Why The New BMW i7 Will Be The First Proper Luxury Electric Sedan

Jan. 16, 2022 2:07 PM ET by Nikesh Kooverjee Rumor / 22 Comments

Sharing platforms with the ICE 7 Series was a more logical move for the brand.

The upcoming BMW i7 will soon be launched as the Bavarian brand's flagship all-electric sedan but unlike the Mercedes-Benz EQS and Audi E-Tron GT, this model won't have its own unique platform. Instead, it will share a platform with the G70 generation 7 Series. BMW board member for Development Frank Weber explains that this decision was made because it was the only way it could create an EV without any packaging compromises.

Speaking to Auto Motor und Sport, Weber says that this was the "only way we can offer a standard level of space without having to make too many compromises here due to aerodynamics."

He adds that the i7 will not be the most aerodynamic car because it will have the proportions of the 7 Series but he expects that the electric drive technology will provide "the best possible fuel consumption figures and ranges."

Autobild

BMW

BMW

The initial teaser images show the electric sedan covered in camouflage but we can see that it will be in line with the proportions of the upcoming 7 Series. This is a similar approach that BMW took with the i4 next to its 4 Series Gran Coupe relative. Weber continues to explain that the 7 Series will be the only model in its segment that will be available with electric, plug-in hybrid, gasoline, and diesel options.

When asked about the Mercedes-Benz EQS being the upcoming i7's most likely rival, Weber responded: "I'm very sure we'll succeed in doing that convincingly. The all-electric BMW i7 drives fantastically, for the self-driver, but especially when driven. I would even go so far as to say that with the i7 we will launch the first fully electric luxury sedan."

BMW

Just last month, the BMW i7 completed its hot weather testing where the brand revealed what conditions the prototype units would be subjected to. This included running the electrical systems through severe conditions such as gravel roads, deserts, and mountain passes. The interior trimmings were also put to the test to ensure long-lasting quality.

While there's no confirmation, it has been rumored that the i7 will feature an M60 state-of-tune capable of delivering 650 horsepower via two electric motors. The battery capacity isn't hinted at but a single-charge range of 400 miles is expected. The new BMW i7 along with the rest of the 7 Series range will be officially revealed sometime this year.