BMW is preparing to unveil a significant evolution of its flagship luxury line at the upcoming Beijing Motor Show. The update, which includes both the traditional combustion-engine 7 Series and the all-electric i7, marks a strategic pivot toward high-density battery technology and advanced digital interfaces.
A Leap in Battery Performance via Rimac Collaboration
The most critical advancement for the new i7 lies beneath the chassis. In a strategic move to compete with the highest tier of luxury electric vehicles (EVs), BMW has partnered with Rimac Technologies to implement “Gen 6” cylindrical battery cells.
This collaboration addresses the primary hurdle for large luxury EVs: range anxiety and charging speed. By leveraging Rimac’s expertise, BMW aims to achieve the following:
- Increased Energy Density: The new cells are expected to offer a 20% improvement in energy density compared to the current model.
- Extended Range: While the current i7 offers between 350 and 380 miles, the new generation—likely utilizing a battery pack of at least 112kWh—is targeting a milestone 500-mile range.
- Rapid Charging: Following the trajectory of the “Neue Klasse” platform, the i7 is expected to support significantly higher charging speeds, potentially reaching up to 400kW.
Contextual Note: The involvement of Rimac Technologies is significant. While Rimac is famously linked to high-performance hypercars, this partnership allows BMW to scale cutting-edge battery architecture for mass-market luxury, bridging the gap between supercar efficiency and daily premium usability.
Design Evolution: Sharper Lines and New Identities
Visual updates for the 7 Series suggest a departure from recent design trends toward a more structured, angular aesthetic. Spy shots and recent leaks indicate a major redesign of the vehicle’s exterior:
The Front End
The signature BMW grille is set to become more segmented, featuring integrated LED lighting around the perimeter. The headlight configuration will evolve into a slimmer, wider upper element, with the primary lighting units tucked more elegantly into the side air intakes.
Model Differentiation
BMW appears to be leaning into a dual-personality approach for the 7 Series:
1. Sophisticated Trim: Focused on elegance and understated luxury.
2. M Sport Trim: A more aggressive, performance-oriented aesthetic.
3. Alpina Variant: A new high-end bespoke option is also expected to join the lineup.
Digital Transformation and Interior Luxury
The interior overhaul is designed to match the technological leap of the powertrain. The new models will debut BMW’s latest electronic architecture, centered around the Panoramic iDrive system.
This system will introduce next-generation touchscreen interfaces designed to feel more intuitive while maintaining the “opulence” expected of a flagship sedan. This digital ecosystem will be standardized across both the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and fully electric models, ensuring a cohesive user experience regardless of the fuel source.
Summary
BMW is leveraging its “Neue Klasse” technological foundation and a high-profile partnership with Rimac to transform the 7 Series into a leader in both range and digital luxury. The full reveal at the Beijing Motor Show will confirm whether these advancements can successfully secure BMW’s dominance in the increasingly competitive premium EV market.
