The BMW i7 is the twin brother of the luxurious 7 Series saloon that’s designed to challenge the best luxury electric cars. Instead of a big petrol engine up front, the i7 is stuffed full of batteries and two electric motors, giving four-wheel drive and swift acceleration in the xDrive 60 model.

The driving range is impressive, if not the best in class, while the interior feels truly opulent. You really have to jump up to a Bentley or Rolls Royce, it’s that good. There’s only one choice of length that’s equivalent to the old long-wheelbase 7 Series, giving plenty of lounging space. You can have the seats front and rear with heating, ventilation and massage, while a whopping 31.3-inch theatre screen and electric blind setup turns the i7 into a mobile cinema.

Other highlights include an ambient lighting strip on the dash and doors that makes night drives a delight. There are various different pre-set modes or you can just stick to one colour like a regular system. An optional four-wheel steering system helps make the car more manoeuvrable in tight spots, too.

The i7 is a bit of a latecomer to the all-electric luxury class pioneered by the Tesla Model S. Since that car’s introduction in 2012, we’ve seen plenty of rivals arrive. The most convincing rivals come from Germany – particularly, the Mercedes-Benz EQS. But those looking for a more overtly sporty alternative should also consider the Porsche Taycan.

Unlike the EQS and Taycan, the i7 uses the same platform as the regular 7 Series rather than a bespoke electric one. This hasn’t held BMW back, with the i7 proving to be one of the best luxury cars the firm has ever produced.

Over the following pages, we’ll tell you all about that luxurious interior, what it’s like to drive and how practical it is, too. We’ll also compare the i7 to rivals, letting you know exactly where it stands in the wider luxury car class.