Next year will see the release of the first 7er with no combustion engine.
BMW missed the Mercedes-EQS world premiere. The company claims that the i7 will become the “world’s most electricly powered luxury sedan”. These images were taken in Arjeplog (Sweden), where the BMW Group has its winter testing center. It is currently being used for final touches to the drive and suspension systems for the first electric 7 Series.
Bavarians have adopted the “Power of Choice”, strategy to sell their next flagship. The luxobarge can be powered by gasoline, diesel, plug in hybrid and electric motors. Next year, the and i7 will be unveiled at the world premiere. We have another chance to see the fully camouflaged prototype, but it does not include the final headlights or taillights.
We have seen the Concept XM earlier in the week and can confirm that the upcoming flagship sedan will feature a controversial split headlight design. The visible lights at front are provisional and will be used for low/high beams, while the upper strip of daytime running light remains concealed under the disguise.
The i7 will be largely identical to the 7 Series, as spy shots show. This is why it is so. The new BMW crown jewel will be built on the same architecture and design as the models with combustion engines, unlike the EQS mentioned earlier.
The i7 prototype was driven on frozen lakes just a few miles from the Arctic Circle. It features the newly designed handles by the company, which are flush with the bodywork to improve aerodynamics. The white handles on the door are just stickers that are placed right above the actual ones. The charging port is located on the passenger side of the rear fender.
BMW has confirmed that the new electric 7 Series will be powered by the fifth-generation eDrive technology, which was already used in the iX hybrid SUV. To ensure that the temperature control and battery are able to withstand extreme temperatures, the silent sedan is being tested under low temperatures. Engineers are also monitoring the friction brakes as well as the energy recuperation system’s automatic deceleration.
The prototype is still missing some production parts, so it indicates that the official unveiling will likely take place in 2022. The sales should begin by the end or early of next year.