This story contains independent illustrations by CarScoops’ artist Josh Byrnes based on the 7-Series and i7 prototypes we’ve spied over the past few months. The renderings are not related to nor endorsed by BMW.
Arguably one of the most anticipated reveals of 2022, the seventh-generation of the popular BMW 7-Series luxury sedan promises to be the most advanced offering to ever come out of Munich. In fact, for the first time, an all-electric variant called the i7 will sit alongside its ICE-powered siblings as the automotive world embraces EVs.
We’ve all seen the countless spy-shots (several staged by BMW itself), so let’s take a sneak-peek under all the camouflage and illustratively explore everything the next flagship limo from Munich that is known internally as the G70 has to offer.
Powerful Exterior Presence That Won’t Go By Unnoticed
As previewed by the upcoming BMW XM crossover, the all-new 7’er wears a controversial but, not doubt, unique new face featuring a split headlamp arrangement and an imposing twin-kidney grille that’s the biggest one to grace the series yet. Make of it what you will, but compared to competitors from Mercedes-Benz and Audi, it’s a bold look that will surely get noticed.
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Other frontal details include a twin dome clamshell hood, thin upper DRLs, and expressive chrome inlays. The side profile is classic BMW with substantial proportions and that signature Hofmeister kink, whilst the windows are flush-seated for a sleeker aesthetic. Rear styling is subdued compared to the front, featuring an L-shaped LED taillight cluster and angular lower bumper.
Inside, Screens, Screens And More Screens
Forget Mercedes-Benz and their Hyperscreen – BMW has a 31 inch, 8K Theater screen that drops down from the ceiling. Looking like a high-resolution billboard for rear-seat occupants, it features Bowers and Wilkins 4D surround audio, 5G connectivity and Amazon Fire built-in.
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Upfront, there’s a 14.6-inch curved digital instrument cluster and infotainment system running BMW’s 8th-generation iDrive setup, a crystal drive mode and gear selector, an electrochromic panoramic roof, and digital art modes to personalize the cabin.
The CLAR-based 7-Series will also sport standard air suspension, soft-close doors and Level 3 autonomous driving (although not available in the US at launch).
An Electrified Outlook
Various forms of electrification will be offered, ranging from mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid and full battery-electric propulsion. The good folk over at BMW Blog report that the B58 twin-turbocharged, 3.0-litre inline-six will be revised with hybridization in various states of tune. While the V12-powered M760i is no longer, a new twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 with an electric motor is also on the cards for the 7-Series producing up to around 650-horsepower.
Helping propel the all-electric i7 are dual electric motors and a massive 120 kWh battery pack. This setup is suitable for a range of up to 435 miles (700 km) on a single charge. Whilst BMW is yet to reveal performance figures, initial testing has yielded powertrain efficiency of 22.5 – 19.5 kWh/100 km under WLTP standards.
For those wanting the utmost in silent performance, rumor has it that a range-topping M tri-motor variant is also in the works, with up to 740 hp (552 kW).
Rivals and reveal
Closest rivals to the all-new 7-Series include the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Bentley Continental Flying Spur, Genesis G90 and Audi A8, whilst the all-electric version competes against the Mercedes-Benz EQS, Tesla Model S and Lucid Air.
An official debut will take place in the coming months, while production kicks off later this year as MY2023 offering.
What do you think of the new 7-Series? Share your views in the comments below.