Ahead of next year’s launch of its pure-electric luxury saloon, the i7, BMW is conducting winter testing at the Polar Circle.
Have you seen this? We’ve got to admit – it looks pretty epic. We’re talking frozen lakes!
The BMW i7 is undergoing driving dynamics evaluation at the BMW Group winter test centre in Arjeplog, Sweden. Situated just a short distance from the Artic Circle, the environment of surrounding frozen surfaces and snow-covered roads present the perfect conditions for the manufacturer’s test engineers to fine-tune the performance of all drive and suspension systems.
The demanding test environment ensures that the BMW i7 will elevate the driving dynamics and comfort that are synonymous with the brand to a new high in the luxury class, yet all the while complementing optimum performance and refinement with zero local emissions.
Suspension components, together with steering, braking and vehicle stability systems, that are being developed for the future generation of the BMW 7 Series will be honed to perfection in the extreme climate. Specifically, springs, dampers and various regulating systems will be subject to performance-orientated tuning to ensure maximum driver feedback and enjoyment to match the several different drive modes.
Amongst the extremely challenging winter conditions, Lapland’s frozen lakes with their low road friction coefficient provide the opportunity for meticulous development of the steering, Dynamic Stability Control system (DSC) and the accurately regulated interaction between friction brake and deceleration by means of energy recuperation.
The intensive winter testing programme also focuses on the components of the all-electric drive system. The BMW i7’s electric drive, high-voltage battery, power electronics and charging technology all originate from the fifth generation of BMW eDrive technology, which already provides exceptional sustainable driving pleasure in the BMW iX. Above all, it is the motor, the battery and the temperature control system of the BMW i7 that prove their advanced technology and durability in the extreme sub-zero temperatures common to the north of Sweden.