Verdict
The BMW 7 Series is the chauffeur-minded choice, with a 3,215 mm wheelbase, power-adjustable rear seats and rear sunshades. But the Lotus Eletre costs RM499,000 against the BMW’s RM685,800, covers 600 km electrically versus 87 km, and can DC charge at up to 350 kW. Its 603 hp dual-motor output also cuts the 0-100 km/h time to 4.5 seconds, 0.4 seconds ahead. For Malaysian buyers able to charge regularly and wanting SUV practicality, the Lotus makes the sharper case; the BMW’s appeal is its limousine-focused cabin hardware.
Pick the BMW 7 Series if rear-seat comfort, a longer 3,215 mm wheelbase, sunshades and power doors matter more than electric range.
Pick the Lotus Eletre if you want 600 km of EV range, 350 kW DC charging, a 688-litre boot and quicker 4.5-second acceleration.
Key differences
- Price: BMW 7 Series RM685,800; Lotus Eletre RM499,000.
- EV range: BMW 7 Series 87 km; Lotus Eletre 600 km.
- Charging: BMW 7 Series 7.4 kW AC with no DC rate stated; Lotus Eletre 22 kW AC and 350 kW DC.
- 0-100 km/h: BMW 7 Series 4.9 seconds; Lotus Eletre 4.5 seconds.
- Boot space: BMW 7 Series 525 litres; Lotus Eletre 688 litres.
- Dimensions: BMW 7 Series is 5,391 mm long and 1,950 mm wide; Lotus Eletre is 5,103 mm long and 2,135 mm wide.
7 Series
- Longer 3,215 mm wheelbase
- Power-adjustable rear seats and rear sunshades
- Adaptive air suspension and power doors
- 87 km EV range versus 600 km
- 525-litre boot versus 688 litres
- 4.9-second 0-100 km/h time versus 4.5 seconds
Eletre
- 600 km EV range from a 112 kWh battery
- Up to 350 kW DC charging
- 688-litre boot and 603 hp dual-motor output
- 2,135 mm width versus the BMW’s 1,950 mm
- No sunroof listed, where the BMW has a Sky Lounge fixed panoramic glass roof
- No power doors, where the BMW has them
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM685,800 | RM499,000✓ |
| Body type | Sedan | SUV |
| Segment | Luxury | Executive |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM2,125 | RM1,440✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | — | 800V 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 | 603 hp✓ |
| Motor Torque | 280 Nm | 710 Nm✓ |
| Battery Capacity | 18.7 kWh | 112 kWh✓ |
| EV Range | 87 km | 600 km✓ |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 7.4 kW | 22 kW✓ |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 350 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 | 4.5 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 250 km/h | 258 km/h✓ |
| Co2 | 22 g/km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,391 mm | 5,103 mm |
| Width | 1,950 mm | 2,135 mm |
| Height | 1,544 mm | 1,630 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,215 mm | 3,019 mm |
| Weight | — | 2,490 kg |
| Doors | 4 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 525 litres | 688 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | — | 255/50R20 |
| Rear Tyre | — | 285/40R20 |
| Spare Tyre | No | — |
| Factory Tyres | — | Michelin Pilot Sport EV |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | China (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | Multi-link |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link with Air Suspension | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 20" M aerodynamic style 907 alloys | 20" 5-spoke Aero Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 20" M aerodynamic style 907 alloys | 20" 5-spoke Aero Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | Adaptive Air Suspension | — |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 5 stars | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 7 Airbags (2 Front, 2 Side, 2 Curtain, 1 Driver's Knee) | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Curtain Airbags, Front Center Airbags and Front Knee Airbags |
| ABS/EBD | — | ✓ |
| Stability Control | — | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | — | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | — | Electronic for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | — | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | — | Available on two rear passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | — | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | — | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projectors with Auto High Beam | Projector LED with Dynamic Indicators |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Full LED with Dynamic Indicators |
| 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 |
| Rear Seats | Power Adjustable Rear Seats with Power Adjustments | 40:20:40 Split-folding |
| 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 | — |
| Power Sockets | — | 2 USB-C front, 2 USB-C rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights (15 Colours) | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 4 | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | 2x side sunshades, 1x rear sunshade | — |
| Audio | 14.9" BMW Live Cockpit Professional system | 15.1" Touchscreen with Lotus Hyper OS, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 15-speaker KEF Reference Audio |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | 4 | Four Windows, Automatic with Anti-pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Operation (Depress Brake Pedal) |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Remote Control Activation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| 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 Boot 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 |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Door | Yes | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited✓ | 150,000 km |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | Unlimited | — |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 5 years✓ |
| Warranty Extended | 5 years | — |
| Warranty Notes | — | 8-year/200,000 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 & Eletre for sale
7 Series vs Eletre FAQ
Is the BMW 7 Series or Lotus Eletre better?
The Lotus Eletre is the better fit for EV range, charging and luggage capacity: 600 km, 350 kW DC charging and 688 litres. Choose the BMW 7 Series for its longer wheelbase, powered rear seating, rear sunshades and power doors.
What is the price difference?
The Lotus Eletre is RM186,800 cheaper than the BMW 7 Series, at RM499,000 versus RM685,800.
Which one is easier to place in tight car parks?
The BMW 7 Series is 185 mm narrower at 1,950 mm, which helps beside pillars and in narrow bays. The Lotus Eletre is shorter by 288 mm, however, at 5,103 mm versus 5,391 mm.