first cars to feature BMW’s much-complained feature. heated seats as a service model, also known as “features on demand.”
Movie about driving
Photo: daniel kraus / BMW
Come to the much-anticipated 31.3-inch 8K Theater Monitor, which folds out of a recess in the roof pad, has Amazon Fire TV built-in, and runs Bowers & Wilkins surround sound. An optional wired version gets you 36 speakers and 1,965 watts of power, with a “stimulator” in the backrest. The sound quality is excellent, as it is for a car at this price point and with a lot of expensive extras. Streaming capabilities vary by territory, but I’ve watched some of the “content” go down a twisty road without feeling well. The rear and side sunshades raise automatically, and the panoramic sunroof closes. But the distance of the screen may be a little too close for some, and it will only lower when the front seats slide forward to a predetermined position.
