Next Generation of BMW 7 Series Offered With Electric Powertrain

BMW confirmed that the next-gen 7 Series will have four powertrain options; one of which will be all-electric. 

This week, while giving the Annual Accounts Press Conference, BMW Chairman Oliver Zipse dropped some big news. BMW has a number of strategies to meet the ever-changing industry trends. One way to keep competitive in the market, is to offer more options. To that end, hybrid and all-electric powertrainw will be available in the next-generation of the 7 Series flagship sedan.

Part of this decision is out of BMW’s hands. To comply with European laws, it is required that electrified vehicles (EVs) account for 40% of vehicle sales by 2030. This, however, is seen as an opportunity, says Zipse.

“Attractive choices for customers will be more important than ever,” he said.

The 7 Series will follow the success of the BMW X3. Later this year, the X3 will have four different drivetrain variants: gasoline, diesel plug-in hybrid, and the pure-electric iX3.

“The next-generation 7 Series will be available with four drivetrain variants: gas, diesel, plug-in hybrid, and fully-electric,” said Zilpse. “All drivetrains will be based on a single architecture. And the top, most powerful 7 Series will be fully electric!”

BMW is not expected to debut the new 7 Series until 2022, or 2023. But the company will be putting a direct hit on some competitors: namely Tesla, and Mercedes-Benz EQC.

Thankfully, they are not abandoning die-hard petrolheads.

“E-mobility continues to gain ground. However, the conventional engine remains the best drivetrain choice for a lot of people’s mobility needs in many regions of the world. Anything else would be out of touch with reality. That is why it makes a lot of sense to continue improving our combustion engines’ efficiency,” said Zilpse.

Ultimately, the automaker plans on continuing along with what makes BMW such a solid performer: drive quality. They are smart to take the time and release all-electric vehicles at the right time. So the roll out to all-electric across the lineup will take time. We think an EV that drives like pure BMW is worth the wait.

And if that makes the competition a little nervous, it should. As Zipse said in closing, “we are challenging the competition in every segment.”

What do you think of an all-electric 7 Series?

Photos: BMW 

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S.J. Bryan

Longtime automotive journalist S.J. Bryan has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is an editor with Ford Truck Enthusiasts and regular contributor to F-150 Online, Harley-Davidson Forums, and The Mustang Source, among other popular auto sites.

Bryan first discovered her passion for all things automotive while riding in her parent's 1968 Ford Mustang. The automotive expert cut her teeth growing up riding on Harleys, and her first car was a Chevy Nova. Despite her lead foot, Bryan has yet to receive a speeding ticket.

The award-winning former playwright was first published at age 18. She has worked extensively as a writer and editor for a number of lifestyle and pop culture publications. The diehard gearhead is a big fan of American muscle cars, sixth-gen Ford trucks, and Oxford commas.

S.J. can be reached at sherryjbry@gmail.com.