The Japan Times - BMW 7 Series and i7: facelift in 2026

BMW is remaining true to its broad drive portfolio and expanding it with efficiency improvements. The proven 740d xDrive inline six-cylinder diesel engine continues to deliver around 299 hp, but is supported by a 48-volt mild hybrid system designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. In the 750e xDrive and M760e xDrive plug-in hybrids, the electric range increases from the current 80 kilometres to around 100 kilometres thanks to a larger battery, enabling the driver to make longer journeys in pure electric mode. The system output increases to 489 hp and 571 hp respectively, with the interaction between the six-cylinder engine and the electric motor being more harmoniously tuned. In addition, BMW plans to offer a particularly exclusive version with the Alpina variant, which offers additional performance potential.

The i7 continues to be the electric flagship. In addition to the familiar eDrive50 (455 hp), xDrive60 (544 hp) and M70 xDrive (659 hp) variants, new battery technologies from the sixth generation of the eDrive system could be introduced with the facelift. These use cylindrical battery cells and an 800-volt architecture, enabling higher charging capacities and increased range. The i7 xDrive60 already achieves more than 600 km according to WLTP, while the top-of-the-range M70 model achieves around 560 km. The new batteries are expected to significantly exceed these figures, while DC fast charging can recharge over 100 km of range in ten minutes. This represents a very important step towards everyday electric mobility, especially as BMW continues to offer its customers comprehensive charging packages.

The extensively modernised interior and the further developed drive systems are inevitably reflected in the price. The current model generation starts at €118,400 for the saloon with a combustion engine, while the i7 starts at €115,900. The facelift is expected to start at over €120,000. In return, buyers will not only get an exterior with a more contemporary design language, but above all a luxury saloon that is one of the most advanced vehicles on the market in terms of digitalisation and autonomy. Production is scheduled to start at the end of 2025, with the market launch planned for summer 2026. BMW is thus confidently positioning the 7 Series against its competitors from Stuttgart and Ingolstadt and is using the time to prepare for its complete replacement by the generation based on the ‘New Class’.

Overall, the facelift of the BMW 7 Series and the i7 marks an important step on the way to a fully digital and lower-emission future for the brand. BMW is, and this is likely to be seen in Stuttgart as well, the target brand in all classes when it comes to style and technology.

With a sharpened design language, highly innovative operating logic, powerful drives and new semi-autonomous driving functions, the manufacturer is demonstrating how luxury and modernity can interact in the luxury segment. The coming years will show how customers react to the mix of tradition and technological progress – but one thing is certain: the 7 Series will continue to expand its role as BMW's technological flagship.