• Some physical controls would be nice
• Top-notch quality
• Theatre screen equals mobile cinema

How is the quality and layout?

There are many bits shared with the iX electric SUV in here, including the two-spoke steering wheel, curved display and crystal elements such as the seat adjusters and the iDrive controller. Quality is very impressive and a step up from the slightly disappointing Mercedes EQS. All materials feel plush while controls work with precision.

The biggest distinguishing feature on the dashboard is the ‘Interaction Bar’ – a backlit, glass-like panel that stretches the width of the entire dashboard, incorporating few physical switches and mainly touch-sensitive icons.

It’s primarily used for ambient lighting purposes – and does look excellent at night – but we also like how it works in tandem with various driver aids to warn of impending danger. For example, if an occupant goes to open a door when a vehicle is approaching, the Interaction Bar flashes red as a warning. Overall it’s a fabulous interior bettered only by the likes of Bentley and Rolls Royces, albeit one that would benefit from a few more physical controls.

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Infotainment and tech

Infotainment is taken care of by the BMW Operating System 8 iDrive, which is slick and mostly easy to navigate. The ability to create shortcut icons and use the very impressive voice control help a lot, although some menu screens consist of a page of small icons which are hard to read.

You can control the infotainment system as a regular touchscreen, using your voice, and there’s a physical rotary dial controller with shortcut icons between the seats. With wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plus nav and online services, it’s one of the best systems out there.

The i7 also features optional automatic doors that open and close with a button press and four-zone climate control. Elsewhere, you can spec a Bowers and Wilkins Diamond audio system with illuminated tweeters, as well as an ‘executive lounge’ package that features a reclining rear seat with footrest.

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The show-stopping tech is called BMW Theatre Screen, and it comprises a 31.3-inch touchscreen display that folds into the ceiling when not in use with Amazon’s Fire TV built in. But it’s not just a big screen; there are touchscreen remotes in the door panels, a 655-watt, 18-speaker Bowers and Wilkins surround sound audio system and there’s a blackout curtain for the rear window. You can even include ‘seat exciters’ – points within the seat that vibrate and pulse with loud sounds.

Comfort

To call the i7’s supple, supportive and highly adjustable thrones mere seats is doing them something of a disservice. As standard the front seats have a multitude of electrical adjustment including for lumbar, side support and seat base length. They’re heated, too with ventilation and massage on the options list.

We’ve not experienced the full Executive rear seat package with footrest, but the lesser rear seat comfort package still impresses. You can recline enough for a decent snooze or sit up to watch the world go by. Although we’re definitely nitpicking, Mercedes massage seats are better, though.

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Our test car came fitted with blinds for all the rear windows and sunroof that did a good job of blocking out sunlight. With the theatre screen folded down from the roof, it’s dark and rather cosy, although front seat occupants might need to wind their seats forward slightly. All of these functions are accessed via easy-to-use touchscreens built into the rear doors, with many controlled via voice as well.