Key Points
- Updated BMW i7 will debuts on 22 April at Auto China 2026 with Neue Klasse design language.
- Rimac-developed batteries offer 20% higher energy density, boosting range and charging speed.
- Enhancements will make the i7 a stronger competitor in the luxury electric sedan segment.
BMW’s flagship electric sedan is about to get a refresh. The updated BMW i7 will celebrate its world premiere on 22 April at Auto China 2026 in Beijing, bringing the brand’s Neue Klasse design language into its all-electric 7 Series. While the new design is important, the real star of the show sits beneath the surface: batteries developed alongside electric hypercar maker Rimac.
The Neue Klasse Treatment
BMW’s Neue Klasse approach leans heavily into simplicity, as seen on the recently unveiled i3 sedan and award-winning iX3. Expect a cleaner front end, slimmer headlights, and a more defined grille (yes, you read that right). We’ve seen some renders and spy shots that give us a glimpse of what the facelifted 7 Series will look like, and if it’s anything to go off, we reckon the public won’t be offended by it. At least not compared to how the i3 was received.
Rimac Power Changes Everything
The biggest story here is the battery tech. BMW has teamed up with Mate Rimac and his team to supply the i7 with new cylindrical cells, forming part of the brand’s sixth-generation eDrive system. These high-voltage batteries promise around 20% higher energy density, which will lead to improved range and faster charging. Considering the current i7 already delivers competitive figures – up to 314 miles per charge and 34 minutes to charge from 10% to 80% – this leap could give the i7 a significant edge over its competitors. And since BMW wants to go all-in on EVs, this technology may trickle down to the rest of their all-electric lineup in the future.
A Stronger Contender in a Niche Segment
While enthusiasts snore at the thought of a new electric luxury sedan, it’s one BMW clearly takes seriously. With an even more dapper and futuristic design and cutting-edge battery tech from Rimac, the new BMW i7 promises to be efficient and eye-catching, exactly what luxury EV buyers desire. Against rivals like the Porsche Taycan, Lucid Air, and, if you’re willing to stretch your definition of luxury sedan, the Tesla Model S, the electric BMW now has a stronger argument than ever.
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