Livestream begins at 12 PM GMT/ 8 AM EDT
It’s rare to see a new BMW 7 Series, as the G70 model that debuts today is only the seventh generation in 45-years. It will be completely different from its predecessors in terms of technology, drivetrains, and features. This is especially true for the front, which features a large grille and split headlights. This design was first seen on the X7 facelift, and will be adopted later in 2022 by the XM.
We are cautiously optimistic about exterior styling but have high expectations for the cabin. The new 7 Series will be using the iDrive 8 to bring a new rear-seat entertainment system. It features a huge 31-inch, 8K LCD. Teasers show that it will follow the same “less is more”, approach as the iX, eliminating all physical buttons to clear up the dashboard.
Today’s livestream is about the i7, first electric 7 Series. The i7 will be joined by other gasoline- and diesel-powered models, as well as plug-in hybrid derivatives. BMW does not yet have an EV platform, so the zero emission sedan will share the CLAR foundations with the 7er. The two sides of Bavaria’s flagship should be almost identical. Think i4 and 4 Series Gran Coupe.
We have bad news for those who believe displacement is the only way to go. The twin-turbo, 6.8-liter V12 engine in the M760i will not live to see another generation. The new 7 Series will still have 601 horsepower, but it won’t be the same car as the M760i’s twin-turbo, 6.6-liter V12 engine. We are betting on a more powerful fully-electric i7 with dual engines, considering that the M60 is rated to 610 horsepower.
We’ve seen spy shots of the prototypes in the past months that show the same size. This suggests that BMW may have chosen to sell the next-gen 7er with one wheelbase instead of splitting it into SWB or LWB. The i7 is being planned so the distance between the axles should be sufficient to accommodate all those batteries and still provide enough range for a flagship vehicle.
Once the livestream begins at 12 PM GMT/ 8 AM ET, we will have all details.