The 2027 BMW i7 might not be a complete Neue Klasse overhaul like the iX3, but it could still represent a technological breakthrough. The German brand is partnering with Croatian supercar maker Rimac, specifically Rimac Technology, to bring its sixth-generation (Gen6) battery technology to the i7’s luxury sedan format.
The implementation will meld BMW’s 4695 lithium-ion cylindrical cells with the existing fifth-generation (Gen5) module design. The move will provide 20 percent higher energy density, faster charging, and “significantly increased range,” according to BMW. The company isn’t providing updated figures at this stage.
Rimac is manufacturing the batteries at its plant in Croatia, and delivering them to BMW’s 7 Series factory in Dingolfing. The company has long focused on boutique supercars like its own Nevera and the Bugatti badge (acquired in 2021), but sees the BMW partnership as a way to transition to “high-volume” car projects.
Base Trim Engine
EV
Base Trim Transmission
1-speed automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive
What we know about the 2027 BMW i7
A refresh, not a revolution
BMW plans to unveil the 2027 i7 and its conventional 7 Series counterpart on April 22nd at the Auto China 2026 show in Beijing. In March, it offered a teaser image that showed the upscale car’s Neue Klasse-style light-up grille and headlights, but little else.
Most details are still under wraps. However, the whole 7 Series is expected to get an iX3-like cockpit with a paralellogram infotainment display and a panoramic projection that spans the entire dashboard. The interior might not change as drastically in cars like the iX3, however.
We are quickly rolling out the technologies of the Neue Klasse across our entire model portfolio—including, of course, in our all-electric luxury sedan. The teams of both companies have developed a tailor-made solution for the new BMW i7. The excellent collaboration with Rimac Technology is a good example of European innovative strength. ~ Dr. Thomas Engelhardt, Senior VP Development, High Voltage Storage and Charging, BMW Group.
Possible trim levels and powertrains
What the rumor mill is saying
BMW i7 EV teaser image showing headlights.Credit: BMW
The i7 is rumored to come in 50, 70, and M70 performance trim levels, although all of them are poised to include a 112.5 kWh battery.
An initial combustion engine 7 Series will supposedly be powered by a 3.0-liter turbo six-cylinder engine, but future versions might include an M-badged twin-turbo V8, a diesel variant, and a plug-in hybrid. In mid-2027, you’ll reportedly see an Alpina 7 Series that includes an i7 model as well as six-cylinder and V8 editions.
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When the i7 might hit the market
It’s not clear when a larger redesign of the i7 will be ready. BMW introduced the current design in 2023, so a larger rework might not come for a few more years.
“BMW has always been known for pushing engineering to the highest level, which made this collaboration especially exciting for us,” said Mate Rimac, Founder and President of Rimac Group. “Together, we developed a high-voltage battery system that unlocks the full potential of the new cylindrical cells in record time, delivering significant improvements in energy, range, and charging performance.”
