BMW teams up with Rimac to integrate a new-generation battery into the all-electric i7, unlocking improved range and significantly reduced charging times. The luxury sedan adopts BMW’s most advanced Gen6 technology.
- This is a strategic BMW–Rimac partnership for a next-generation high-voltage battery
- 20% higher energy density translates into meaningful range gains
- Faster charging enabled by a redesigned electrical architecture
A European technology alliance for the BMW i7
BMW is accelerating its electric technology roadmap by partnering with Rimac Technology, a Croatia-based specialist in electrification. The collaboration focuses on integrating a new high-voltage battery into the next iteration of the all-electric BMW i7.
BMW-Rimac partnership for battery (Source: BMW)The objective is clear: fully leverage the sixth-generation BMW eDrive platform (Gen6) to boost both driving range and charging performance. This initiative reflects BMW’s broader strategy to rapidly deploy its latest innovations across its EV lineup.
A new generation of more efficient battery cells
At the core of this update is the introduction of 4695-format cylindrical lithium-ion cells. Compared to the prismatic cells used previously, these new cells deliver roughly 20% higher volumetric energy density.
BMW-Rimac partnership for battery (Source: BMW)In practical terms, that means more energy stored within the same footprint, directly contributing to increased driving range for the BMW i7. The new cell technology is paired with a proven module architecture carried over from the previous generation, ensuring a balance between innovation and reliability.
Optimized charging and enhanced performance
Beyond range improvements, BMW is also refining the charging experience. The updated battery system supports higher charging power, which reduces time spent at fast-charging stations.
This combination of extended range and shorter charging times strengthens the i7’s position in the competitive luxury EV segment, where efficiency and convenience are becoming decisive factors.
Global debut set for China
The updated BMW i7 will make its world premiere on April 22, 2026, at Auto China in Beijing. The choice of venue underscores BMW’s continued focus on the Chinese market for its premium electric models.
Strong endorsement from both partners
BMW highlights the rapid integration of its next-generation technologies:
“We are rapidly rolling out Neue Klasse technologies across our entire portfolio, including our flagship all-electric luxury sedan. The teams from both companies developed a tailored solution for the new BMW i7,” explains Dr. Thomas Engelhardt, Senior Vice President for High-Voltage Storage and Charging Development at BMW. “The excellent collaboration with Rimac Technology showcases the strength of European innovation.”
Rimac echoes that sentiment, emphasizing engineering performance and speed of development:
“BMW has always pushed 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 gains in energy, range, and charging performance,” says Mate Rimac, Founder and President of Rimac Group. He adds: “We are proud to see this system now produced at scale at our new Rimac Campus.”
Production and industrial scaling
The batteries are assembled in Croatia at Rimac’s advanced facilities before being shipped to Germany for installation at BMW’s Dingolfing plant. This site remains the sole global production hub for the BMW 7 Series.
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For Rimac Technology, the partnership represents a key milestone. Once focused on hypercars, the company is now establishing itself as a Tier 1 supplier capable of supporting high-volume production programs while delivering highly customized solutions for major automakers.
With this new battery system, the BMW i7 takes another step forward in its technological evolution and firmly enters the Neue Klasse era.
