BMW’s flagship 7 Series gets its ‘Neue Klasse’ upgrade

Ever since BMW first announced its “Neue Klasse” next-generation electric vehicle architecture and design language way back in 2021, the question on many fans’ minds was when the new technology would reach the automaker’s flagship 7 Series.

Well, that moment has finally arrived. Today, at events in New York City and Beijing, BMW unveiled its new 7 Series on the Neue Klasse platform. And while some of the styling choices remain polarizing, the power and technology riding under the surface is sure to give these $100,000-plus machines a strong selling point. Simply put, BMW wants to transform its decades-old advertising slogan as “the Ultimate Driving Machine” to the “Ultimate Computing Platform.” Will it succeed? Let’s take a look at what’s being revealed.

First thing to note is BMW’s decision to release multiple powertrains. The 7 Series will launch with not one, not two, but six different variants: there’s the EVs, the i7 50 xDrive and i7 60 xDrive; the internal combustion models, the 740 and 740 xDrive; the plug-in hybrid, 750e xDrive; and in 2027, a V8 M performance model. This is likely a reflection of the current reality in which EV sales are on the upswing in some markets, and struggling in others.

All versions will feature BMW’s massive illuminated kidney grilles, offset by a pair of accent light eyebrows. The grille is a little slimmer than the 2026 model year, but it’s hardly noticeable. The adaptive headlights are also tucked further into the air curtains, making them almost invisible until they’re switched on.

Yes, BMW heard all your negative comments about its buck-toothed design, and still went ahead and slapped it on its flashiest, most popular vehicles. Why? In short, sales are still good. People aren’t fleeing from the brand because of the grille. So the Chiclets remain.

While most of the biggest changes are inside, BMW still spared no expense on the exterior design. We’re talking adaptive LED headlights that can be optioned up to add 12 diamond-cut crystal lights, new light carpets with 194,000 pixels projected on the ground for entry, and a “world first” painting process that manually combines matte and metallic finishes. BMW says each car takes over 75 hours in the paint shop to complete.

Your aversion to BMW’s in-your-face fascia may subside when you hear what the electric 7 series is rocking under the hood — or the floorboards, as it were. Thanks to a supply partnership with Croatia’s Rimac, the i7 variants are sporting new Gen6 cylindrical batteries that boost energy density by 20 percent for a usable capacity of 112.5 kWh. BMW says the new battery will offer an EPA estimated range in excess of 350 miles.

The maximum charging rate has been boosted to 250 kW, allowing a 10–80 percent charge in 28 minutes. That’s nowhere close to some of the ultra-quick charging speeds boasted by Chinese automakers like BYD, but it should still satisfy even the antsiest among us. And a native NACS charging port will ensure the i7 will have access to tens of thousands of Tesla Superchargers.

And this is a BMW, so of course there’s much attention being paid to performance. BMW says the i7 60 xDrive will produce 536 horsepower and 549 lb-ft of torque, with a 0–60mph acceleration of 4.6 seconds. The i7 50 xDrive will put out 449 horsepower and 487 lb-ft of torque, and gallop from 0–60 mph in 5.3 seconds. Both are dual motor, all-wheel drive configurations, which is a shift from BMW’s past positions of offering a longer-range, single motor variant. If you prefer rear-wheel drive only, you’ll have to opt for the 740 gas version.

Under the surface, the new platform heralds a major brain transplant. BMW has been boasting for years now about the Neue Klasse vehicles “superbrain,” which consolidates the various compute modules into four central units. These superbrains power the car’s various advanced features, like an Alexa Plus AI-enhanced voice assistant, advanced driver assist functions like automatic lane changes and self-parking, and, of course, over-the-air software updates to ensure the 7 Series’ software stays fresh and new.

With the 7 Series, BMW is also introducing the concept of “shy tech,” a design philosophy that hides certain sensors and hardware until it’s actually needed, ensuring the cabin remains serene and uncluttered. Instead of overwhelming the driver with a constant array of buttons, sensors, and screens, BMW says Shy Tech blends into the background, becoming visible or active only when relevant to the current situation.

What BMW isn’t shy about is screens. There are four major displays inside the 7 Series, including two more arm rest screens for rear passengers. In front, you’ve got the 17.9 inch “floating” central display that presents as a “free cut” irregular hexagon. To the right is a 14.6 inch multi-touch display for passengers to stream media.

And then there’s BMW’s Panoramic Vision, which is a brand-new projection surface that sits at the base of the windshield and spans the width of the dash. Unlike a traditional head-up display, Panoramic Vision is a high contrast, opaque band of information that’s visible to everyone in the vehicle. It effectively serves as the i7’s instrument cluster, with details about navigation, drive mode, and speeds, as well as widgets for time, temperature, and media player. It reminds me a little of Lincoln’s new Android-based Digital Experience.

In the rear, BMW is still offering the option to include a 31.3 inch Theater Screen that descends from the headliner and supports 8K resolution. It’s a Fire TV device, which means that just like other soundbars, sticks, and televisions running Fire OS, it can access most modern video streaming services and other Fire TV apps to stream over the car’s own 5G connection. It’s a touchscreen display, and there are also small touchpad controls built into the arm rests.

Is this too many screens for one car? Probably, but the customer segment that BMW is targeting likely will appreciate the extra effort at ensuring maximum luxury and comfort. This is the 7 Series, after all, and anything less than the best and the most simple won’t suffice.

Of course, you’ll pay for all those screens, too. The lowest price is for the gas-powered 740, which starts at $99,800. Stepping up to the AWD 740 xDrive brings the price to $102,800, while the electric variants begin with the i7 50 xDrive at $106,200. And the EV range-topper i7 60 xDrive starts at $124,700. These figures represent a modest increase over the 2026 model year, generally between $500 and $1,500, which is justified by the Neue Klasse software architecture and next-gen battery pack.

The BMW 7 Series will have plenty of competition when it arrives at dealerships this summer. The i7 will go up against the newly refreshed Mercedes-Benz EQS, as well as the Lucid Air sedan. BMW may have an advantage, though, with the release of multiple powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid in 2027. Luxury and variety? That could be a winning combination.