BMW has revealed new images of its upcoming electric i7 saloon undergoing winter testing ahead of the model’s full launch in 2022.
While heavily camouflaged in the images, it shows BMW will remain true to the traditional saloon design, rather than adopting a swoopier look like Mercedes has done with its EQS. The images also reveal that the i7 will get BMW’s new lighting design, with lower positioned headlamps and separate LED running lights that appear higher up.
The new i7 previews BMW’s new 7 Series, arguably the most important model in the brand’s range as its flagship luxury car. Like the iX3 and i4, the i7 will be sold alongside petrol, diesel and hybrid versions of the regular car.
BMW is currently testing the new i7 in some of the world’s toughest conditions at the brand’s winter testing centre in Arjeplog, Sweden. Positioned close to the Arctic Circle, it is said to ‘present the perfect conditions for engineers to fine-tune the performance of all drive and suspension systems’.
Lapland’s frozen lakes are also said to be ideal to develop steering due to the low friction, as well as testing the extreme durability of its electrical system, which is shared with BMW’s new iX.
BMW has not revealed any powertrain details for the i7, though it’s likely to share the same setups as the iX, which is currently available with up to 516bhp, while offering an electric range of up to 390 miles. The i7’s sleeker shape is likely to improve on that, though, perhaps pushing beyond 400 miles.
Further details on the BMW i7 will be announced in the run up to the i7’s full reveal next year.
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