Next gen 7 Series: Purely electric model variant

As BMW continues an electric offense, the Bavarians plan to release over 7 million electrified vehicles by 2020. According to them, two thirds of them will be all-electric variants. The next-generation BMW 7 Series due out in 2022 is said to be included. BMW says that “the next generation of luxury sedans of the BMW 7 Series will be offered as a purely electric model variant.”

Although the statement doesn’t clarify whether a fully-electric 7 Series will be on the go, or in a plug-in hybrid as well. So far, we are only certain that the work on the upcoming BMW G70 7 Series is in progress. In fact, we have already spotted its first prototypes on the road. And this includes the ever 7 Series electric model.

The BEV version of the G70 7 Series will be named as the i7. The top model won’t be powered by a V8 or V12 engine, or even a V16. That’s a first in the history of the 7 Series. Alternatively, a flagship model with an all-electric drivetrain will be offered. As to what we’ve heard, the acting and possibly the final name is BMW i7 M60.

Of course, Other i7 variants will be available as well. Especially those with less power and lower range. Presently, there’s talk about an 80 kWh pack as well as a 120 kWh pack around Munich. On the WLTP testing procedure, the latter is proposing a range of over 630 km (391 miles).

We are still clueless about the new i7’s charging capabilities. Yet it’s safe to say that BMW will use the most recent and greatest tech. We also have the upcoming BMW iNEXT to give us hints about those capabilities. We sure have to wait more whether the new 7 Series will be fully electric or be in the same hybrid platform as the BMW X8 as well.