German luxury automaker BMW has officially launched production of the first series-produced fully electric i7 models at its recently modified Dingolfing factory in Germany, with customers around the globe, including Australia, expected to see the first models later this year.
The BMW Group has invested over €300 million to modify the BMW Group Plant Dingolfing into a BMW iFactory where it can manufacture the BMW 7 Series, billed as the first luxury sedan in the world to offer customers a choice between all-electric, ICE, and hybrid drive.
With an electric range of around 600km (WLTP) the i7 xDrive60, which was first unveiled earlier this year, features all-wheel drive from two electric motors that produce a total of 400kW power output and 745Nm of torque, acceleration from 0–100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 240 km/h.
It has a 101.7kWh battery pack capable of charging at a top rate of 195kW and able to add 170 kilometres of range in just 10 minutes, and also boasts significant interior space, with a length of 5.39 metres.
One in four BMWs leaving Dingolfing by the end of 2022 expected to incorporate an electric drive, growing to approximately 50% by the middle of the decade.
“Exactly a year ago, we were here to celebrate the start of production of our BMW iX,” said BMW board member Milan Nedeljković.
“Today the BMW i7 is the latest milestone on our journey. Next year will see the launch of the fully electric variant of the BMW 5 Series as we step up the pace of electromobility and electrify our core model series.”
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.