BMW’s i7 gets Rimac batteries, rare-earth-free motors, and drops Level 3 driving
April 22, 2026 – 7:05 pm
Summary:
BMW revealed the facelifted 2027 i7 simultaneously at Grand Central Terminal and Auto China with several significant upgrades:
- Gen6 cylindrical cells from Rimac: Using BMW’s sixth-generation cylindrical cells for the first time outside their dedicated Neue Klasse platform.
- Rare-earth-free motors with SiC inverters: The i7 now features rare-earth-free motors paired with silicon carbide (SiC) inverters.
- 250 kW charging: Achieving a charging power of 250 kilowatts, up from 195.
- Extended range: The i7 60 xDrive targets 350+ miles EPA and 728 km WLTP. The i7 50 reaches 611 km, and the M70 is expected to achieve 686 km.
- Drop in Level 3 autonomous driving: BMW has dropped Level 3 autonomous driving entirely, replacing it with the cheaper Level 2 Symbiotic Drive system.
- Overhauled interior: Featuring the Panoramic Vision, an 8K Theatre Screen, and Operating System X.
BMW’s move comes as European EV makers gain ground against Tesla, whose registrations fell nearly 60% year on year in Germany early 2025. The new Gen6 battery and Rimac partnership aim to address the i7’s previous range limitations.
Technical Details:
The cylindrical cells deliver roughly 20% higher volumetric energy density, allowing for a significant increase in usable capacity without changing the pack’s dimensions. The existing floor structure of the G70 7 Series needed no modifications, thanks to the compact format of the new Gen6 cells.
Rimac Technology, known for the Nevera hypercar, established two production lines and an end-to-end supply chain near Zagreb, Croatia to manufacture the battery packs. BMW assembles them at its plant in Dingolfing, Germany.