BMW and Rimac present Gen6 battery technology for new i7

BMW Group reports cooperation with Rimac on a Gen6 high-voltage battery for the electric i7 sedan, aiming to improve range and charging speed. Learn what changes.

BMW is bringing next-generation battery technology into its flagship electric sedan. The new BMW i7 will feature a Gen6 high-voltage battery developed in cooperation with Rimac Technology, aimed at delivering a clear increase in range and charging performance.

This is not a minor upgrade. At the core of the system are cylindrical lithium-ion cells in a 4695 format (approximately 46×95 mm), replacing the prismatic cells used previously. BMW states that these new cells offer around a 20% increase in volumetric energy density, while the Gen6 architecture introduces an 800-volt system and more efficient energy management. Across the technology, BMW has indicated potential improvements of up to 30% in both range and charging speed.

The implementation itself highlights the scale of the shift. The battery combines Gen6 cell technology with a module structure derived from the previous generation, and is manufactured by Rimac Technology in Croatia. Fully assembled battery systems are then delivered to BMW’s Dingolfing plant, the sole production site for the 7 Series. This positions Rimac not only as a development partner but also as a production supplier.

The cooperation builds on an earlier long-term agreement between BMW and Rimac, with the i7 project becoming one of its first visible outcomes. For Rimac, it reflects a transition from low-volume hypercar technology to large-scale supply for major automotive manufacturers. For BMW, it provides a faster route to integrate new battery systems into existing models.

The broader context explains the significance. Gen6 is a core element of BMW’s Neue Klasse strategy, which underpins the company’s next generation of electric vehicles. The same technology is expected to enable higher charging power and extended range in future models, and is now starting to appear in current flagship products like the i7.

The updated BMW i7 with the new battery system is set to debut on April 22, 2026, at Auto China in Beijing, where its real-world specifications will become clearer.