BMW i7

FIRST DRIVE All-electric version of BMW's 7 Series limousine combines tech, luxury and plenty of space

- Richard Ingram

AS we transition from petrol to electric, are paths when it comes to construction, body shapes and styling. Some build bespoke EVs with unique platforms, others adapt ICE cars to house bulky battery technology.

BMW thinks it has one solution to suit all: first pick your model, then your powertrain. In the case of the new 7 Series, that means each customer gets what is ostensibly the same 5.4-metre body, with a choice of petrol, diesel, plug-in or fully electric powertrains.

In focusing its efforts on what luxury limos such as the 7 Series and Mercedes S-Class do best, BMW has refused to cut corners when it comes to comfort. By keeping that familiar shape, the new 7 Series offers imperious rear-seat practicality.

Technology is placed front and centre, even before you get in. You can option automatic doors, which open and close at the touch of a button. They have sensors to prevent them opening into oncoming hazards, but the downside is they rarely operate seamlessly. To open the driver's door, you need to be standing rearwards of the B-pillar; it doesn't feel that intuitive.

Inside, you're greeted by BMW's latest single-piece curved display and software. The dashboard is clean in its design and the materials used are first-rate. The centre console has a minimalist feel, with no bulky gear selector. Thankfully, BMW has opted to retain the easy-to-use click wheel.