New 2023 BMW 7 Series G70 to get 600bhp - plus EV range-topper

BMW will also go after Mercedes-Benz’s new EQS EV flagship with an electric variant of the new-generation 7 Series, due in 2022.

As with the 5 Series EV, the ‘i7’ will sit atop the same architecture as the pure-combustion and PHEV variants and has already been confirmed as “the top, most powerful 7 Series” by BMW boss Oliver Zipse. This implies that the V12-engined M760Li range-topper will be retired at the conclusion of the current car’s life cycle, bringing to an end 45 years of 12-cylinder 7 Series production.

Zipse’s comment suggests the i7 will arrive with a maximum power output of around 600bhp, which in turn means it is likely to be offered with the same twin-motor, four-wheel-drive powertrain as the hot M60 version of the new iX SUV.

Its extended wheelbase over the i4 and future i5 means it will be able to accommodate larger battery packs. The 100kWh unit used by the range-topping iX is a likely candidate, for example, and would give the i7 an EQS-rivalling range of around 400 miles.

New 7 Series will arrive in 2022 and be topped by 4WD i7 EV