Spied: BMW i7 EV in Transit on Malaysian Roads – Launching Soon?

As the end of the year beckons, carmakers and auto journalists alike are looking forward for new car launches in the following year. But some launches might come sooner than expected, as suggested by these spy shots taken earlier today.

Spotted in transit on Malaysian soil is the all-new BMW i7 EV – several of them in fact. A total of three i7 EVs were seen transported on a rather small car carrier nearby the NKVE Damansara toll plaza.

Having spotted the BMW i7 in transit locally, we reckon an official launch, or at least initial customer deliveries, will take place soon. Previously, CariCarz.com has learnt that BMW Group Malaysia quietly held a private event earlier this year where it previewed the pre-production i7 unit exclusively to selected clients.

The BMW i7 is the Bavarian marque’s first-ever premium flagship EV saloon that is poised to take on the Mercedes-Benz EQS. Globally, the i7 comes in several variants, with the xDrive60 being its entry-level trim. The i7 xDrive60 boasts a 101.7-kWh battery pack that offers a travel range of 625 KM (WLTP).

Said powerplant powers its two electric motors – one for each axle – via an all-wheel drive system that outputs around 536 HP and 745 NM. All in all, the baseline i7 is capable of finishing a 0-100 KM/H sprint in 4.7 seconds, with its governed V-max capped at 240 KM/H.

For reference, the Malaysian-spec Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ power output is rated at 333 HP and 565 NM, with its power being drawn from a 107-kWh battery pack.

Speaking about design, the i7 boasts a rather similar look to its fellow G70 7-series siblings. The G70’s big kidney grille is now enclosed as its intake role is deemed redundant in the EV. Additional EV-specific design cues like blue accents on several parts ensures that folks can differentiate the i7 EV from its petrol-powered siblings.

Folks, what do you think of the all-new BMW i7? While the rivalling Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ commands a RM698,888 price tag and claimed WLTP range of 631 KM to 782 KM, how will the i7 fare against it? Let us know your thoughts in the comments down below…