BMW has revealed its all-new 7 Series, introducing a radical new design and including a new i7 fully electric version.

The new-gen 7 Series line-up comprises models from both the BMW i and M brands, available exclusively in long-wheelbase form in either M Sport or Excellence specification

The seventh-generation of the brand’s flagship saloon is based on a flexible architecture that delivers plug-in electrification to every model sold in the UK. The line-up comprises models from both the BMW i and M brands, available exclusively in long-wheelbase form in either M Sport or Excellence specification.

The first arrival, due later this year, is the fully electric i7 xDrive60, followed by the plug-in hybrid 750e xDrive and M760e xDrive in spring 2023. The dedicated M Performance model will deliver 571hp while the i7 M70 xDrive, the future flagship model, will follow later in 2023.

Priced from £107,400 and bringing a rival to the Mercedes EQS, the all-wheel drive i7 xDrive60 features a 313hp motor driving the rear wheels with a 258hp unit at the front. This delivers a combined output of 544hp and overall torque of 745Nm, enabling it to power from 0 to 62mph in 4.7 seconds.

The 101.7kWh battery is located low down in the vehicle floor and provides a WLTP range of 367 to 388 miles. It can be charged at a rate of up to 11kW via an AC unit, or 195kW via an ultra-fast public charger, the latter giving 106 miles of range in 10 minutes.

Battery efficiency is boosted by heat pump technology used in the integrated heating and cooling system for the cabin and drive system, along with an adaptive or individually adjustable recuperation feature. Meanwhile, the cloud-based BMW Maps navigation system also helps to further enhance performance on long journeys, including automatically calculating a charging-optimised route if the vehicle’s current range is not enough to reach the destination.

The two plug-in hybrid drive models use fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology, and team up a six-cylinder in-line petrol engine with xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive plus an 18.7kWh battery. They also debut an eight-speed Steptronic transmission.

The 750e xDrive delivers 490hp of power and 700Nm peak torque, giving CO2 emissions of 22-28g/km and fuel consumption from 235-282mpg, along with a 50-mile electric range.

For the M760e xDrive, this rises to 571hp and 800Nm, with CO2 of 25-28g/km and 235-256mpg. Electric range is also 50 miles.

Performance figures and prices for both models are yet to be confirmed.

The 18.7kWh battery in the plug-in hybrids can be charged at 7.4kW, giving a full charge from empty in less than three hours or around nine hours via a conventional domestic power socket.

Additional all-electric variants will follow, including the i7 M70 xDrive flagship which is set to arrive later in 2023 and with an expected 660hp output.

The 750e xDrive and i7 xDrive60 are fitted as standard with adaptive two-axle air suspension with automatic self-levelling as well as adaptive suspension with electronically controlled dampers.

The range comes as standard with a new version of the Electric Power Steering system and an optional Integral Active Steering is available. The 7 Series can also be specified with an Executive Drive Pro active roll-stabilisation feature.

Longer, wider and taller than before, the 7 Series now brings boot space of 525 litres for the plug-in hybrid models, up by 105 litres on the previous-generation model, along with 500 litres of load space for the i7.

Onboard technology includes BMW’s Curved Display, combining a 12.3-inch information display and a control display with a screen diagonal of 14.9 inches.

A 31.3-inch 8K touchscreen display is available in the Theatre Screen option, teamed up with a Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system with optional in-seat audio exciters, built-in touch screen remotes in the door panels and an automated rear shade system.

The Intelligent Personal Assistant has been enhanced with new skills while the new-generation navigation system gains improved functions, including a new Augmented View function.

The new 7 Series also allows passengers in the rear to use the integrated audio system for making phone calls while a standard-fit Digital Key Plus enables customers close to the vehicle to automatically lock and unlock the vehicle with their iPhone.

Customers are also able to take pictures from the interior camera and have them sent to their smartphone using the remote functionality in the My BMW App.

Driver assistance features include the standard-fit Driving Assistant, which now adds Lane Change Warning with active lane return, Rear Collision Prevention and rear crossing traffic warning including braking function.

Also new is the exit warning function, which warns of a risk of collision on either side of the car if a door is opened.

The optional Driving Assistant Pro combines Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function and the Steering and Lane Control Assistant.