New BMW 7 Series: "Macho symbolism and aggressiveness" - Autopapst calculates with the new flagship

Created: 05/10/2022 08:29

By: Patrick Freiwah

BMW is bringing an electric version of the 7 Series luxury model - the i7.

© BMW AG

BMW will launch the new 7 Series in November, also in a fully electric version.

But at Autopapst Ferdinand Dudenhöffer, the expensive new development falls through completely.

Munich – Cars are heating up tempers at a time when the traffic turnaround is being pushed more than ever.

In view of its luxury class novelty i7, BMW is now personally verbally attacked by Germany's "auto pope".

Ferdinand Dudenhöffer, mobility expert and head of the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) in Essen, expresses harsh criticism of the recently presented pompous luxury sedan.

The next generation of the 7-series BMW will also be electrified to attract customers and weighs around 2.7 tons.

BMW i7: "Out of date"

On the one hand, the professor criticizes the fact that the i7 will not only be available as an electric car, but also as a sedan with a petrol and diesel engine.

“BMW has to be braver.

Old and new world at the same time, i.e. diesel and electric, doesn’t really fit into a clear brand positioning,” says Dudenhöffer.

Undoubtedly, the BMW i7 - as well as its counterparts with a combustion engine - is less intended for the European market.

Rather, Asia and North America are the most promising sales markets for the luxury model.

"The all-electric i7 will play a very important role in China," explained Sales Director Pieter Nota recently at the premiere of the new BMW product.

He explained that a high proportion of sales of the electric sedan is expected for the west and east coast of the USA.

The manufacturer has sold more than 300,000 units of the previous BMW 7 Series (G11 series) since it was launched.

BMW: Harsh criticism of the design

Dudenhöffer criticizes the fact that BMW does not focus on an electric platform and names Tesla or Mercedes as role models for the southern German rival from Munich.

However, the 70-year-old does not leave a good hair about the appearance of the BMW i7 xDrive60 either: “Appearance and design with a huge grill is more macho symbolism and radiates aggressiveness.

Modern cars shouldn't frighten city dwellers, pedestrians, cyclists or children," the expert told

.

The new top-of-the-line electric model from the Bavarian premium brand has a range of up to 625 kilometers.

The starting price for the BMW i7 is 135,900 euros, with the diesel engine the luxury sedan is already cheaper - and costs at least 107,300 euros.

Unsurprisingly, Nota said of the 7 Series BMW, which was produced exclusively in Dingolfing: "The return expectations for the 7 Series are very good."