Meet The New Boss - BMW i7

Different from the old boss, this prototype limo shows the game is evolving

- C J Hubbard

In case there was any doubt, this is the pinnacle of the BMW range. Meaning the seventh-generation 7 Series in its entirety, rather than this disguised i7 prototype specifically, although since the other candidate for that hallowed position is the all-electric BMW iX, the writing is on the wall here. Electrification is now coming thick and fast out of Munich. Or rather Dingolfing, where both these high-prestige roundel-bearers are actually assembled.

BMW are cagey about the exact specifications right now. However, having confirmed the 7er is still the Big Daddy, the technology showcase for the entire brand, anything the iX can do the i7 will do better. So, although much of the trickier stuff is shared-including the agnostic braking system that delivers identical pedal feel, no matter how much the car is using regen or friction-the twin motors will offer more oomph in the i7 than in the iX xDrive5o, the batteries will charge faster, and the augmented reality is further enhanced.