A prototype for BMW’s next-generation 7-Collection has been noticed once more.

The tester is for a battery-electric model that is prone to function some styling parts distinct to the remainder of the 7-Collection lineup, like a sealed-off grille. It could even have a novel title, corresponding to “i7.” Different photographs present prototypes with internal-combustion engines.

There’s loads of camouflage gear to cover the true form, notably across the C-pillar to masks the newest tackle BMW’s signature Hofmeister kink. There may be additionally a rearward going through digital camera mounted to every of the entrance fenders, in addition to a number of cameras and a big sensor within the grille space.

The newest spy photographs present the true form of the grille, which is harking back to the design on the not too long ago revealed iX battery-electric SUV. The protruding, shark nostril design in the meantime seems to have been impressed by the Pininfarina-styled Gran Lusso Coupe idea from 2013.

The ensuing design ought to be a lot grander and extra dynamic than the considerably staid look of the present G11 7-Collection.

Underpinning the automobile shall be an up to date model of the present 7-Collection’ CLAR platform which is versatile sufficient to help a number of powertrain varieties. For the electrical 7-Collection, BMW will use its fifth-generation battery and electrical powertrain know-how which debuted final 12 months within the iX3 crossover offered abroad.

The know-how helps batteries with as much as 120 kilowatt-hours of capability, or sufficient for a spread approaching 400 miles. BMW’s battery companions embody CATL, Samsung SDI and Northvolt.

The powertrain will depend on modular drive models that mix the electrical motor, transmission and energy management unit right into a single housing. Three of those drive models creating over 720 hp mixed motivated the 5-Collection demonstrator BMW unveiled a few years again; two powered the rear wheels independently, permitting for torque vectoring management, and one powered the entrance pair. Such a system permits BMW to scale energy output and add all-wheel-drive functionality for particular person fashions by merely including or subtracting powertrain modules. Within the iX, two of the drive models ship about 500 hp.

Different powertrains destined for the next-gen 7-Collection ought to embody mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid setups. A V-8 in mild-hybrid configuration is a positive guess however the jury continues to be out on whether or not a V-12 will nonetheless be round. Nonetheless, a senior BMW exec as not too long ago as 2019 stated the corporate had no plans to desert the massive engine simply but.

Search for the next-gen 7-Collection to reach in 2022 as a 2023 mannequin. The battery-electric i7 ought to be obtainable near the launch.