It all started when I received a very last minute call to see if I’d like to try the brand new BMW i7 all electric car. But to be driven in by a chauffeur, not to drive. With a variety of evening engagements on, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to travel in style… while also trying out all of the technology on offer in the back of the car.
The new BMW i7 also includes the Executive Lounge Seating, rear doors integrated with individual touchscreens to operate the infotainment system intuitively and an ultra-wide 31.3 inch, 8K rear passenger cinema screen which can be paired with the 1,965 watts Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system to create a 4D audio experience.
One of the main highlights of the equipment options available for the new BMW 7 Series is the BMW Theatre Screen with Amazon Fire TV built-in. This includes a 31.3″ 8K touchscreen display with Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system with optional in-seat exciters, built-in touch screen remotes in the door panels (BMW Touch Command), and an automated rear shade system that closes when the BMW Theatre Screen is turned on.
The BMW Theatre Screen in the BMW i7 spreads out horizontally across virtually the full width of the interior and extends down from the headliner to the front seat backrests. It folds into the ceiling to be out of the way when not in use, and can be moved closer or further from the rear passengers to put it within arm’s reach for touch controls or to manoeuvre it to the preferred viewing distance. Audio can be enjoyed through the vehicle’s Bowers & Wilkins speakers or by connecting up to two pairs of Bluetooth headphones with independent volume controls.
Some of the highlights of the BMW i7 interior:
- Striking styling incorporating BMW’s evolved design language
- Luxurious new interior design with innovative comfort features
- Cutting-edge digital experience with new BMW Theatre Screen and the BMW Interaction Bar
Now more about the screen. The 31.3 inch ultra-widescreen has inspired a new challenge from BMW in collaboration with The British Film Institute (BFI) where entrants will have the chance to win £10,000 to make their own film which will be premiered at the BFI Film Festival and be mentored by Hollywood actress, Michaela Coel.
Michaela Coel said, “I never saw a black woman in a director’s chair growing up. There’s a long way to go and I’m happy to try and facilitate that journey for creatives. There are queer stories that I have not been told, there are stories about sexual identity that I have not seen told, stories about what it’s like to be an immigrant I have not been told. I am looking forward to the future and looking forward to more of those stories.”
The Challenge will be run through BFI NETWORK, the BFI’s UK-wide talent development programme for new and emerging filmmakers. Open to filmmaking teams with experience in creating short form works, the production budget, new 8K camera technology and a short running time presents a creative challenge that demands innovation and will stretch successful applicants, building their skills and capabilities.
All five filmmakers will benefit with support from BFI NETWORK execs to create their film, as well as mentoring from Michaela Coel. The writer, director, and actress, best known for creating and starring in her multi-award-winning TV shows Chewing Gum and I May Destroy You, and most recently featuring in Marvel movie Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, will support the execution of the filmmakers’ visions, from discussing creative influences through to the production itself.
To discover more, visit: bmw.co.uk
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All imagery courtesy of BMW.