BMW 7 Series gains firm’s ‘Neue Klasse’ face and tech upgrades

The BMW 7 Series has received a new front-end design and several tech upgrades to keep it up to date.

The 7 Series is BMW’s flagship model and comes equipped with a choice of plug-in hybrid and electric powertrains.

Its exterior now boasts BMW’s ‘Neue Klasse’ design language with a redesigned kidney grille and taillights. Its nostril features slimmer daytime running lights and customers will be able to order the car with a ‘world-first’ dual-finish paint, which uses a matt finish on the lower body with a hand-painted metallic upper section.

Inside, the updated car gets BMW’s Panoramic iDrive with Operating System X infotainment system; there is a new instrument panel, and for the first time in a BMW model, a 14.6-inch front-passenger display screen is standard across the range.

In the back, rear-seat occupants will be spoiled with the optional 31.3-inch ‘Theatre Screen’ touchscreen with 8K-resolution paired to a 35-speaker Bowers and Wilkins Diamond Surround system, for the full cinema experience.

The electric ‘i7’ model will be launched first with a choice of three variants: ‘50 xDrive, 60 xDrive and M70 xDrive.

All models are hooked up to a 105.7kWh battery pack and thanks to updates made to the drivetrain, BMW claims the entry-level 50 xDrive car can now travel 452 miles on a single charge – 73 miles more than before.

Later down the line, there will be two plug-in hybrid models with the 750e xDrive and 760e xDrive. Both variants are equipped with an updated 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine mated to an electric motor and 18.7kWh battery pack to deliver an electric range of up to 50 miles, while the former produces 308bhp and the latter makes 420bhp.

Production of the updated BMW 7 Series range will start in September, with prices and UK specifications to follow later this year.