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Flagship models used to point the way for brands like BMW, but the latest 7 Series is instead following in the tech and design footsteps of cars like the i3 and iX3.
The 2027 BMW 7 Series has been given a mid-life update, with a major interior overhaul, new technologies, and a less polarising but still imposing exterior, due in Australia in the fourth quarter of 2026 (October to December).
The headline act for the new 7 Series is an interior redesign that uses a version of the multi-screen layout seen on BMW’s new-generation ‘Neue Klasse’ iX3 and i3 EVs.
The updated interior retains extended leather trim, multi-adjustable front and rear seating, heated seats and armrests, seat ventilation and massage, and a long list of comfort and convenience items.
A new dashboard adopts BMW’s Panoramic iDrive layout, with a full-width screen that spans the bottom of the windscreen and replaces a traditional instrument cluster.
With no need to see a regular driver display through the steering wheel, a new four-spoke steering wheel with vertical top and bottom spokes has been fitted, and a driver’s head-up display remains to put key info in their line of sight.
The 17.9-inch parallelogram-shaped infotainment display retains a traditional position in the middle of the dash, and is joined by a standard 14.6-inch passenger display – a first for BMW.
A driver-monitoring camera watches for distraction and will automatically dim the passenger display to prevent the driver from watching. If the front passenger seat is unoccupied, the passenger display won’t show videos or other entertainment.
From the outside, the 7 Series LCI gets a more resolved look with squarer front-end styling, slimmer daytime running lights, and headlights that are more seamlessly integrated into the large bumper intakes.
The grille retains illumination as part of the update, but has been reshaped, and now features horizontal bars instead of BMW’s traditional vertical vanes.
Unlike the i3 and iX3, which feature integrated main-beam headlights enclosed by a wide-frame chrome grille ring, the new 7 Series keeps the separate daytime-running light and headlight arrangement seen on other flagship BMWs like the X7 and XM.
At the rear, a wider tail-light design and notched bootlid that frames the BMW badge take cues from the i3, while the bumper has been given more squared-off details as part of what BMW refers to as a ‘monolithic’ design.
Other updates to the new 7 Series include revised power-operated doors with more user-friendly buttons to operate them, and a smoother, less disruptive soft-close function.
The massive 31.3-inch rear entertainment display that folds down electrically from the roof has also been updated with touchscreen functionality, a built-in camera for conference calls, and access to a wider range of streaming platforms.
In various markets, BMW will offer the 7 Series in 210kW/425Nm 735, the 294kW/580Nm 740 and 740 xDrive petrols, and the 230kW/670Nm 740d xDrive diesel, all with mild-hybrid 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder turbocharged engines.
Plug-in hybrids will include the 360kW/700Nm 750e xDrive and 450kW/800Nm M760e xDrive with an electric-only range of up to 82km, depending on the variant, based on the 3.0-litre petrol engine and an electric motor.
The electric i7 range will comprise the i7 50 xDrive with 335kW/660Nm combined outputs and an estimated WLTP range of 591-728km, the i7 60 xDrive with 400kW/745Nm and 581-727km of range.
The flagship i7 M70 xDrive boasts 500kW and 1100Nm, up 15kW and 85Nm over the outgoing model, with a 3.8-second claimed 0-100km/h time and a quoted WLTP driving range between 566km and 686km.
The i7 50 and i7 60 variants are fitted with a 112.5kWh battery, while the i7 M70 lists a 112.4kWh capacity, all up from the 101.7kWh capacity of pre-update i7s. All feature 250kW DC fast-charge capability.
While the vehicle itself isn’t a member of BMW’s latest Neue Klasse platform vehicles, the electronics architecture is, utilising BMW’s latest ‘software defined vehicle’ control systems for everything from driving dynamics and safety systems to infotainment.
BMW Australia confirmed with Drive that the updated 7 Series range will launch Down Under in the fourth quarter (October to December) of 2026.
A BMW spokesperson said details of “which engine variants will be offered in Australia and New Zealand” will be “communicated at the end of May,” alongside pricing.
Kez Casey migrated from behind spare parts counters to writing about cars over ten years ago. Raised by a family of automotive workers, Kez grew up in workshops and panel shops before making the switch to reviews and road tests for The Motor Report, Drive and CarAdvice.
