BMW has begun work on an all-electric version of the 7 Series sedan. The brand has also released pictures of the vehicle undergoing winter testing. A world premiere of the car is expected to take place sometime next year.

BMW released a set of pictures and footage of disguised prototypes of its forthcoming Mercedes-Benz EQS rival being driven at the brand’s winter test centre at Arjeplog, Sweden. BMW has also confirmed that the i7 will use the fifth-generation eDrive system that is also used on the iX electric SUV (coming to India this month) and also in models like the 2 Series coupe and the i4 electric sedan. 

 

While the brand has not released details on the i7’s powertrain, the dual-motor set-up used by the iX xDrive50 produces 523hp. In this form, the iX is capable of 0-100kph in 4.6sec and an electronically limited 250kph top speed, so the i7 should post broadly similar figures.

 

The iX will initially be available in three forms – xDrive40, xDrive50 and top-rung M60, with the last one packing more than 600hp – and the i7 is likely to roughly follow suit. The 105.2kWh lithium-ion battery pack in the iX is claimed to be capable of around 611km of range, and if equipped with the same unit, the lower-slung i7 could improve upon that.

 

While ride comfort remains crucial, BMW also emphasised that driving dynamics will be key to the i7's appeal and help differentiate it from other upcoming luxury EVs, including the next-generation Audi A8, which was recently previewed by the radical Grandsphere concept. BMW confirmed last year that the next-generation 7 Series would arrive with petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric powertrains, allowing it to complete with the combustion-powered Mercedes-Benz S-Class as well as the electric EQS.

 

Despite the camouflage, there's a clear family resemblance to the outgoing 7 Series, which is set to end production next year. There's also a chance that the kidney grilles will be more reserved than on other recent BMW models, such as the outlandish XM Concept.

 

Previous spy images have shown an interior closely mirroring that of the iX, with a prominent central infotainment display and a curved digital instrument cluster. BMW is expected to officially unveil the i7 in the coming months, ahead of its launch towards the end of 2022.