Electric Car Awards 2025: Best electric luxury car
The creators of the BMW i7 clearly subscribe to the theory that bigger is better, because whether you’re looking at its comfort, technology or even its twin front grilles, almost everything about this luxury saloon goes large. Indeed, it’s one of the longest cars currently on sale in the UK, measuring in at 5.4 metres.
On the downside, that means it won’t fit in the average UK parking bay. However, in a vehicle like this, you’re more likely to have your chauffeur drop you at the door than try to personally squeeze into a multistorey. And the pay-off is that the i7 affords its occupants much more room in which to stretch out than its main rival, the Mercedes EQS.
As a bonus, the i7 has the classier interior of the two, with it showcasing the sort of attention to detail and standard of assembly that Swiss watchmakers would doff their hats to. Plus, if you specify the £11,025 Executive Pack, the level of indulgence is ramped up even further.
For starters, ticking this option box enables you to turn the left-hand rear seat into a chaise longue, complete with heating, ventilation and massaging. Meanwhile, electric window blinds keep the sun (and prying eyes) out. And most spectacularly of all, the Executive Pack brings a colossal 31.3in screen that lowers from the ceiling to turn the i7 into a mobile iMax for a very select audience.
There might also be times when you’re tempted to give your chauffeur the day off, given how good the i7 is to drive; for such a substantial beast, it stays surprisingly upright through fast corners, plus the steering serves up a good sense of connection to the front wheels.
First and foremost, though, this car is about comfort. It cushions occupants from the road surface far better than the EQS, and while a 0-62mph time of 5.5sec means it can pin you back in your seat when such haste is appropriate, most of the time it builds speed in a way that’s as smooth as it is effortless. Add in an uncanny ability to shut out wind and road noise, and little in the way of motor whine, and you’ve got a phenomenal long-distance cruiser.
A massive, 101.7kWh (usable capacity) battery also helps in this regard, giving the i7 an official range of up to 379 miles. True, this is one area in which the EQS has the edge, but prospective owners who want to travel farther in one hit are more likely to travel by air.
So, no, size isn’t everything. But it is one of the reasons why the seats at the front of a plane cost more. And that’s what the i7 offers: a truly first-class experience.
Best used electric luxury car
BMW i7 Excellence (2023-present)
Price from £62,000
If you can’t stretch to a new one, a used BMW i7 offers outstanding value for money. You’ll still be able to impress the neighbours… as long as it fits in your driveway
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