BMW Could Be Working On A Hotter Version Of The 7 Series

Sep. 16, 2019 8:15 PM ET by Jared Rosenholtz Rumor / 1 Comment

But will it finally wear an M badge?

BMW's M cars have been getting larger and heavier over the years but there has still never been a true M version of the 7 Series. A potential M7 has been rumored for years and a trademark filing last year had us thinking it might finally become a reality but as of right now, the Alpina B7 and the M760i xDrive remain the fastest versions of the flagship 7 Series, though rumors of the V8's and V12's deaths in the next generation may throw a wrench into the mix.

If BMW does decide to ditch larger engines, it will need to come up with replacements. According to BMW Blog, these replacements are already in development for the next-generation 7 Series, codenamed the G70.

The site claims the next-generation 7 Series will have a range of hybrid versions, including one called the M750Le. It is rumored to use the 3.0-liter turbocharged B58 inline-six engine mated to an electric motor, making it the first M Performance model to have a plug-in hybrid system. Without any hybrid assist, the B58 produces up to 382 horsepower on its own, though the M750Le is rumored to use a new version of the engine (codenamed the B58B30O2) with over 400.

This doesn't even factor in the electric motor, which could bring total output to around 550 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. BMW already builds a plug-in hybrid variant of the 7 Series called the 745e xDrive iPerformance with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, though it only produces 389 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque.

Along with a healthy increase in power, this next-generation plug-in drivetrain should allow for more than the pitiful 16-mile electric range of the current 7 Series. For those who don't need 550 hp, there will also be lesser versions of the drivetrain producing between 450 and 470 hp in short a long-wheelbase configurations. Three mild-hybrid drivetrains are also expected to join the lineup along with an all-electric model.

BMW Could Be Working On A Hotter Version Of The 7 Series

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