Much has been written in recent months about the i7, the electric version of the next generation of the BMW 7 Series. This representative saloon (segment F) will hit the market in a couple of years to stand up to models of the Audi A9 e-Tron, the electric Jaguar XJ, and the Mercedes-Benz EQS. What will be your arguments to achieve it?
According to the British magazine Car, the BMW i7 will have a battery capacity of 100 kWh, thanks to which it will exceed 298 miles of autonomy. Considering that the Mercedes-Benz EQS will be around 435 miles, some Internet users have expressed their surprise at the estimated figures for the BMW, as the i7 runs the risk of lagging behind its main rival. The vehicle will have two electric motors (one per axle), thanks to which it will enjoy the all-wheel drive. The overall power will be around 542 hp (399 kW), although a more powerful M version should be added later.
Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Directors of BMW, already confirmed at the time the launch of a more performance variant of the electric saloon, which will also be produced exclusively in China for the whole world:
“And I can say it officially today: our flagship BMW 7 Series will be one [of the electric models that we will make in China]. The next-generation 7 Series will be available with four powertrain variants: gasoline, diesel, plug-in hybrid, and all-electric. All propulsion trains will be based on a single architecture. And the most potent 7 Series will be all-electric! However, the specs of this hypothetical M variant are still unknown.”
The BMW i7 has been rolling with its final body for some time. Despite the dense camouflage, you can see that its lines will be more stylized than those of the current 7 Series, with a more restrained double kidney-shaped fairing grille, curious two-height headlights, and proportions inspired by those of the prototype 2014 BMW Vision Future Luxury.
The differences between the heated 7 Series and the i7 will be limited to the blind grille, specific bumpers, and retractable door handles, and aerodynamic wheels. At a technological level, the electric saloon should have the same arsenal of driving aids as the BMW iX, presented just a few weeks ago.