Rumors about a possible zero-emission variant of the BMW 7-Series go back a few years, but it’s finally happening and we have the first spy shots that confirm it.

Seen on the back of a trailer along with other Bimmers, the i7 (name unconfirmed) has an ‘Electric Test Vehicle’ sticker on the front door and a plug-in port on the front fender. Furthermore, the company has applied camouflage to the headlamps and taillights, which means that they will be different from the ones on the ICE-powered 7er.

Video: Driving The Mercedes-Benz Vision EQS Concept Feels Like Stepping Into The S-Class’ Future

Now, the sixth generation of Munich’s flagship sedan has been in production since 2015, and the rumor mill says that it will be replaced in mid-2022. So, is this actually a prototype of the current iteration, or a test mule of its successor? We do know that BMW takes time developing and testing new products, and with almost three years of production left, do they have enough time to launch the Mercedes-Benz EQS rival? Moreover, if they do, will it serve as the swansong of the G11/G12 (normal/long wheelbase)?

Anyhow, one thing is certain: the 7-Series will go electric, and in a few years, we’ll have three different versions of it: ICE-powered, PHEV and EV. It is understood that the latter will be offered in two flavors: the i7 and i7 S. The first one might get an 80 kWh battery pack and probably the powertrain of the i4, whereas the second one is thought to come with a 120 kWh battery, more than 650 HP and have a range of around 700 km (434 miles).

BMW 7-Series Spied With Electric Powertrain, Say Hello To The i7
BMW 7-Series Spied With Electric Powertrain, Say Hello To The i7
BMW 7-Series Spied With Electric Powertrain, Say Hello To The i7
BMW 7-Series Spied With Electric Powertrain, Say Hello To The i7
BMW 7-Series Spied With Electric Powertrain, Say Hello To The i7
BMW 7-Series Spied With Electric Powertrain, Say Hello To The i7
BMW 7-Series Spied With Electric Powertrain, Say Hello To The i7
BMW 7-Series Spied With Electric Powertrain, Say Hello To The i7
BMW 7-Series Spied With Electric Powertrain, Say Hello To The i7
BMW 7-Series Spied With Electric Powertrain, Say Hello To The i7
BMW 7-Series Spied With Electric Powertrain, Say Hello To The i7
BMW 7-Series Spied With Electric Powertrain, Say Hello To The i7
BMW 7-Series Spied With Electric Powertrain, Say Hello To The i7
BMW 7-Series Spied With Electric Powertrain, Say Hello To The i7
BMW 7-Series Spied With Electric Powertrain, Say Hello To The i7
BMW 7-Series Spied With Electric Powertrain, Say Hello To The i7
BMW 7-Series Spied With Electric Powertrain, Say Hello To The i7
BMW 7-Series Spied With Electric Powertrain, Say Hello To The i7

Picture Credits: CarPix for CarScoops