2024 BMW i7 undergoes extreme testing
Steep mountain passes and high temperatures are among some of the challenges being faced by the forthcoming BMW i7 in testing.
The development process of the forthcoming BMW i7 is entering its final phase ahead of its launch later in the year, with the car undergoing a demanding test programme in extreme road and weather conditions.
During what is termed 'hot-region testing' on tracks and public roads all over the world, BMW's development engineers are tasked with verifying the performance and reliability of the new model's electric motors, all-wheel drive system and its high-voltage battery when exposed to stresses from high temperatures, unpaved roads, dust and large differences in altitude. The road to series production takes the prototypes of the i7 over gravel tracks into deserts, onto mountains and on a series of highly dynamic routes. The world's only purely electrically powered luxury sedan will be presented alongside the other variants of the new 7 Series later in 2022.
Prototypes are being faced with a number of extreme tests designed to simulate a production vehicle's complete product lifecycle. Supported by sensitive on-board measurement technology, experienced test engineers register every reaction of the electric motors, high-voltage battery, drive control and integrated cooling system as well as the charging technology and energy management, to weather and road-related influences. The testing programme covers thousands of miles, including long-distance and high-speed driving as well as stop-and-go traffic in scorching heat. The test programme even includes mountain driving in trailer mode.
The gruelling hot-region test procedure is also used to put the performance of the air-conditioning and other on-board electronics, as well as the temperature resistance of the materials used in the interior, to a particularly tough test. This, says BMW, is all to ensure that its first all-electric 7 Series variant delivers a 'perfectly harmonised and exclusive driving experience in any situation'.