Pictures’ Credit: x.com/AmbAckermann/ANI
In a move toward sustainability, German Ambassador to India, Philipp Ackermann, has acquired a new electric vehicle, the BMW i7, emphasizing his commitment to reducing pollution in India.
The announcement has captured social media attention, particularly a video showcasing Ackermann participating in traditional Indian rituals to celebrate the occasion.
Cultural Rituals and Environmental Awareness
In the video, Ackermann ties a ‘nimbu-mirchi’ (lemon and chili) to the vehicle and smashes a coconut, a cultural gesture believed to ward off evil and invite good fortune.
Speaking to ANI, he explained his motivations: “In winter time, pollution gets really bad and I felt that we should do contribution to reduce pollution. I wanted to have an EV and that is why my HQ accepted after a while that we get a new car which is an e-Car and therefore reduces pollution.”
The Luxury of the BMW i7
The BMW i7, a fully electric luxury sedan, is priced at Rs 1.95 crore (ex-showroom, India) and represents the all-electric variant of the iconic 7 Series. Manufactured entirely abroad, the vehicle arrives in India as a completely built unit. Its design features blue accents and ‘i’ badges on the prominent front grille, seamlessly integrating luxury with advanced technology.
Inside, the i7 boasts a sophisticated curved display that merges a 14.9-inch infotainment screen with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, operating on BMW’s latest iDrive 8 system. A remarkable highlight is the 31.3-inch, 8K ‘theatre’ screen mounted on the roof, providing rear passengers with a cinematic experience via Amazon Fire TV.
Additionally, 5.5-inch touchscreens in the rear doors enhance passenger comfort by allowing control over infotainment, climate settings, and seat adjustments.