The BMW 7 Series and its electric sibling, the i7, have undergone a major makeover, with designs inspired by the iX3 “Neue Klasse” midsize SUV and i3 electric sedan, as the German brand’s flagship sedan prepares to take on the upcoming electric Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
BMW describes its upgraded sedan as “the most comprehensive facelift the BMW Group has ever undertaken,” which “marks the beginning of a technology rollout across powertrain variants and market segments that will benefit all future BMW vehicles.”
Production will begin in July 2026 and the updated 7 Series is expected to arrive in Australia in the fourth quarter of this year (October to December). The refreshed electric vehicle (EV) i7 is expected to hit the market first, with plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions following, although an exact date has not yet been determined.
Local trim levels and pricing will be announced next month, but the latter is expected to rise from $272,900 before on-road costs for the current entry-level 740i and $306,900 before on-road costs for the existing i7.
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Seven model levels were presented for Germany, including three versions of the i7 – the i7 50 xDrive (all-wheel drive), the i7 60 xDrive and the i7 M70 xDrive – as well as the 750e xDrive PHEV and the 760e xDrive PHEV.
The petrol-powered 740 xDrive and diesel-powered 740d xDrive round out the range – both with 48V mild hybrid technology – while BMW has confirmed that a petrol V8 variant will be added to the range in the future.
Dubbed “Life Cycle Impulse” internally, the update brings revisions to the sedan’s angular, upright “monolithic” exterior design to more closely resemble BMW’s Neue Klasse models and includes new two-tone BMW Individual paint schemes.
“We combine new class with luxury. This car is all about presence,” said BMW designer Max Missoni. “The grille stands proud and the eyes are focused.”
The main dimensions of the extra-large luxury sedan remain essentially unchanged at 5,395 mm long, 1,950 mm wide and 1,550 mm high with a wheelbase of 3,125 mm. However, the standard 20-inch alloy wheels now have 10 mm wider tires, while 22-inch wheels are offered ex works for the first time.
From a mechanical perspective, the i7 has undergone the most significant changes: a new 112.5 kWh battery (previously 105.7 kWh) is fitted as standard, which uses the latest “Gen6” cylinder cell technology from the new Class iX3 and the upcoming i3.
All versions use the same permanently excited motors as the upcoming iX3 (coming here mid-year), producing 335kW of power and 660Nm of torque in the entry-level i7 50 xDrive, rising to 500kW and 1015Nm in the i7 M70 xDrive, which is claimed to achieve 0-100km/h acceleration in 3.8 seconds.
The official range has improved to 720km from the i7’s current best of 625km, while the maximum DC fast charging speed has been increased to 250kW (from 195kW).
The PHEV versions of the 7 Series use the same 18.7 kWh battery and Generation 5 electric motor as current models, but are equipped with an updated version of the 3.0-liter Miller cycle “B58” inline-six and a more efficient turbocharger.
Total output is up to 360kW and 700Nm, with a claimed 0-100km/h acceleration of 4.2 seconds and combined fuel consumption of just 8.6L/100km.
The mild-hybrid 740 uses a 294kW/540Nm version of the 3.0-litre turbo petrol engine, with the hybrid system delivering a boost of 40Nm, while the 740d turbodiesel makes 230kW and 670Nm.
The standard chassis of the 7 Series has electronically controlled dampers and air suspension with level control and adaptive functionality as well as active rear wheel steering.
The BMW M Performance variants include the “M Sport Package Pro Adaptive M Chassis”, including 21-inch alloy wheels with a bi-color finish and black or blue brake calipers. The package will also be available as an option across the entire product range.
Also new is a tire pressure monitoring system based on artificial intelligence (AI).
Inside, the leather-lined cabin features a new steering wheel design, a digital interior mirror and a 14.6-inch touchscreen for the front passenger – a first for BMW – which is standard across the range.
It sits alongside a central 17.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, the same size as that of the upcoming iX3, positioned below the new panoramic iDrive display. The new iDrive screen extends 43.3 inches across the base of the windshield and replaces the traditional instrument cluster.
The system runs the BMW Operating System
New driver assistance features include entry-to-exit on the highway and address-to-address for autonomous driving in the city. Parking Assistant can now be operated from the steering wheel using AI to detect empty parking spaces and better position the vehicle.
All 7 Series vehicles come standard with automatically opening and soft-closing doors, a panoramic sunroof and up to 700 color and equipment combinations. There’s also a 31.3-inch BMW theater screen for rear passengers, as well as redesigned seats and a new 36-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system.
MORE: Explore the BMW 7 Series showroom
