BMW i7 Will Be The Most Powerful 7 Series Ever

Last year, BMW confirmed the next-generation 7 Series will be getting an all-electric variant for the first time in the model’s history, which will likely be called the i7. Unfortunately, BMW hasn’t shared any official details about its new flagship electric sedan, which will effectively be the Bavarian automaker’s answer to the Mercedes EQS. However, spy photos of prototypes have confirmed that testing has already begun.

According to a new report by Germany’s Auto Bild, the i7 will be the most powerful 7 Series ever with an output of over 650 horsepower, enabling BMW to compete with Mercedes-AMG’s rumored high-performance EQS variant.

That’s a significant improvement over the current M760i xDrive, which produces 600 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque from a 6.6-liter twin-turbo V12. Thanks to a 120 kWh battery, the i7 will reportedly boast a range of around 434 miles on a single charge, which is impressive for a large luxury sedan.

A less powerful variant is also allegedly in development, which will pack the same 80 kWh battery as the i4 providing a range of around 300 miles. This variant is expected to produce circa 536 hp. As for the styling, AutoBild believes BMW’s new, more angular design language will carry over to the i7, as will the large kidney grilles from the i4 and iX.

Aerodynamic wheels and blue accents will also set the i7 apart from its combustion counterparts. Spy shots have already shown the i7 will feature short front overhangs and slimmer headlights, which will also carry over to the next-generation 7 Series.

Like the iX, BMW’s new flagship electric sedan should also come equipped with advanced autonomous technology since prototypes have been spotted with an abundance of sensors. The BMW i7 is expected to debut sometime in 2022 and go on sale for the 2023 model year, but BMW could preview the electric sedan later this year.