Behold BMW’s new 7 Series behemoth

• New BMW 7 Series revealed
• Electric and hybrid models arrive later this year
• i7 range increase to 452 miles
• i7 power upped to 680 hp
• Wears BMW’s ‘Neue Klasse’ design language

This is the all-new BMW 7 Series - a result of the firm’s most extensive model update EVER.

The executive-spec behemoth will arrive later this year wearing a new design language and boasting big increases in power, tech and range between charges.

It’ll arrive first as the electric i7 before two plug-in hybrids glide in at the end of 2026.

Here’s everything you need to know.

What’s changed with the new BMW 7 Series?

The update sees the 7 Series taking a leap into the future.

It was already a bold car to begin with; an opulent boat with an in-your-face, snout-nosed front end and the sort of luxury you might expect on a millionaire’s yacht.

The Neue Klass 7 Series dials things up a notch as it continues to compete with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Audi A8.

BMW will initially launch three fully electric variants under the BMW i7 nameplate, followed by plug-in hybrid versions later in the year.

There are cleaner surfaces and a more minimalist aesthetic while the exterior also adopts a more monolithic look, with a redesigned kidney grille, slimmer lighting signatures and a full-width rear light bar intended to give the car a broader, more modern stance.

UK sales begin in September - so you’ll have to wait a while before you can get your mitts on one.

How powerful is the new BMW 7 Series?

Let’s start with the electric i7 models - and there are three different powertrains to enjoy.

The entry and all-wheel drive 50 xDrive gets power of 455hp and a range of up to 452 miles - which is a big boost on the current model’s max of around 386 miles.

The 60 xDrive 7 Series ups the oomph to 544hp while the range-topping M70 variant enjoys 680hp, 1,015 torque, and can rocket from 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds. The i7 M70 will still see you travelling around 426 miles between charges.

Charging performance has also been improved, with peak DC charging speeds increased to 250kW. BMW claims this allows the battery to charge from 10 to 80 per cent in around 28 minutes under optimal conditions.

The plug-in hybrids are just as potent, with power of up to 612hp.

These models combine a revised six-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor to deliver up to 50 miles of electric-only driving range.

Under the skin of the 7 Series, the new model introduces updated chassis and driver assistance technologies aimed at improving both comfort and handling.

Standard features include adaptive air suspension and four-wheel steering, while higher-specification versions add active roll stabilisation. BMW says the system is designed to balance dynamic performance with the comfort expected from a chauffeur-focused luxury saloon.

What’s the cabin of the new BMW i7 like?

Inside, BMW has focused on combining traditional luxury materials with a significantly upgraded digital experience.

The cabin introduces a new infotainment system, BMW Panoramic iDrive, powered by BMW Operating System X. This setup uses a combination of a central touchscreen, a head-up display and a full-width projection across the lower windscreen to present key driving information.

A major addition is the debut of a front passenger display, known as the BMW Passenger Screen, which allows occupants to access entertainment, navigation and other functions independently.

Rear-seat passengers are also catered for with an updated 31.3-inch Theatre Screen offering 8K resolution and Dolby Atmos sound, alongside the ability to host video conferencing sessions from within the vehicle. 

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