BMW has given its seventh-generation 7 Series an extensive makeover, adding a plusher cabin, new powertrains and more EV miles for the i7 versions.

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Marking the most extensive BMW Group model update ever, the Bavarian brand’s flagship model leads the rollout of Neue Klasse technologies into existing models, elevating performance, efficiency and styling.

The updated luxury limo also gets the Neue Klasse design language, headlined by a reprofiled kidney grille and ultra-slim daytime running lights that create a more futuristic ‘face’. The transformation continues at the rear with a sculpted finish and redesigned taillights that span the car’s full width.

BMW’s luxury benchmark also gains a new-look cabin that fuses a minimalist and contemporary design with luxury materials – such as leather, metal and crystal glass – and advanced Neue Klasse technologies.

Highlights include the integration of BMW Panoramic iDrive with the first-ever BMW Passenger Screen – fitted as standard – along with an enhanced 31.3-inch BMW Theatre Screen experience in the rear with the addition of Dolby Atmos audio and, for the first time, integrated video conferencing. Comfortable seats with the optional Executive Lounge, new steering wheel designs, upgraded automatic doors, a digital interior mirror and a high-level of standard equipment – such as a panoramic glass roof, four-zone automatic climate control and the Travel & Comfort System – frame the premium cabin experience.

Powertrain choices remain split between fully electric versions and plug-in hybrids. A trio of pure EVs arrive first in September 2026, with two plug-in hybrid derivatives to follow before year-end.

The all-electric variants span the i7 50 xDrive, i7 60 xDrive and the i7 M70 xDrive, all featuring two sound-insulated electric motors for instant, near-silent power delivery, plus standard all-wheel drive. The updated i7 also offers up to 452 miles (WLTP) of range thanks to new Gen6 cylindrical cells.

The new i7 50 xDrive serves as the entry-level model. Its twin motors generate a maximum system output of 455hp and overall torque of 660Nm, enabling 0-62 mph in 5.5 seconds and a top speed of 130mph. It delivers a combined power consumption of 21.8-17.9kWh per 62 miles (WLTP), giving the i7 50 xDrive a range of up to 452 miles on the WLTP test cycle. Higher energy content and energy density in the new Gen6 BMW cylindrical cells, plus efficiency gains in the drive system, increase range by around 73 miles versus its predecessor; the rear-wheel-drive i7 eDrive50.

Sitting above it, the i7 60 xDrive produces a combined power output of 544hp and maximum system torque of 745Nm. It accelerates from 0-62 mph in 4.8 seconds before reaching an electronically limited 149mph. On the WLTP test cycle, combined power consumption is 21.9-18.2kWh per 62 miles and the maximum range is up to 451 miles (WLTP).

The jewel of the line-up is the i7 M70 xDrive. In the BMW M Performance model, two electric motors deliver a system output of 680hp and 1,015Nm of torque in Sport mode, rising to 1,100Nm when Launch Control or the Sport Boost function is activated. This enables the range-topper to complete the 0-62 mph sprint in 3.8 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 155mph. Combined WLTP power consumption is 22.9-19.7 kWh per 62 miles, with a maximum range of up to 426 miles WLTP.

Maximum charging power rises from 195 to 250kW and the new i7 can charge from 10 to 80% in 28 minutes at ultra-rapid chargers.

Boosting the line-up further, two plug-in hybrid variants will arrive in November 2026: the 750e xDrive and the BMW M760e xDrive.

Both benefit from an updated straight-six petrol engine, equipped with a new turbocharger, married up to a 197hp motor packaged within the eight-speed Steptronic transmission housing. A fifth-generation high-voltage lithium-ion battery is integrated into the underbody, providing 18.7kWh of usable capacity and an electric range of up to 50 miles (WLTP). AC charging capacity rises to 11kW, allowing a full charge from empty in two hours 15 minutes. From a conventional domestic socket, a full charge takes around 10 hours and 45 minutes.

In the 750e xDrive, total system output is 489hp, and the sprint from 0 to 62mph takes 4.8 seconds while top speed is electronically limited to 155mph. In all-electric mode, the vehicle can reach 87mph. WLTP combined consumption is 46.3-56.5 mpg, with combined CO2 emissions of 113-138g/km.

The M Performance plug-in hybrid, the M760e xDrive, boasts total system output of 612hp – an increase of 41 hp over the outgoing model. Peak torque is 800Nm. Acceleration from rest to 62mph takes 4.2 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 155mph, or 87 mph in all-electric mode. WLTP combined consumption is 41.5-50.4 mpg. A model-specific exhaust system adds an M-specific soundtrack to match the car’s sporty character.

Despite its sheer size, the luxury salon promises benchmark driving dynamics thanks to standard adaptive two-axle air suspension featuring four electronically controlled shock absorbers, along with standard-fit Adaptive Chassis Control with Integral Active Steering. The optional Adaptive Chassis Control Professional package adds additional roll stabilisation.

All model and drive-system variants of the new 7 Series saloon will be built on a single production line at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing.

Production and the UK market launch start from September 2026. Prices are expected to kick off from around £100k.