Verdict
At RM685,800, the CKD BMW 7 Series costs RM29,000 less than the RM714,800 CBU BMW i7 and is the choice for buyers who want a petrol plug-in hybrid with 87 km of electric range. The i7’s two motors produce 536 hp and 745 Nm, cutting 0-100 km/h to 4.7 seconds against 4.9 seconds, while its 625 km range and 195 kW DC charging suit longer electric use. Both retain all-wheel drive, a 525-litre boot and identical 5,391 mm length.
Pick the BMW 7 Series if you want the lower RM685,800 entry price, CKD assembly and a petrol plug-in hybrid drivetrain with 87 km of EV range.
Pick the BMW i7 if you can use its 625 km electric range, 195 kW DC charging and stronger 536 hp, 745 Nm dual-motor drivetrain.
Key differences
- Price: BMW 7 Series RM685,800; BMW i7 RM714,800.
- Powertrain: BMW 7 Series 2,998 cc petrol plug-in hybrid with 308 hp and 450 Nm; BMW i7 twin-motor electric with 536 hp and 745 Nm.
- EV range: BMW 7 Series 87 km; BMW i7 625 km.
- Charging: BMW 7 Series 7.4 kW AC with no DC rate stated; BMW i7 11 kW AC and 195 kW DC.
- Performance: BMW 7 Series 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and 250 km/h; BMW i7 4.7 seconds and 240 km/h.
- Wheels: BMW 7 Series 20-inch M aerodynamic 907 alloys; BMW i7 21-inch M Aerodynamic 909 M alloys.
7 Series
- RM29,000 cheaper and locally CKD assembled.
- 2,998 cc petrol plug-in hybrid adds 87 km of EV range.
- Higher 250 km/h top speed.
- 87 km EV range is far behind the i7’s 625 km.
- 0-100 km/h takes 4.9 seconds versus the i7’s 4.7 seconds.
- 7.4 kW AC charging and no DC charging rate stated, against the i7’s 11 kW AC and 195 kW DC capability.
i7
- 536 hp and 745 Nm from two electric motors.
- 625 km EV range with 195 kW DC charging.
- All-wheel steering and 21-inch M Aerodynamic wheels.
- Costs RM29,000 more than the 7 Series.
- Its 240 km/h top speed is 10 km/h below the 7 Series’ 250 km/h.
- CBU from Germany rather than the 7 Series’ CKD Malaysian assembly.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM685,800✓ | RM714,800 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | Luxury | Luxury |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM2,125 | RM1,015✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | — | 5th-generation BMW eDrive, 400V architecture |
| Capacity | 2,998 cc | — |
| Horsepower | 308 hp | — |
| Torque | 450 Nm | — |
| Fuel | Petrol Plug-in Hybrid | Electric |
| Bore | 82 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 11 | — |
| Number of Motors | — | 2 |
| Motor Horsepower | 194 hp | 536 hp✓ |
| Motor Torque | 280 Nm | 745 Nm✓ |
| Battery Capacity | 18.7 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 87 km | 625 km✓ |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 7.4 kW | 11 kW✓ |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 195 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | Steptronic Automatic | — |
| Gears | 8 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | ZF | — |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 4.9 seconds | 4.7 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 250 km/h✓ | 240 km/h |
| Co2 | 22 g/km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,391 mm | 5,391 mm |
| Width | 1,950 mm | 1,950 mm |
| Height | 1,544 mm | 1,544 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,215 mm | 3,215 mm |
| Weight | — | 2,715 kg |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 525 litres | 525 litres |
| Front Tyre | — | 255/45R20 |
| Rear Tyre | — | 255/45R20 |
| Spare Tyre | No | — |
| Factory Tyres | — | Pirelli P Zero |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Germany (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | Double Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link with Air Suspension | Multi-link with Air Suspension |
| Front Wheels | 20" M aerodynamic style 907 alloys | 21" M Aerodynamic style 909 M alloy wheels |
| Rear Wheels | 20" M aerodynamic style 907 alloys | 21" M Aerodynamic style 909 M alloy wheels |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | Adaptive Air Suspension | Adaptive Air Suspension, All-wheel steering |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 7 Airbags (2 Front, 2 Side, 2 Curtain, 1 Driver's Knee) | 7 Airbags |
| ABS/EBD | — | ✓ |
| Stability Control | — | ✓ |
| Alarm | — | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | — | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | — | Electronic for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | — | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes, with Pedestrian Detection (5 km/h to 80 km/h) |
| Lane-keeping Assist | — | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | — | All seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projectors with Auto High Beam | LED Projectors with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function and Bolster Adjustment | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function |
| Rear Seats | Power Adjustable Rear Seats with Power Adjustments | Power Adjustable Rear Seats with Power Adjustments |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Sunroof | Sky Lounge Fixed Panoramic Glass Roof | Sky Lounge Panoramic Glass Roof |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights (15 Colours) | Map Lights and Ambient Lights (15 Colours) |
| Cup Holders | 4 | 4 |
| Sun Shade | 2x side sunshades, 1x rear sunshade | 2x Side Shade, 1x Rear Shade |
| Audio | 14.9" BMW Live Cockpit Professional system | 14.9" BMW Curved Display Live Cockpit Professional, 10-Speaker HiFi Loudspeaker System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button Start |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | — |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation with Contactless Opening | Remote Control Activation with Contactless Opening |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with Surround View Camera | Yes, with Surround View Camera |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Door | Yes | Yes |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 2 years |
| Warranty Extended | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | — | 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used 7 Series & i7 for sale
7 Series vs i7 FAQ
Is the BMW 7 Series or BMW i7 better?
The BMW i7 is better for sustained electric driving: it has 625 km of range, 195 kW DC charging, 536 hp and a 4.7-second 0-100 km/h time. Choose the BMW 7 Series for its lower price and petrol plug-in hybrid drivetrain.
What is the price difference?
The BMW i7 costs RM714,800, which is RM29,000 more than the BMW 7 Series at RM685,800.
Which one is faster and has the longer electric range?
The i7 reaches 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds, 0.2 seconds ahead of the 7 Series, and has 625 km of EV range. The 7 Series reaches 250 km/h, 10 km/h more than the i7, but has 87 km of EV range.