For many years, luxury car buyers have been dreaming of a high-performance BMW M7 to rival the Mercedes-AMG S63 and S65 models but it has never come. While now could be viewed as the perfect time for BMW to launch an M7, it isn’t expected to do so but may instead launch an M-branded version of the all-electric i7.

In theory, BMW could launch an M7 as a way to send off its 6.6-liter twin-turbocharged V12 while also celebrating its 50th anniversary. Mercedes-Benz’s expected launch of a hybrid S 63 E-Performance could also do with a competitor. Despite this, Auto Motor und Sport states that there is no M7 in the works.

At least two high-performance i7 models are tipped to fill the void. The first will be dubbed the i7 xDrive 60 and should have a 111.5 kWh battery pack and two electric motors delivering 540 hp. Sitting above this model will be a variant dubbed the i7 M70 which has the potential to be the best thing this side of a real M7.

Details about this version of the i7 are limited but it could pump out upwards of 700 hp and have the same basic powertrain as the forthcoming Rolls-Royce Spectre. While that is supercar-levels of horsepower, it could still fall short of the planned Mercedes-AMG S 63 S E-Performance that could have the same twin-turbo hybrid V8 of the GT 63 S E-Performance and pump out the same 831 hp and 1,082 lb-ft (1,466 Nm) of torque.

BMW recently confirmed that the veil will be lifted on the i7 on April 20. It will be revealed alongside the latest-generation 7-Series and teasers have shown that it will feature a very striking front fascia with split headlights and LED daytime running lights around the large kidney grille.