The BMW 7 Collection and its electrical i7 sibling have been given a big overhaul, led by styling impressed by the ‘Neue Klasse’ iX3 mid-size SUV and i3 electrical sedan, because the German model’s flagship sedan prepares to tackle the upcoming electrical Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
BMW describes its upgraded limousine as “essentially the most in depth mannequin replace ever carried out by the BMW Group”, which “marks the start of a expertise rollout – spanning drive system variants and market segments – from which all future BMW vehicles will profit”.
Manufacturing begins in July 2026 and the up to date 7 Collection is because of arrive in Australia within the fourth quarter of this 12 months (October to December). The refreshed i7 electrical car (EV) is anticipated to reach first, with plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variations to observe, though particular timing is but to be confirmed.
Native gear ranges and pricing can be introduced subsequent month, however the latter is anticipated to extend from $272,900 earlier than on-road prices for the present entry-level 740i and $306,900 earlier than on-roads for the present i7.
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Seven mannequin grades have been revealed for Germany, together with three variations of the i7 – the i7 50 xDrive (all-wheel drive), i7 60 xDrive and i7 M70 xDrive – alongside the 750e xDrive PHEV and 760e xDrive PHEV.
The petrol-powered 740 xDrive and diesel-powered 740d xDrive full the vary – each incorporating 48V mild-hybrid expertise – whereas BMW has confirmed a petroleum V8 variant can be added to the lineup in future.
The replace, identified internally as a ‘Life Cycle Impulse’, brings revisions to the sedan’s square-edged, upright ‘monolithic’ exterior design to extra intently resemble BMW’s Neue Klasse fashions, and consists of new BMW Particular person two-tone paint finishes.
“We’re merging Neue Klasse with luxurious. This automotive is all about presence,” mentioned BMW designer Max Missoni. “The grille stands proud and the eyes are targeted.”
The additional-large luxurious sedan’s key dimensions stay primarily unchanged at 5395mm lengthy, 1950mm vast and 1550mm excessive on a 3125mm wheelbase. Nonetheless, the usual 20-inch alloy wheels now put on 10mm wider tyres, whereas factory-fitted 22-inch wheels can be supplied for the primary time.
From a mechanical perspective, the i7 has obtained essentially the most important adjustments, with a brand new 112.5kWh battery (up from 105.7kWh) fitted as commonplace, utilizing the most recent ‘Gen6’ cylindrical cell expertise from the Neue Klasse iX3 and upcoming i3.
All variations use the identical completely excited motors because the upcoming iX3 (due right here mid-year), producing 335kW of energy and 660Nm of torque within the entry-level i7 50 xDrive, rising to 500kW and 1015Nm for the i7 M70 xDrive, which has a claimed 0-100km/h time of three.8 seconds.
Official driving vary has improved from the present i7’s better of 625km to 720km, whereas most DC fast-charging speeds have elevated to 250kW (up from 195kW).
PHEV variations of the 7 Collection use the identical ‘Gen5’ 18.7kWh battery and electrical motor as present fashions, however they’re paired with an up to date model of the Miller-cycle ‘B58’ 3.0-litre inline petrol six, that includes a extra environment friendly turbocharger.
Complete outputs are as much as 360kW and 700Nm, with a claimed 0-100km/h time of 4.2 seconds and mixed gas consumption as little as 8.6L/100km.
The mild-hybrid 740 makes use of a 294kW/540Nm model of the three.0-litre turbo-petrol six, with the hybrid system offering a 40Nm enhance, whereas the 740d turbo-diesel produces 230kW and 670Nm.
The usual 7 Collection chassis options electronically managed dampers and air suspension with self-levelling and adaptive performance, in addition to energetic rear-wheel steering.
BMW M Efficiency variants will embrace the ‘M Sport bundle Professional Adaptive M Chassis’, together with 21-inch alloy wheels that includes a bi-colour end and black or blue brake calipers. The bundle may also be accessible as an possibility throughout the vary.
Additionally new is a synthetic intelligence (AI)-based tyre strain monitoring system.
Inside, the leather-lined cabin features a brand new steering wheel design, digital inside mirror, and 14.6-inch entrance passenger touchscreen – the primary for BMW – as commonplace throughout the vary.
It sits alongside a 17.9-inch central infotainment touchscreen, the identical dimension as that within the upcoming iX3, positioned beneath the brand new Panoramic iDrive show. The brand new iDrive display screen spans 43.3 inches throughout the bottom of the windscreen, changing the normal instrument cluster.
The system runs BMW Working System X, which the automaker says might be up to date over time, and consists of Alexa+ AI voice management performance.
New driver help options embrace ‘Entry-to-Exit’ motorway and ‘Deal with-to-Deal with’ city autonomous driving functionality, whereas Park Help can now be operated from the steering wheel utilizing AI to establish empty parking areas and higher place the car.
All 7 Collection autos will come commonplace with automated opening and soft-close doorways, a panoramic sunroof, and as much as 700 color and trim combos. There’s additionally a 31.3-inch BMW Theatre Display screen for rear passengers, together with redesigned seats and a brand new 36-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system.
MORE: Discover the BMW 7 Collection showroom
