BMW 218i vs BMW I7
What's the difference?

BMW 218i

$46,900 - $69,900

2025 price

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BMW I7

—

2024 price

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Summary

2025 BMW 218i

2024 BMW I7

By Byron Mathioudakis

By Laura Berry

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Fuel Efficiency

7.7L/100km (combined)

Electric range

625 km

Energy consumption

—

Battery capacity

105.70 kWh

Seating

Likes

Great to drive
Brilliant multimedia system
Surprisingly practical

Superbly comfortable and easy to drive
31.3-inch display in the second row
Big battery gives 625km range

Dislikes

Expensive
Firm ride on larger wheels
No spare wheel

Door release button can be accidentally bumped
Synthesized motor sounds and boost countdown
Illuminated crystal-effect dashboard trim

2025 BMW 218i Summary

Sometimes a name change can make all the difference.

Google used to be called “Back Rub”. The Spice Girls started off as “Touch”. And – particularly in Germany – some premium sedans became known as “coupes”, as they struggled to stay popular against SUVs.

Case in point: what is essentially a 1 Series hatchback with a boot has been more glamorously badged the “2 Series Gran Coupe” since 2020.

Still following the sedan script with four doors, it’s BMW’s tilt at Mercedes’ booted A-Class hatch, the rakish CLA, unveiled early last decade as the Concept Style Coupe and now in its third series-production iteration – though since 2019 a more conservatively styled A-Class Sedan has also existed, that goes up against Audi’s A3 Sedan.

But we digress. Now there’s a “new” 2 Gran Coupe, coded F74, though it’s really a heavy facelift of the superseded F44. Oh, and the ‘i’ no longer exists in the badge, so (M-enhanced models aside) it’s just numbers from here on in. 218. 220. M235.

Regardless of names, does it live up to the BMW promise?

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2024 BMW I7 Summary

It was always going to happen - an electric version of the BMW 7-Series - but how well does the i7 handle the limousine fundamentals - comfort, power, room and style?

Well, luxury transport has been missing one major component all these years and the i7 has it.

Let me explain...

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Deep dive comparison

2025 BMW 218i 2024 BMW I7

Verdict

The badge might say one thing, but the 2 Series Gran Coupe sticks to the time-honoured template of being a compact yet comparatively practical three-box, four-door sedan, complete with a big boot.

More importantly, it drives and behaves like a BMW – which means sufficient-to-strident performance depending on grade, athletic dynamics and pleasing refinement on one hand, as well as a stiff price and a hard ride on the other.

A true BMW in name and nature, then..

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Verdict

The i7 xDrive60 M Sport is close to the perfect 7 Series. From the comfort of being driven in it, to the ease of driving it, even for hours on end.

The i7's range of 625km is outstanding for an electric vehicle, but a petrol powered 740i will get you about 900km on a full tank. How many kilometres a day will you cover? Do you have time and a way to charge the i7 daily if you do cover a lot of distance?

If driving range isn't an issue, the i7 will reward you with a smooth, effortless driving experience and your passengers will have a serene journey in luxurious, high-tech surroundings. Just don't bump the door release button accidentally!

BMW 218i vs BMW I7 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

BMW 218i vs BMW I7
What's the difference?