Verdict
At RM685,800, the CKD BMW 7 Series costs RM29,000 less and suits buyers who can use its 87-km electric range for regular local running while retaining petrol support. The CBU BMW i7 makes the stronger case for drivers ready to go fully electric: its 625-km range, 195-kW DC charging and 536-hp, 745-Nm dual-motor output are substantial advantages. It is also 0.2 seconds quicker to 100 km/h, while annual road tax is RM1,015 versus RM2,125. Both retain all-wheel drive, five seats and a 525-litre boot.
Pick the BMW 7 Series if you want the RM29,000 lower entry price, CKD assembly and petrol plug-in hybrid flexibility with an 87-km EV range.
Pick the BMW i7 if you can charge regularly and want 625 km of EV range, 195-kW DC charging and 536 hp.
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 electric dual-motor 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 and no DC rate stated; BMW i7 11 kW AC and 195 kW DC.
- 0-100 km/h: BMW 7 Series 4.9 seconds; BMW i7 4.7 seconds.
- Annual road tax: BMW 7 Series RM2,125; BMW i7 RM1,015.
7 Series
- RM29,000 lower purchase price.
- CKD in Malaysia.
- 250 km/h top speed, versus 240 km/h.
- 87-km EV range is 538 km shorter.
- RM2,125 annual road tax is RM1,110 higher.
- 4.9-second 0-100 km/h time trails the i7 by 0.2 seconds.
i7
- 625-km electric range.
- 536 hp and 745 Nm from two motors.
- 195-kW DC charging and 11-kW AC charging.
- Costs RM29,000 more.
- CBU from Germany rather than CKD in Malaysia.
- 240 km/h top speed is 10 km/h lower.
| 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 | 3 years | 3 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 a buyer committed to home or public charging, with 625 km of range, 195-kW DC charging and 536 hp. Choose the BMW 7 Series for a lower purchase price and petrol plug-in hybrid flexibility.
What is the price difference?
The BMW i7 costs RM29,000 more than the BMW 7 Series. Its higher price brings a full-electric dual-motor drivetrain, 625 km of range and 195-kW DC charging.
Which has lower annual road tax?
The BMW i7 has lower annual road tax at RM1,015, compared with RM2,125 for the BMW 7 Series. That is an RM1,110 yearly difference.