Communicate To Collaborate

German Ambassador to India Embraces Sustainability with BMW i7 and Traditional ‘Nimbu-Mirchi’ Ritual

23 hours ago
thedialog
8
German Ambassador

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.

Impressive Performance and Range 

The BMW i7 is powered by two electric motors—one on each axle—generating a total output of 544 horsepower and 745 Nm of torque. This configuration allows the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds, with a top speed of 239 km/h. Equipped with a 101.7 kWh lithium-ion battery, the i7 can travel between 591 km and 625 km on the WLTP cycle. 

The vehicle supports charging at rates of up to 11 kW on AC systems and 195 kW on DC systems, enabling fast charging from 10% to 80% in less than 34 minutes. 

 

Symbolizing a Greener Future 

Ambassador Ackermann’s engagement with local customs and his purchase of the BMW i7 symbolize the burgeoning partnership between Germany and India, particularly in sustainable development. 

 

His actions reflect respect for Indian traditions and a mutual commitment to addressing environmental challenges through innovative transportation solutions. This cultural exchange underscores the goodwill that exists between the two nations as they collaboratively strive for a greener future.