Overview
The heavily updated BMW i7 marks a monumental shift for the flagship luxury saloon, using next-generation technology from BMW's Neue Klasse platform. Serving as the absolute pinnacle of BMW's luxury EV lineup, this extensive mid-life overhaul elevates the limousine to compete directly against the Mercedes-Benz EQS and even the Rolls Royce Spectre. By introducing highly efficient Gen6 battery cells and updated electric motors, this premium electric saloon now has improved efficiency, ultra-premium personalization options, and a class-leading driving range.
Design
Adopting what BMW calls their monolithic design, the exterior moves closer to a clean, minimalist silhouette while retaining an unmistakable road presence. The previously stacked headlights has been replaced by a pair of ultra-thin, minimalist crystal headlights that incorporate shimmering glass elements. The massive central kidney grille has been reprofiled to be slightly slimmer and expands downwards, featuring the Iconic Glow illuminated LED border with horizontal slats. Along the sides, the saloon features heavily reduced surface lines and flush automatic doors, sitting on 22-inch alloy wheels that use 70% recycled aluminium. The heavily re-worked rear end echoes the new BMW i3 saloon, featuring a stretched LED light bars that extends deeply into the centre of the boot lid. Buyers can also specify bespoke BMW Individual Dual-Finish paint, two-tone layouts that combine a matte lower body with a metallic upper section separated by a hand-drawn coach line.
Interior
The cabin undergoes a complete digital evolution, with materials such as wood, open-pored metals, leather, and crystal glass controls to create a private mobile retreat. The traditional driver's instrument cluster is replaced by a 43.3-inch pillar-to-pillar Panoramic iDrive projection screen that stretches across the entire base of the lower windscreen to display vital driving metrics. Infotainment is managed via a driver-angled 17.9-inch hexagonal central touchscreen running Android-powered BMW Operating System X, which features an upgraded AI personal assistant integrated with Amazon Alexa+ voice control. In a first for the brand, a standalone 14.6-inch front passenger entertainment touchscreen is neatly embedded into the passenger side dashboard. Rear passengers are treated to a 31.3-inch 8K Theatre Screen that drops down from the roof, featuring an integrated camera and Dolby Atmos through a 35-speaker Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system. The roof structure features an illuminated 'Sky Lounge' panoramic glass panel embedded with 40 customisable LEDs to alter the cabin atmosphere.
Performance & Powertrains
Under the skin, the updated i7 switches to advanced sixth-generation eDrive technology, with modular cylindrical battery cells developed in partnership with Rimac. The new battery pack scales up to capacity of 112kWh and yields a 20% leap in energy density over previous generation. Paired with highly efficient motors, the entry-level, dual-motor 50 xDrive variant delivers 449 bhp and 442 lb ft of torque, sprinting from 0-62 mph in 5.3 seconds while achieving a class-leading range of 452 miles. The mid-tier 60 xDrive model elevates performance to 536 bhp, accelerating from 0-62 mph in 4.6 seconds. Although the electrical architecture remains a 400V system, peak DC fast-charging limits are raised significantly to 250 kW, slashing the 10 to 80% charging time down to just 28 minutes. Ride comfort is managed by a standard adaptive two-axle air suspension setup paired with active rear-wheel steering, while higher-tier trims gain active roll stabilisation.
Practicality
The long body guarantees exceptional legroom and headroom for all occupants, functioning as a chauffeur-driven vehicle. Storage across the cabin is abundant, with an Alcantara-trimmed, wireless-charging, central phone tray. For those prioritizing rear-seat comfort, the Executive Lounge package removes any distractions from the rear view and introduces fully reclinable rear chairs with deploying leg rests positioned behind the front passenger seat. This package also integrates quilted, heated armrests containing hidden glass holders and dedicated smartphone docks. The boot configuration maintains a flat, wide loading floor with a power-operated lid, easily accommodating multiple full-sized suitcases, though the underfloor storage is primarily for charging cables.
Buying
Customer deliveries for the i7 are scheduled to start November 2026. Pricing for entry-level, 50 xDrive trim starts at £104,230, climbing to £120,335 for the 60 xDrive model. The EV Hub recommended configuration is the i7 50 xDrive Excellence. This setup maximizes the efficiency gains of the new Gen6 cylindrical battery cells to deliver the full 452 miles of range, while providing the definitive rear-cabin luxury experience without paying the premium needed for the M models.