BMW i7 M70 vs AMG EQS 53
I recently came across an interesting article on the BMW BLOG, a site I often visit. The article compares the i7 electric vehicle's top model, the M70, with the Mercedes-Benz AMG EQS 53. Both models have received mixed reviews regarding their design since their launch. Personally, I find the black variants of the BMW i7 to be particularly beautiful, so I approached the review without any strong expectations.
However, what's particularly intriguing is the longstanding rivalry between traditional German automakers BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Both brands have flagship electric sedan models, and the competition between their performance divisions, M and AMG, adds an extra layer of excitement.
First, let’s take a quick look at the specifications of the i7. As the name M70 suggests, it boasts an impressive maximum output of 660 horsepower and a torque of 103.5 kg.m, delivering a performance that seems almost unimaginable. While the recently unveiled BMW XM Label Red has an astounding 748 horsepower, we can’t definitively say that the i7 M70 is the most powerful model in the BMW M lineup. However, one must wonder if such power can truly be felt on public roads.
In today's electric vehicle era, even outputs of 300 to 400 horsepower often feel sufficient. The unique torque characteristics of electric vehicles provide powerful acceleration from the start, making figures like 600 horsepower and over 100 kg.m of torque somewhat symbolic.
Therefore, rather than focusing solely on those impressive numbers, potential buyers might prioritize the overall design quality, the luxury of the interior, ride comfort, and the driving range per charge for electric vehicles.
Thus, for this comparison between the BMW i7 M70 and the Mercedes-Benz AMG EQS 53, I plan to focus more on their design aspects. Starting with the front design... what do you think? While I already have my preferences, design is highly subjective. Before writing this post, I gathered opinions from my followers on social media.
I conducted a public survey on my social media stories for about a day, and the results showed that 65% preferred the BMW i7, while 29% chose the Mercedes-Benz, and the remaining 6% abstained. As expected, BMW had the upper hand. Although Mercedes-Benz still holds stronger brand recognition, the luxury associated with the three-pointed star seems to have diminished with the recent models.
BMW has indeed made bold design changes with the new 7 Series and the i7, but it hasn’t yet achieved the level of excitement that would qualify as a "blockbuster." However, it seems that BMW adapted to these changes more quickly than Mercedes-Benz.
The new X7 also showcases a design that has grown on me, particularly with its new composite lamps and large kidney grille. The rectangular design befitting a flagship model, along with the side proportions, makes the new 7 Series and i7 increasingly attractive.
The commanding presence of this black variant is striking, isn’t it? However, I still wonder if the bumper details could have been designed a bit more simply, given its flagship status. Nonetheless, when compared to the Mercedes EQS, it doesn't evoke the same shock.
How can these two cars be from the same brand? If you follow my blog regularly, you might remember that I was so impressed by the EQS concept car before its launch that I seriously considered pre-ordering it.
The interior is similar; I was genuinely excited and looking forward to the elegant and high-tech image of the electric vehicle from the concept car. However, the interior of the unveiled EQS felt more like an arcade. The excessive use of soft-touch materials and monitors disappointed me, just as it did with the new E-Class.
In contrast, the interior of the BMW i7 M70 exemplifies true premium quality.
The spacious interior, the combination of crystal accents and appropriate ambient lighting, and the understated elegance truly highlight the luxury of the BMW. Personally, I lean towards the BMW side in this comparison.
My sentiments align with those expressed by international media. Mercedes-Benz has truly transformed into a spaceship... Perhaps in the next generation, we might even see wing options, as they may be developing technology to cover zero-gravity conditions. After all, significant Chinese capital has been invested in them.
Now, let’s examine the side profile. Here, you can clearly see the differing directions the two brands are taking. Mercedes-Benz emphasizes short overhangs and aerodynamic considerations, while BMW maintains a classic approach typical of large sedans.
I view these changes positively. Despite the minor differences in battery capacity and output used in both models, the WLTP-rated driving range favors the AMG EQS 53 with 580 km. Additionally, the EQS shines in terms of the side character line and tail lamp details.
One aspect I find lacking in the BMW i7 is the somewhat bland design of the tail lamps. This is a matter of personal taste, as the current trend favors slim, elongated horizontal lamps that visually widen the car. The i7's tail lamps appear too simplistic.
While this can be interpreted in different ways, it also gives a clean look...
What do you think of this comparison? The EQS has shed the heaviness associated with the S-Class and has transformed into a sportier vibe reminiscent of the Porsche Panamera. I view this positively, as this sporty look may appeal to a broader audience compared to the more generationally limited BMW i7 M70.
Indeed, BMW knows how to make blue work!
This two-tone color is stunning and luxurious, evoking the image of Rolls-Royce under the BMW Group umbrella while showcasing the dignified body line of a flagship large sedan. The C-pillar Hofmeister kink remains a classic touch.
Of course, if I were to purchase an i7, I would definitely choose a black variant.
What a different vibe from the same car, right?
In conclusion, BMW has introduced the high-performance M model, the i7 M70, which will officially go on sale in the second half of this year. While the price is still unknown, it’s likely to be expensive! This model carries the brand's pride, and when comparing it solely based on design to its competitor, the AMG EQS 53, my social media followers showed a preference of 65% for the BMW i7 M70.
This is how it should have turned out...