Why the BMW i7 Feels So Luxuriously Fabulous

When it comes to electric vehicles that offer both performance and opulence, few compare to the BMW i7. In a recent solo review, Sandy Munro pulled no punches in calling this car what it is—“fabulous.” That word, though simple, captured the layered impression of what the i7 brings to the table. From its commanding road presence to its limo-like rear-seat features, the i7 provides an immersive luxury experience unlike anything else in the current EV market.

A BMW That Drives Like a BMW

For Sandy, who’s driven just about everything on the road, the benchmark for EVs remains: does it drive like a BMW? According to him, the i7 clears that bar with room to spare. It’s fast—blisteringly so. When faced with a last-minute merge situation on the highway, Sandy floored the accelerator and watched the i7 leap from 65 to 100 mph in what felt like less than a second. That immediate torque and confident handling are the hallmarks of BMW’s engineering DNA, now realized in full electric form.

While many EVs today offer quick acceleration, the i7 refines that into a mature, stable experience that still makes the driver grin. It’s not just quick for an EV—it’s quick in a way that feels intentional, solid, and safe. And for someone like Sandy, who knows how to drive and recognizes when a car’s been over-engineered or undercooked, that counts for a lot.

Comfort That Surpasses Expectations

But speed isn’t the full story. The BMW i7 shines just as much when it’s parked. Sandy’s review emphasized the back seat—yes, the back seat. It features a drop-down theater screen, power blinds, reclining seatbacks, and even footrests. It’s not hyperbole to call it Rolls-Royce adjacent. And Sandy would know. He’s worked for both Bentley and Rolls-Royce under VW and BMW ownership, and he noted with confidence: “This is a step above.”

That’s saying something.

After a long day of yard work (thanks to his “cruel taskmaster” wife), Sandy’s aching back got real relief from the i7’s massaging front seats. By the time they got to a Sunday party, the pain had melted away—testimony to the attention BMW put into creating a car that pampers its occupants in both rows. His friend Don Ronk—a noted EV skeptic—was also impressed after sitting in the car with his family. Even Don’s son’s fiancé found herself enamored with the comfort and design.

Features That Delight

The i7 is packed with features that feel like magic. Self-closing doors, an advanced infotainment system, adaptive controls, and clean integration all underscore BMW’s commitment to elevating the driver and passenger experience. Sandy gave a special shout-out to the automatic doors, a long-standing wishlist item of his, which function beautifully here. These features aren’t just gimmicks—they reduce friction and enhance usability, especially for older or less mobile passengers.

What BMW has managed is a full-system harmony between performance, aesthetics, comfort, and engineering. Sandy’s enthusiasm wasn’t just about flash—it was about substance, reliability, and thoughtful design.

Opera Doors and Aspirational EV Design

The review also featured the Rolls-Royce Spectre, priced around $500,000—three to four times the cost of the BMW i7. While Sandy was clearly thrilled by the Spectre’s dramatic “opera doors,” he contextualized the i7 as the more rational aspirational choice. At $130,000–$150,000 depending on configuration, it delivers nearly everything a luxury buyer might want, without venturing into stratospheric pricing.

To be clear, Sandy isn’t planning to buy either car—he’s happy with his Ford Lightning and Tesla Model 3. But he makes a compelling case: if you’re wealthy, work in Manhattan, or want to maximize time and comfort during commutes, the i7 makes a strong argument. It’s a car that turns heads, feels prestigious, and offers utility in a way very few electric sedans can.

Criticisms and Room for Improvement

Despite his praise, Sandy did call out a few missteps. Chief among them: no frunk. For a car this large, the absence of a front trunk feels like a missed opportunity. With so much under-hood space potentially available thanks to the EV layout, it’s puzzling BMW didn’t make use of it. Whether due to packaging constraints or prioritization of other components, the omission stands out in an otherwise meticulously designed vehicle.

Another gripe: the abundance of interior bling. While taste is subjective, Sandy prefers functional simplicity. The i7’s abundance of screens, ambient lighting, and decorative controls veers toward flashiness that may not appeal to everyone.

Still, these critiques are relatively minor when weighed against the overall impact of the vehicle.

EV Engineering Lessons for the Industry

For automotive engineers and OEMs, the BMW i7 offers a valuable teardown-free case study. It exemplifies how legacy automakers can effectively transition their design language and core brand identity into the EV space without compromise. From an engineering perspective, the i7 represents a maturing industry—where performance, luxury, and electric propulsion co-exist without tradeoffs.

BMW’s investment in the i7 showcases how deep integration across departments—chassis design, software interface, interior architecture, and safety systems—can elevate a vehicle from good to great. It’s not just about the drivetrain. It’s about how the vehicle feels, functions, and flows.

BMW i7 Luxury Experience Takeaways

• Enthusiasts will appreciate that BMW still prioritizes the driving experience even in its flagship EV sedan. The i7 feels powerful, intuitive, and confidence-inspiring behind the wheel.

• Investors will note that BMW has managed to stay competitive in the premium EV market while protecting its luxury heritage. The i7 holds its own next to Lucid, Mercedes EQS, and the Tesla Model S—not by copying them, but by staying true to BMW’s identity.

• Engineers and designers should study the i7’s rear-seat execution and feature integration. It shows what’s possible when the user experience is prioritized alongside performance and safety.

Explore More with Munro

At Munro & Associates, we live for this kind of detail. Whether it’s teardown analysis, lean design consulting, or material cost evaluation, we aim to bring you the engineering truth behind the badge. If you’re as intrigued by vehicles like the BMW i7 as we are, make sure to subscribe to Munro Live for more breakdowns, reviews, and insider insights from Sandy and the team.

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