BMW has unveiled a comprehensively updated version of its G70-generation 7 Series flagship sedan, with the German brand suggesting the changes are so significant as to be akin to a generational change rather than a ‘Life Cycle Impulse’ facelift.
The upgraded luxury sedan has been confirmed for an Australian release in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Internally described as the ‘Neue Uberklasse’ and a top-end showcase for some of the brand’s new-generation technologies, the revised 7 Series will retain its role atop the regular BMW range, but beneath a new series of Alpina models set to be revealed from next month.
Subtly revised exterior with major cabin alterations beneath
The interior has been fundamentally reworked as a flagship iteration of the brand’s emerging Neue Klasse cabin design, while the exterior is reworked to subtly increase the aggression of the front end.
Alterations outside centre on the design of the nose, which gives us our best hint yet at how the next-generation X7 large SUV is expected to look.
The updated 7 Series adopts a more ‘monolithic’ appearance, with simpler surfacing and an even stronger visual presence with a very upright signature kidney grille, which incorporates ‘Iconic Glow’ detailing and new crystal-studded headlights.
At the rear, the tail-lights now reach towards the centre of the typical sedan boot with an illuminated double-slash graphic. Wheel sizes grow to 22-inches – the first time they have been offered on a 7 Series from the factory.
Personalisation options have been increased, with more than 500 exterior colour combinations available, including via a new ‘Dual Finish’ application where matte and gloss of the same hue are applied to the one vehicle.
But the most substantial changes are found inside the cabin, where the 7 Series not only picks up the Panoramic iDrive system from the iX3 and i3 but also a standard-fit passenger display.
Panoramic iDrive replaces the traditional instrument cluster with a full-width projection across the lower part of the windscreen, complemented by a 17.9-inch central display and 3D head-up display for the driver’s use.
A front passenger screen expands access to apps beyond the driver, while in the rear, an optional 31-inch 8K-resolution Theatre Screen has been improved from the pre-LCI model. Side blinds deploy automatically when the display is in use.
Material quality and trim customisation remain central, with metals, suedes and woods all remaining on the menu in more than 700 configuration possibilities, while expanded ambient lighting plays an increased role.
Petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric powertrain options globally
BMW will continue to offer the 7 Series with petrol, plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and fully electric models, badged i7, globally.
The electric i7 adopts sixth-generation battery cell tech developed for Neue Klasse models, increasing usable battery capacity to 112kWh and WLTP driving range to 708km.
Charging capability trails full Neue Klasse models, however, because the i7 retains 400-volt architecture it is limited to 250kW DC – allowing for a 10-80 percent charge in 29 minutes.
At the top of the electric line, the i7 M70 xDrive produces 500kW/1015Nm with a 0-100km/h time of just 3.8 seconds.
PHEV variants (which are as-yet unseen in Australia) remain available in the form of the 750e and M760e, which combine the ‘B58’ inline six-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor for up to 450kW in the latter grade, with electric range of 69-82km WLTP.
Upgraded Level 2 autonomy tech and two-axle air suspension
BMW Australia has not yet confirmed which engine options will be coming to the local market.
While BMW says it has dropped its focus on ‘eyes-off’ autonomous driving tech, the 7 Series will usher in a revised Level 2 suite based around the ‘Symbiotic Drive’ product.
This will allow hands-free motorway driving at up to 130km/h as well as expanded urban driving assistance capabilities.
Chassis-wise, the facelifted 7 Series will include adaptive two-axle air suspension, while active roll stabilisation will be optional alongside rear-wheel steering.
With the Audi A8 now discontinued, the main non-SUV rival to the 7 Series is its old foe—the also recently updated Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Alpina, which was absorbed by BMW in recent months, is expected to offer an even more bespoke treatment of the 7 Series chassis at a later date.
