New BMW i7 Set for Beijing Debut with Key Upgrades

Daily Car

·

08/04/2026

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BMW has confirmed the updated i7 electric luxury sedan will be revealed at the Beijing motor show on April 22. The new model is slated to receive significant improvements to its electric powertrain and a refreshed exterior design, signaling a key step in the evolution of the brand's flagship electric vehicle.

Advanced Battery and Powertrain

The most substantial change is found in the vehicle's battery system. The updated i7 will incorporate new cylindrical battery cells, a technology shared with BMW's next-generation 'Neue Klasse' platform. These cells provide a 20% improvement in energy density, which means the battery can hold more energy within the same physical space. This enhancement is expected to deliver a notable increase in driving range, pushing it beyond the current model's 387-mile maximum. To achieve this, BMW has collaborated with Rimac Technology, a Croatian specialist in high-performance electric systems, on the development of the new high-voltage battery.

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Evolved Design and Market Context

On the design front, the new i7 will feature a simplified and more assertive front end. Key changes include a squarer, more prominent kidney grille and wider daytime-running lights. This brings the i7's styling closer to the brand's 'Neue Klasse' design language, as seen on concepts for the future iX3 and i3, while maintaining a more conservative look appropriate for a flagship sedan. This refresh is part of a broader strategy by BMW to update several key models across its lineup this year. By enhancing the i7 with tangible improvements in range and modernizing its design, BMW aims to strengthen its position in the competitive premium electric sedan market.

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