BMW have offered a first official look at their new BMW i7 electric vehicle (EV). They have been winter testing their first all-electric luxury saloon ahead of next year’s launch. To put it through its paces BMW have been pushing the BMW i7 to the limit at the Arctic Circle.
The BMW i7, which uses the brand’s latest fifth-generation eDrive system that’s also found in the iX3, is undergoing driving dynamics evaluation at the BMW Group winter test centre in Arjeplog, Sweden. This is situated just a short distance from the Arctic Circle.
Here, the environment of surrounding frozen surfaces and snow-covered roads provide the perfect conditions for the manufacturer’s test engineers to fine-tune the performance of all drive and suspension systems.
Suspension components, together with steering, braking and vehicle stability systems, that are being developed for the future generation of the BMW 7 Series are being honed in the extreme climate.
Specifically, springs, dampers and various regulating systems will be subject to performance-orientated tuning to ensure maximum driver feedback and enjoyment to match the several different drive modes.
Amongst the extremely challenging winter conditions, Lapland’s frozen lakes with their low road friction coefficient provide the opportunity for thorough development of the steering, Dynamic Stability Control system (DSC).
The intensive winter testing programme also focuses on the components of the all-electric drive system. The BMW i7’s electric drive, high-voltage battery, power electronics and charging technology all originate from the fifth generation of BMW eDrive technology, which already provides exceptional sustainable driving pleasure in the BMW iX.
BMW found that the motor, battery and temperature control system of the BMW i7 proved their advanced technology and durability in the extreme sub-zero temperatures common to the north of Sweden.
The BMW i7 will launch in 2022.
