PLUS: Lexus unveils RZ 450e, Mercedes' EQS SUV joins lineup, and Honda plans EVs.
This week BMW took the wraps off the its next-gen 7-Series, one that will be offered globally in gasoline, diesel, plug-in hybrid, and battery-electric forms. While those who opt for gas engines will have a straight-six and a V8 to choose from, the EV version that will be badged i7 xDrive60 will offer a dual-motor layout good for 536 hp and 549 lb-ft of torque.
The new 7-Series won't be just about performance numbers—it's an all-new design aesthetic inside and out. The new sedan flagship aims to be much more of a luxury yacht than some of its predecessors. "The new generation of luxury sedans from BMW opens up a whole new dimension in spaciousness. Unlike its predecessors, the new BMW 7-Series will be available worldwide exclusively as a long-wheelbase model that maximizes space in the rear," the automaker says. |
The 7-Series will offer rear-seat passengers quite a few screens. |
With a panoramic screen for rear-seat passengers and room to stretch out, the new sedan will try to inch its way into a niche currently occupied by the Mercedes-Maybach sedan. The rear ceiling screen and the iDrive screen up front won't be the only ones in the car, as BMW has managed to turn even the usual door button panels into screens of their own. "The all-electric luxury sedan is a fully integrated member of the model family and clearly demonstrates how an exclusive driving experience and the ultimate feeling of on-board wellbeing can be combined with an unwavering commitment to sustainability," the automaker says. With a 101.7-kWh battery underneath, the i7 will aim for about 300 miles of range, though concrete numbers will be available closer to the start of sales stateside.
Speaking of sales, the BMW i7 xDrive60 will set its sights on the Mercedes-Benz EQS, Audi e-tron GT, Porsche Taycan, and the Tesla Model S, while offering its own version of the EV luxury flagship experience. But it won't be inexpensive.
Read on to find out what else to expect from the i7, and how much it will cost.
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A Lincoln concept imagines an electric SUV, but is this something we'll see in the near future? |
Speaking of new EVs, this week Lincoln unveiled the Star Concept, giving us a glimpse of future battery-electric models from the marque. Featuring suicide doors and a single-pane grille as a nod to classic Continentals, the Star Concept still adopts the bodystyle of a sport utility, perhaps reflecting the current preferences of luxury EV buyers.
The Star Concept itself is not meant to preview a production vehicle—it's far more avant-garde than any impending model will be. Of course, Lincoln could simply offer a restyled and rebadged Mustang Mach-E. That's easy enough to accomplish, but that's not what its parent company is after.
"As Lincoln enters the next chapter in our transition to a zero-emissions future, the Lincoln Star Concept will lead the way for our portfolio of fully electric vehicles," said Joy Falotico, president of the company. "It is an excellent example of how we are redefining luxury for the next generation as we work to transform the vehicle into a third space—a true place of sanctuary—for our clients."
Read on to find out when we can expect the first production EVs from Lincoln.
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Amid Toyota's push for a deeper investment into the electric future, Lexus is hitting the heart of the marketplace with its first battery-electric vehicle. As we expected, the new Lexus carries the RZ name and the 450e badge, effectively making this the RZ 450e. This all-electric Lexus might not be the first EV to market, but it is part of Toyota's bigger picture of expanding its presence in the EV space. |
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Mercedes-Benz is serious about going electric, revealing its third all-electric vehicle on the new, dedicated EQ platform, the big and mighty EQS SUV you see here. With all the development work now finished on the last of its internal-combustion C-, E-, and S-Class siblings, Mercedes has no plans whatsoever for further work on new gasoline or diesel sedans, coupes, or SUVs. |
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