It’s no secret that BMW intends to market a whole line of advanced dedicated hybrid, range-extended and plug-in electric models under its new “i” sub-brand.

The question is, what’s up next after the presentation of the i3 hatchback in 2013 and the i8 sports coupe in 2014? While BMW is keeping mum about its future plans, our spy photographers captured a strange looking 7-Series prototype, seemingly based on the standard ActiveHybrid 7.

We can’t be entirely sure, but as our man with the long lens pointed out to us, it appears that the test car was equipped with electric wheel-hub motors up front, while riding on very thin tires without electric motors, at the rear.

Moreover, the car also featured modified front fenders, which could mean that there are more changes under the hood as well.

It’s too early to know precisely what BMW is working on, as it could be anything from simply trying out electric wheel-hub motors to developing a new platform and the mechanics for a range-extended electric model, but we’ll keep an eye open and deliver any news once it becomes available.

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