BMW Says Its Next i7 Will Cut Emissions by a Third

A Neue Way of Building BMWs

It’s not just the iX3 and i3 that are being built in a ‘cleaner’ way. In a bid to pursue its carbon-neutral targets, BMW will be applying its new production methods to other models as well. With that, we can expect more models to use recycled and secondary materials in their construction and to benefit from new, more efficient production methods.

This is all part of BMW’s commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement and its own goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Mind you, this doesn’t necessarily mean the German automaker will only make EVs by that time. Instead, the construction method of its vehicles and the sale of EVs will offset those of hybrids and ICEs.

The i7 LCI Will Be the First After iX3, i3

BMW recently announced that the new i7 will be using batteries from Rimac. But aside from that, the Gen6 batteries that the flagship sedan will get will be manufactured exclusively using renewable energy. At the same time, cell production will partially involve secondary raw materials for the lithium, cobalt, and nickel required.

BMW believes that going for more recycled and renewable sources can also streamline its supply chain. With fewer sources to tap, less energy will be involved in vehicle production. The company reckons the 2027 i7’s carbon footprint will be reduced by as much as 33 percent compared to the Gen5 battery models.

New Wheel Design Shows Sustainable Construction

There’s one part of the new i7 that BMW has officially shown. That would be the new wheel design for the large EV sedan. Okay, it’s just one of possibly several wheel options, but it’s a start. But aside from showing off the new look, the company is rather proud of how it constructs the wheels.

Like the i3 and iX3, the facelifted i7 will use wheels made from secondary aluminum scraps. About 70 percent of the wheel will be made from that material, further reducing the need to source new aluminum and boosting the company’s in-house sustainability efforts.

Not Just the 7

BMW added that its Dingolfing plant has been undergoing changes to support its carbon-zero initiatives. Given that the i7 and 7 Series are made there, there’s a good chance the other car being built at that facility will also receive the same treatment.

That car is the 5 Series, and the facelifted version of it is also expected to be launched soon. It’s been touted to get the new Rimac batteries, and it’ll likely get those ‘sustainably-made’ alloys as well.

But, back to the i7 and 7 Series, the heavily facelifted model will be revealed at Auto China 2026. We’ll be there when BMW pulls the covers off and tell you more about it soon.