BMW i7 Facelift in Maldives Blue: When a Luxury Sedan Feels Surprisingly Light
The updated BMW i7 is becoming much more than simply the electric version of the 7 Series. Following its facelift, BMW's flagship has received substantial design changes, Neue Klasse technology and even more opportunities for personalisation.
But sometimes it isn't the specifications or displays that define a car. Sometimes, the right configuration can completely change its personality.
A perfect example is this BMW i7 60 xDrive finished in the unusual BMW Individual Maldives Blue, recently photographed for BMW Romania.
Maldives Blue Changes the Character of the i7
The BMW 7 Series has never tried to disappear into the background. With a body measuring almost 5.4 metres long, a prominent kidney grille and distinctive split headlights, the flagship sedan has considerable road presence in almost any specification.
Maldives Blue, however, creates a very different impression.
The light turquoise-blue shade is reminiscent of tropical water and visually makes the enormous sedan appear lighter. The effect becomes particularly interesting when combined with the M Sport Pro Package, whose darker and sportier exterior details provide a strong contrast to the soft BMW Individual paintwork.
On the German market, Maldives Blue is available as a special BMW Individual colour priced at €6,900.
The car shown here also features 22-inch BMW Individual V-Spoke 1099 I aerodynamic wheels. Despite their substantial size, their elegant design works surprisingly well with the overall character of the car.
A Bright Interior to Match
The same philosophy continues inside.
The cabin features BMW Individual Merino leather with extended contents in Smoke White, creating an exceptionally bright and luxurious atmosphere.
One of the most unusual details, however, sits directly in front of the driver: a white BMW Individual steering wheel.
A white steering wheel obviously requires a little more care in everyday use, but visually it completes the light-coloured interior beautifully and gives this particular i7 an even more distinctive personality.
The facelift has also brought major changes to the 7 Series cabin itself.
BMW has introduced several technologies originating from the Neue Klasse. The previous Curved Display concept has given way to the latest BMW Panoramic iDrive generation, including Panoramic Vision at the base of the windscreen, a large central display and an additional screen for the front passenger.
The result is an interior that feels significantly more modern while maintaining the materials, craftsmanship and comfort expected from BMW's flagship sedan.
The i7 Moves Closer to Neue Klasse Technology
The changes go far beyond styling.
The updated BMW i7 combines technologies from BMW's fifth- and sixth-generation eDrive systems. It does not receive the complete 800-volt architecture used by the Neue Klasse, but the technical update has nevertheless improved the efficiency of the electric 7 Series.
The BMW i7 60 xDrive produces 544 hp and 745 Nm of torque.
It accelerates from 0–100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 240 km/h.
Depending on specification, maximum WLTP range reaches approximately 727 kilometres.
Considering the size, equipment and performance of the i7, that is an impressive figure for a luxury electric sedan.
For drivers looking for considerably more performance, BMW also offers the i7 M70 xDrive. Its electric powertrain produces up to 680 hp and 1,015 Nm, reducing the 0–100 km/h time to around 3.8 seconds while increasing top speed to 250 km/h.
A Different Side of BMW's Flagship
Maldives Blue probably won't become the most common colour ordered for the BMW i7 — and that is precisely what makes this specification interesting.
Large executive sedans are traditionally finished in black, grey, silver or dark blue. This particular car demonstrates how dramatically BMW Individual can change the visual character of the 7 Series.
Underneath, the i7 remains a huge, technologically advanced and extremely powerful luxury sedan. But the combination of Maldives Blue paint, 22-inch wheels and an almost completely white interior makes it appear lighter, less formal and considerably more unusual.
And perhaps that is one of the greatest strengths of BMW Individual: two technically identical cars can have completely different personalities.
(Fotos: Ciprian Mihai für BMW Rumänien)