2026 BMW 7 Series update brings Neue Klasse design, 720km range for i7 EV

The BMW 7 Series and its electric i7 sibling have been given a significant overhaul, led by styling inspired by the ‘Neue Klasse’ iX3 mid-size 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 limousine as “the most extensive model update ever carried out by the BMW Group”, which “marks the beginning of a technology rollout – spanning drive system variants and market segments – from which all future BMW cars will benefit”.

Production begins in July 2026 and the updated 7 Series is due to arrive in Australia in the fourth quarter of this year (October to December). The refreshed i7 electric vehicle (EV) is expected to arrive first, with plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions to follow, although specific timing is yet to be confirmed.

Local equipment levels and pricing will be announced next month, but the latter is expected to increase from $272,900 before on-road costs for the current entry-level 740i and $306,900 before on-roads for the existing i7.

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Seven model grades have been revealed for Germany, including three versions 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 complete the range – both incorporating 48V mild-hybrid technology – while BMW has confirmed a petrol V8 variant will be added to the lineup in future.

The update, known internally as a ‘Life Cycle Impulse’, brings revisions to the sedan’s square-edged, upright ‘monolithic’ exterior design to more closely resemble BMW’s Neue Klasse models, and includes new BMW Individual two-tone paint finishes.

“We’re merging Neue Klasse with luxury. This car is all about presence,” said BMW designer Max Missoni. “The grille stands proud and the eyes are focused.”

The extra-large luxury sedan’s key dimensions remain essentially unchanged at 5395mm long, 1950mm wide and 1550mm high on a 3125mm wheelbase. However, the standard 20-inch alloy wheels now wear 10mm wider tyres, while factory-fitted 22-inch wheels will be offered for the first time.

From a mechanical perspective, the i7 has received the most significant changes, with a new 112.5kWh battery (up from 105.7kWh) fitted as standard, using the latest ‘Gen6’ cylindrical cell technology from the Neue Klasse iX3 and upcoming i3.

All versions use the same permanently excited motors as the upcoming iX3 (due here mid-year), producing 335kW of power and 660Nm of torque in 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 3.8 seconds.

Official driving range has improved from the current i7’s best of 625km to 720km, while maximum DC fast-charging speeds have increased to 250kW (up from 195kW).

PHEV versions of the 7 Series use the same ‘Gen5’ 18.7kWh battery and electric motor as current models, but they’re paired with an updated version of the Miller-cycle ‘B58’ 3.0-litre inline petrol six, featuring a more efficient turbocharger.

Total outputs are up to 360kW and 700Nm, with a claimed 0-100km/h time of 4.2 seconds and combined fuel consumption as low as 8.6L/100km.

The mild-hybrid 740 uses a 294kW/540Nm version of the 3.0-litre turbo-petrol six, with the hybrid system providing a 40Nm boost, while the 740d turbo-diesel produces 230kW and 670Nm.

The standard 7 Series chassis features electronically controlled dampers and air suspension with self-levelling and adaptive functionality, as well as active rear-wheel steering.

BMW M Performance variants will include the ‘M Sport package Pro Adaptive M Chassis’, including 21-inch alloy wheels featuring a bi-colour finish and black or blue brake calipers. The package will also be available as an option across the range.

Also new is an artificial intelligence (AI)-based tyre pressure monitoring system.

Inside, the leather-lined cabin gains a new steering wheel design, digital interior mirror, and 14.6-inch front passenger touchscreen – the first for BMW – as standard across the range.

It sits alongside a 17.9-inch central infotainment touchscreen, the same size as that in the upcoming iX3, positioned beneath the new Panoramic iDrive display. The new iDrive screen spans 43.3 inches across the base of the windscreen, replacing the traditional instrument cluster.

The system runs BMW Operating System X, which the automaker says can be updated over time, and includes Alexa+ AI voice control functionality.

New driver assistance features include ‘Entry-to-Exit’ motorway and ‘Address-to-Address’ urban autonomous driving capability, while Park Assist can now be operated from the steering wheel using AI to identify empty parking spaces and better position the vehicle.

All 7 Series vehicles will come standard with automatic opening and soft-close doors, a panoramic sunroof, and up to 700 colour and trim combinations. There’s also a 31.3-inch BMW Theatre Screen for rear passengers, along with redesigned seats and a new 36-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system. MORE: Explore the BMW 7 Series showroom