BMW i7 xdrive60

All-electric 7-series targets Mercedes’ big-selling S-class and EQS duo

MERCEDES STILL DOMINATES THE LIMO world. In 2022 it sold 11,000 S-classes (down seven per cent on the year before) and 7500 examples of its electric EQS, taking first and second places in the European chart for F-segment cars (industry speak for limos). Meanwhile, the combined sales of the cars filling the remaining eight positions in the top ten fall short of the total achieved by just those two Mercedes. That’s gotta sting in the boardrooms when signing off a new rival to Stuttgart’s unbeatables.

Clearly BMW has an ample supply of Jungle Formula in its boardroom because it’s now on its seventh generation of 7-series, which is offered either as a plug-in hybrid with a 3-litre turbocharged straight-six petrol engine, or as an electric-only model, such as this i7 xdrive60.

Unlike Mercedes’ EQS and S-class, which sit on two very different platforms, all i7s use the came CLAR underpinnings regardless of powertrain. If experience of the Mercedes pair and BMW’S i4 has told us anything it’s that BMW has probably backed the right horse, the i4 driving nearly every bit as well as the 3-series it shares so much of its undercarriage with. This electrically propelled i7 is equipped with a 105kwh battery, 101.7 of which is useable, and this drives two electric motors, one per axle, producing 269lb ft of torque at the front and 280lb ft at the rear, with a combined 536bhp. ‘Respectable’ best describes the performance, linearity placed over thumping great torque delivery, making the i7 feel exactly as you’d expect a large BMW limo to feel: calm, relaxed, unflustered. Its mid-range roll-on acceleration is more characteristic of an EV, with the instant slug of torque more noticeable, although not so uncomfortable as to disturb your passengers streaming something on the optional 31-inch theatre screen that drops down from the roof behind the front seats. Theatrical? Yes.

The answer to a question not a single living soul asked? Undoubtedly.

With air springs and adaptive dampers the i7 rides, handles and steers far better than its electric Mercedes rival, its body movement and control more natural and 3D in execution compared to the one-dimensional approach the EQS takes. The BMW, thankfully, also has far, far superior brakes and regenerative braking, which are smooth, measured and balance well the needs of the driver wishing to slow and the battery to recoup some energy.

The i7’s interior quality is a step up from that of its predecessor and some rivals, even if some of the materials are clearly suited to new markets rather than existing ones. And it’s quiet; not silent, as there’s wind noise around the A-pillars you wouldn’t pick up with a straight-six humming away, but there’s next to no tyre noise, which is exactly what you want from a car like this. Although you’d also like it to be able to do more than 280 miles on a charge, but during our few weeks with it it got nowhere close to its claimed 385-mile range, which explains why the S-class remains at the top of the sales charts. ☒

Motors 190kw front, 230kw rear Power 536bhp Torque 546lb ft Weight 2640kg (206bhp/ton) 0-62mph 6.1sec Top speed 149mph Basic price £110,545

+ The best EV limo we’ve driven

- An S-class is still better evo rating

THERE ARE MANY EXPERIENCES A racing fan should strive to tick off in their lifetime, but one ‘motorsport must’ is easier and closer to home than you might expect: the Silverstone Museum. Having opened its doors right next to the iconic circuit in 2019 to tell the story of the home of British motor racing, the Silverstone Museum offers an experience you’ll never forget.

Meet your heroes

Within the Silverstone Museum, you’ll find a dizzying array of iconic vehicles to have raced at the circuit over the years, covering multiple disciplines including Formula 1, touring cars and Grand Prix motorcycle racing.

There’s also the chance to get up close with the overalls and helmets worn by some of the biggest names in racing, which serve as a reminder of how far motorsport safety has evolved since its beginnings. Finally, you can even examine race sign-on sheets bearing a few signatures you might recognise, including those belonging to Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher.

Go back to the beginning

The museum delves into the circuit’s origins as RAF Silverstone, a Bomber Command training facility. Various uniforms worn by the men and women stationed here are on display, while children (and perhaps some adults too) can enjoy interactive activities including practising shooting down barrage balloons.

The history of the area played a role in the naming of Silverstone Circuit’s straights and corners; if you’ve ever wondered where the likes of Abbey, Maggots, Wellington and Chapel came from, you can rest assured you’ll know by the time you leave.

Explore the present

Your visit is about more than just looking to the past. How motorsport works today is a key theme throughout. For instance, you can find out what goes into making a race day possible, including a look at marshalling and the opportunity to try your hand at operating a pit-lane wheel gun.

Meanwhile, the Tech Lab provides an insightful and interactive look at the science behind making cars go fast, from the inner workings of dampers to the differences between tyre compounds and why they matter.

Before and after you leave

After making your way through the museum’s many exhibits, you can take a seat in the special effects cinema for a thrilling end show depicting Silverstone’s best-known moments, commentated by Martin Brundle, David Croft, and the late, great Murray Walker.

There’s still more to do after leaving the building - the Heritage Track Trail allows you to walk on parts of the original track while learning about the current circuit with numerous information panels along the walk.

Plus, each ticket includes access to Luffield Terrace on non-major event days, meaning you can have a great view of any on-track action coinciding with your visit.

A day ticket that lasts a year

Tickets cost just £22.50 for adults and £13.50 for children if purchased in advance. Giftaid your ticket as a UK taxpayer and your ticket will be upgraded to a year-long pass free of charge.

Head to silverstonemuseum.co.uk now to book.