German Ambassador Philipp Ackermann celebrates new EV switch with 'nimbu-mirchi and coconut'

German Ambassador to India, Philipp Ackermann, has made a notable commitment to sustainability by purchasing a new electric vehicle, the BMW i7. This event has garnered attention on social media, particularly a video showing Ackermann engaging in traditional Indian rituals to mark the occasion. In the video, he ties a ‘nimbu-mirchi’ (lemon and chili) to his car and smashes a coconut, a gesture rooted in Indian culture believed to ward off evil and invite good luck.

Speaking to ANI, he stated, “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.”

#WATCH | Delhi: German Ambassador to India, Philipp Ackermann switches to EV (electric vehicle); ties 'nimbu-mirchi' to his car and smashes a coconut on the occasion. pic.twitter.com/OojZh4Nvx3

— ANI (@ANI) October 15, 2024

The BMW i7 that Ackermann chose is a fully electric luxury sedan priced at Rs 1.95 crore (ex-showroom, India). This vehicle represents the all-electric version of the renowned 7 Series sedan and is entirely manufactured abroad, arriving in India as a completely built unit.

The i7 xDrive 60 features distinctive elements, such as blue accents and 'i' badges on the prominent front grille, while retaining the elegant design characteristics typical of the BMW brand.

Inside, the i7 exemplifies luxury with advanced technological features. It boasts a sleek curved display that combines a 14.9-inch infotainment screen with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, operating on BMW's latest iDrive 8 system. A standout feature is the 31.3-inch, 8K 'theatre' screen mounted on the roof, which offers rear passengers a cinematic experience through Amazon Fire TV.

Additionally, the rear doors are equipped with 5.5-inch touchscreens, allowing passengers to manage infotainment, climate controls, and seat adjustments, enhancing the overall luxury experience.

The performance of the BMW i7 is equally impressive. It is powered by two electric motors, one located on each axle, delivering a total output of 544 horsepower and 745 Nm of torque. This enables the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds, with a maximum speed of 239 km/h, limited by the electronic system.

The i7 is equipped with a 101.7 kWh lithium-ion battery, allowing it to cover a distance between 591 km and 625 km on the WLTP cycle. The vehicle supports charging at up to 11 kW on AC systems and 195 kW on DC systems, enabling rapid charging from 10% to 80% in less than 34 minutes on a fast charger.

Ambassador Ackermann’s engagement with local customs and his purchase of the BMW i7 symbolize a growing partnership between Germany and India, particularly in the realm of sustainable development. His actions reflect not only respect for Indian traditions but also a shared commitment to addressing environmental challenges through innovative transportation solutions. This cultural exchange exemplifies the goodwill that exists between the two nations as they work collaboratively toward a greener future.