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BMW’s flagship sedans—the 7 Series and the fully electric i7—have received a comprehensive facelift for the 2026 model year. First announced for the Indian market, these updated models now preview what global buyers can expect: a sharper design, a cabin dominated by screens, and a substantial boost in electric range. The i7 50 xDrive variant leads the battery story with a WLTP-claimed 728 km (452 miles) on a single charge, while the performance-oriented i7 M70 xDrive reaches 686 km. Both sedans benefit from a larger 112.5 kWh battery pack, faster DC charging capability, and a refreshed interior featuring a 31.3-inch 8K rear-seat display. As of late March 2025, BMW has not yet announced US pricing or availability, but the upgrades position the 7 Series/i7 line directly against updated versions of the Mercedes-Benz EQS and the Audi e-tron GT sedan.
The most visible changes to both 2026 sedans appear at the front. The iconic kidney grille has been reshaped and now features an illuminated surround, which glows when the vehicle is unlocked or in certain drive modes. Slimmer LED daytime running lights replace the dual-unit designs of the previous generation, giving a more angular expression. Vertically arrayed LED headlamps sit lower in the bumper, while the bumper itself has been sculpted with larger air intakes on the 7 Series and a more closed-off treatment on the i7.
At the rear, both models gain slim LED taillamps with a three-dimensional light signature. The i7 M70 xDrive rides on exclusive 21-inch alloy wheels (20-inch units are standard on the 740xDrive and i7 50 xDrive), and the rear bumper is more aggressively shaped, with a diffuser-like element that visually differentiates the M performance trim.
The gasoline-powered BMW 7 Series 740xDrive is motivated by a 3.0-liter inline-six twin-turbo engine producing 400 PS (295 kW) and 580 Nm (428 lb-ft). Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard xDrive all-wheel drive, the sedan sprints to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.4 seconds.
For the electric i7, BMW deploys a 112.5 kWh lithium-ion battery feeding two e-motors for all-wheel drive. In the i7 50 xDrive, combined output is not explicitly stated, but the system delivers a 0–100 km/h time of 5.5 seconds. The i7 M70 xDrive, with a more powerful rear motor, cuts that time to 3.8 seconds, rivaling many dedicated sports EVs.
Charging speed has also been upgraded. Both i7 variants can accept up to 250 kW DC fast charging, replenishing from 10% to 80% in just 28 minutes. When connected to an AC wallbox, the full 11 kW onboard charger fills the battery in roughly 11 hours.
BMW’s interior designers focused on reducing physical buttons and expanding screen space. The front dashboard now houses three displays: a 17.9-inch central touchscreen running the latest iDrive 8.5 operating system, a dedicated 14.6-inch passenger screen, and a slender instrument cluster screen integrated into the top of the dash.
For rear passengers, the highlight is a 31.3-inch 8K ultra-high-definition monitor that folds down from the roof. This screen supports wireless streaming, video conferencing, and can be controlled via a touchpad in the rear center console. The audio system is a 36-speaker, 1,965‑Watt Bowers & Wilkins 4D surround unit with integrated seat exciters for immersive bass.
Other premium touches include a four-spoke steering wheel, four-zone automatic climate control, a 3D head-up display, electrically adjustable rear seats with massage function, a panoramic glass roof with ambient lighting, and a digital rearview mirror. BMW also offers multiple cabin theme packages, switching ambient lighting, scent dispensers, and soundscapes.
Both sedans now come with BMW’s Level 2 advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), which includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. A 360-degree camera system with obstacle detection aids low-speed maneuvers. The standard safety suite also comprises electronic stability control, front and rear parking sensors, tire pressure monitoring, and seven airbags.
While BMW has not yet confirmed US specs, the Indian-market figures offer a strong indication. For context, the current US-spec 2025 BMW i7 xDrive60 offers 321 miles (517 km) of range with a 101.7 kWh battery. The jump to 112.5 kWh and a claimed 728 km (≈452 miles) on the WLTP cycle—which is more optimistic than EPA estimates—still suggests a realistic EPA range improvement of approximately 360–380 miles, which would handily beat the Mercedes‑Benz EQS 450+ (350 miles EPA, with a 118 kWh pack).
Industry analysts note that the larger battery and more efficient drive units give BMW a competitive edge in the large-luxury EV segment, especially as Cadillac’s Celestiq and Lucid Air Grand Touring push range boundaries. The new 8K roof screen and customizable cabin themes also raise the bar for interior luxury.
In India, the
