Verdict
The RM255,800 gap is substantial: the BMW i7 costs RM714,800 to bring a 625 km range, 3,215 mm wheelbase, power-adjustable rear seats and a 525-litre boot. The RM459,000 Lotus Emeya is the sharper numerical performer, with 603 hp, 4.15-second 0-100 km/h pace and 420 kW DC charging against the i7’s 536 hp, 4.7 seconds and 195 kW. For Malaysian buyers who will use the rear cabin, the BMW’s extra 146 mm between the axles matters. For fast charging and outright pace, take the Lotus.
Pick the BMW i7 if rear-seat comfort, a longer 625 km claimed range and the larger 525-litre boot matter more than acceleration and charging speed.
Pick the Lotus Emeya if you want 603 hp, a 4.15-second 0-100 km/h time and 420 kW DC charging for far less money.
Key differences
- Price: BMW i7 RM714,800; Lotus Emeya RM459,000.
- DC charging: BMW i7 195 kW; Lotus Emeya 420 kW.
- Performance: BMW i7 536 hp and 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds; Lotus Emeya 603 hp and 4.15 seconds.
- Range: BMW i7 625 km; Lotus Emeya 610 km.
- Wheelbase: BMW i7 3,215 mm; Lotus Emeya 3,069 mm.
- Boot space: BMW i7 525 litres; Lotus Emeya 509 litres.
i7
- 625 km claimed EV range, 15 km beyond the Emeya.
- Power-adjustable rear seats, side and rear sunshades, plus a Sky Lounge panoramic glass roof.
- 525-litre boot and 3,215 mm wheelbase.
- 195 kW DC charging is well behind the Emeya’s 420 kW.
- 536 hp and 4.7-second 0-100 km/h pace trail the Emeya.
- RM255,800 more expensive.
Emeya
- 603 hp and 4.15-second 0-100 km/h acceleration.
- 420 kW DC and 22 kW AC charging, against 195 kW and 11 kW in the i7.
- Five-year, 150,000 km vehicle warranty and eight-year, 200,000 km battery warranty.
- 610 km range is 15 km short of the i7’s 625 km.
- Fixed rear seats miss the i7’s power adjustments.
- 509-litre boot is 16 litres smaller, and there is no sunroof or power door.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM714,800 | RM459,000✓ |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | Luxury | Grand Tourer |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM1,015✓ | RM1,440 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 5th-generation BMW eDrive, 400V architecture | 800V architecture |
| Fuel | Electric | Electric |
| Number of Motors | 2 | 2 |
| Motor Horsepower | 536 hp | 603 hp✓ |
| Motor Torque | 745 Nm✓ | 710 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | — | 102 kWh |
| EV Range | 625 km✓ | 610 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 11 kW | 22 kW✓ |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 195 kW | 420 kW✓ |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 4.7 seconds | 4.15 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 240 km/h | 250 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,391 mm | 5,139 mm |
| Width | 1,950 mm | 2,241 mm |
| Height | 1,544 mm | 1,459 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,215 mm | 3,069 mm |
| Weight | 2,715 kg | — |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 525 litres✓ | 509 litres |
| Front Tyre | 255/45R20 | 255/45R20 |
| Rear Tyre | 255/45R20 | 285/40R20 |
| Factory Tyres | Pirelli P Zero | Pirelli P-Zero |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Germany (CBU) | China (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | Multi-link with Air Suspension |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link with Air Suspension | Multi-link with Air Suspension |
| Front Wheels | 21" M Aerodynamic style 909 M alloy wheels | 20" 5-spoke Aero Grey Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 21" M Aerodynamic style 909 M alloy wheels | 20" 5-spoke Aero Grey Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | Adaptive Air Suspension, All-wheel steering | Continuous Dampening Control with Air Suspension |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 5 stars | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 7 Airbags | 8 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Curtain Airbags, Front Center Airbag and Driver's Knee Airbag) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | Electronic for Rear Doors | Electronic for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | — | Available on two rear passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, with Pedestrian Detection (5 km/h to 80 km/h) | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projectors with Auto High Beam | Projector LED with Dynamic Indicators |
| Taillamps | LED combination | Full LED with Dynamic Indicators |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function | Power Adjustable Front Seats |
| Rear Seats | Power Adjustable Rear Seats with Power Adjustments | Fixed |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Sunroof | Sky Lounge Panoramic Glass Roof | — |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights (15 Colours) | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 4 | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | 2x Side Shade, 1x Rear Shade | — |
| Audio | 14.9" BMW Curved Display Live Cockpit Professional, 10-Speaker HiFi Loudspeaker System | 15.1" Touchscreen with Lotus Hyper OS, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 15-speaker KEF Reference Audio |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | 4 | Four Windows, Automatic with Anti-pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button Start | Keyless Operation (Depress Brake Pedal) |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Entry |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation with Contactless Opening | Remote Control Activation with Contactless Boot Opening |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with Surround View Camera | Yes, with Surround View |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Door | Yes | No |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | — | Tyre puncture repair kit |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited✓ | 150,000 km |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | Unlimited | — |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 5 years✓ |
| Warranty Extended | 3 years | — |
| Warranty Notes | 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty | 8-year/200,000 km Battery Warranty |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used i7 & Emeya for sale
i7 vs Emeya FAQ
Is the BMW i7 or Lotus Emeya better?
The i7 is better for chauffeured use, with power-adjustable rear seats, a 3,215 mm wheelbase and 625 km range. The Emeya is better for the driver who prioritises 603 hp, 4.15-second acceleration and 420 kW DC charging.
What is the price difference?
The BMW i7 costs RM255,800 more than the Lotus Emeya. The extra outlay brings a longer 625 km range, power rear seats, a panoramic glass roof, sunshades and a slightly larger boot.
Which one charges faster?
The Lotus Emeya charges faster on both AC and DC power: 22 kW AC and 420 kW DC, versus 11 kW AC and 195 kW DC for the BMW i7. Actual charging times still depend on charger capability and battery conditions.
