BMW 7 Series vs BMW i7
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Sedans compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The BMW 7 Series starts from $279,900 before on-road costs, while the BMW i7 opens at $319,900. That makes the BMW 7 Series the more affordable entry point by $40,000.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $307,890 and $351,890 respectively.
The BMW i7 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The BMW 7 Series, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the BMW 7 Series and BMW i7 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 8 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the BMW 7 Series and 8 in the BMW i7.
Feature Showdown
The BMW 7 Series features a 14.9-inch touchscreen, while the BMW i7 gets a 14.9-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The BMW 7 Series uses a Petrol producing 280kW and 520Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.9 seconds.
The BMW i7 responds with a Electric making 400kW and 745Nm, paired to a auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.7 seconds.
The BMW i7 has the clear power advantage at 400kW vs 280kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW i7 is 0.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW 7 Series measures 5,391mm long on a 3,215mm wheelbase, matching the BMW i7 at 5,391mm (3,215mm wheelbase).
Boot space is 500L in the BMW 7 Series and 500L in the BMW i7.
For towing, the BMW i7 leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.5m to 12.5m
Based on 12.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW 7 Series) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW i7). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW 7 Series if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW i7 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW i7 takes 2 of 3 key spec categories. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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