BMW 7 Series gets Neue Klasse redesign and 452-mile EV range

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3 mins read

22 April 2026

BMW’s flagship 7 Series has received the most extensive model update in BMW Group history and is claimed to set a “new benchmark” for the luxury segment.

The four-year-old, seventh-generation limousine has been given a full Neue Klasse redesign in order to keep pace with recently updated luxury rivals including Mercedes-Benz's S-Class and EQS.

The 7 Series continues to be sold in both plug-in hybrid and electric (badged i7) forms, with the EV to arrive first in September and the PHEV shortly after. Pricing is expected to rise on today's £105,000 entry point.

The main changes have been made to the EV, where a new 112.5kWh battery has been fitted (up from 105.7kWh) which uses the same 'Gen6' cylindrical cells as the new iX3 SUV and incoming i3 saloon.

This increases range significantly, from 387 miles before to 452 in its most efficient form. Its maximum charging rate is also increased, from 195kW to 250kW.

The EVs also get the iX3’s electrically excited synchronous motors, which are more efficient than before – another reason for the increased maximum range.

All variants use a dual-motor powertrain, with outputs ranging from 449bhp and 442lb ft in the 50 xDrive to 671bhp and 749lb ft in the M70 xDrive. The range-topper is able to hit 62mph from standing in just 3.8sec.

The PHEVs’ underpinnings have also been refreshed: the two variants receive BMW’s updated straight-six petrol engine with a new turbocharger which is paired to the same electric motor as before.

In the entry-level 750e xDrive, these combine for 482bhp and 516lb ft. In the more performance-orientated M760e xDrive, the engine’s power is increased to 420bhp and overall output to 604bhp and 590lb ft – 40bhp more than before. This nets a 0-62mph time of 4.2sec.

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Unlike with the i7 EV, energy for the motor comes from the same 18.7kWh 'Gen5' battery as before, offering an unchanged electric-only range of 50 miles.

As standard, all 7 Series models, regardless of powertrain, feature adaptive dampers and active rear steering.

Changes on the outside are less pronounced, but the 7 Series’ design has been updated to match the new Neue Klasse look introduced by the iX3.

This is most notably at the front, where it gets thinner lights (embedded with crystals “that sparkle”), new air intakes and a new grille design with horizontal slats.

At the rear, the 7 Series looks nearly identical to the i3, with new lights that are designed to emphasise its width. Alloy wheels are 22in as standard.

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

Inside, the new 7 Series is the first BMW to feature a touchscreen for the front passenger – a feature that has been offered in Audi and Mercedes luxury cars for years. The 14.6in unit is fitted as standard.

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The cabin has also been given a Neue Klasse makeover, receiving the same 17.9in slanted central touchscreen and steering wheel as the iX3.

Gone, too, is the instrument cluster, with BMW's new 43.3in-long ‘Panoramic iDrive’ display being fitted in its place. As in the iX3, this runs across the length of the dashboard just under the driver’s eyeline and displays key details such as vehicle speed and state of charge.

In the rear, the 31.3in 8K cinema screen returns paired with a 35-speaker Bowers & Wilkins system. Alcantara-trimmed and fully reclinable Executive Lounge chairs can be optioned for rear passengers.

Missoni noted that the rear of the 7 Series' cabin has a “cleaner” design than before, adding that “any elements that could be distracting are reduced to a minimum”.

“This is a car for people who drive the world,” he said. “It is a private mobile retreat that invites you to relax.”

All models get automatically opening doors, similar to those offered by BMW sibling brand Rolls-Royce.

Personalisation options are once again extensive, with more than 700 interior material combinations (including leather, metal and crystal glass) and 500 exterior colour combinations available. And for the first time, the 7 Series can be specced in a two-tone finish.

Will Rimell

Title: News editor

Will is Autocar's news editor. His focus is on setting Autocar's news agenda, interviewing top executives, reporting from car launches, and unearthing exclusives.

As part of his role, he also manages Autocar Business – the brand's B2B platform – and Haymarket's aftermarket publication CAT.