MUNICH: The BMW Group is cooperating with Rimac Technology (Croatia) on the new all-electric BMW i7.
The aim of the joint project is to bring the Gen6 technology developed by BMW for an innovative high-voltage storage system for more range and higher charging speed to the 7 Series sedan.
The sixth generation of BMW eDrive technology (Gen6) is finding its way into BMW's top-of-the-range all-electric model in the form of its 4695 lithium-ion cylindrical cell.
The cell has a 20 percent higher volumetric energy density compared to the prismatic cells of the Gen5.
The high-voltage battery, which combines Gen6 cell technology with the established Gen5 module design, enables the new i7 to achieve a significantly increased range.
The charging capacity is increased and the charging time reduced accordingly.
The new i7 will celebrate its world premiere on April 22 at Auto China 2026 in Beijing.
"We are quickly rolling out the technologies of the Neue Klasse across our entire model portfolio - including, of course, in our all-electric luxury sedan. The teams of both companies have developed a tailor-made solution for the new BMW i7," says BMW Group senior VP development high-voltage storage and charging Dr Thomas Engelhardt.
"The excellent collaboration with Rimac Technology is a good example of European innovative strength."
The high-voltage battery is manufactured at Rimac Technology in Croatia and delivered ready for assembly at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing, the world's only production facility for the 7 Series.
Rimac Group founder and president Mate Rimac says, “BMW has always been known for pushing engineering to the highest level, which made this collaboration especially exciting for us."
"Together, we developed a high-voltage battery system that unlocks the full potential of the new cylindrical cells in record time, delivering significant improvements in energy, range, and charging performance."
Rimac Technology is a Tier 1 supplier belonging to the Rimac Group that specialises in electrification in the automotive sector with innovative products.
The portfolio is defined by high-voltage battery systems, e-axles as well as electronics and software solutions that are developed and produced in-house.
This makes it possible to offer solutions that combine advanced technology with a high degree of customisation.
The long-term partnership with the BMW Group demonstrates the company's transformation from a niche supplier for super sports cars to a Tier 1 supplier for high-volume vehicle projects.
