Next generation BMW 7 Series will be battery powered
As the automotive world heads towards and electrified future, BMW has announced that their iconic 7 Series will also be charged up for change. At the annual conference for analysts and investors, BMW declared that the next generation of the 7 Series sedan will get an all-electric powertrain along with highly efficient petrol and diesel engine options and a plug-in hybrid as well.
As of now, almost all conventional BMW powertrains are mild-hybrids, running the 48V electric systems with crank assist. As the engine experiences higher loads getting off the block, it uses more fuel and as a result, releases higher emissions. The electric crank assist through the starter motor provides low-end torque thus sharing the engine load and hence saving fuel and emissions. As BMW prepares to cut down on its fleet average of CO2, the V12 immediately gets put up on the block. The 6.6l V12 of the 7 Series has been its signature but BMW has already decided to not continue it any further.
As for the electric powertrain, BMW seems to have an option ready, the one showcased in the i4 sedan concept that was revealed earlier this month. That is a 530PS output all-electric powertrain and is rated at 500kms of range with full batteries. Of course the 7 Series will be much heavier in comparison and run many more systems in the background while being driven, but a larger battery pack and a lower power output can easily make the electric 7 a viable option.
The new BMW 7 Series will certainly be more luxurious and capable than the current generation car that is expected to be produced till 2022. The new 7 will be a MY2023 car and launched in Europe in mid-2022, in the US in the latter half of 2022 and in India by the end of the year. It will take on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the Audi A8L and the Jaguar XJ L along with the Lexus LS.