BMW will launch the facelifted 7 Series and i7 in India on September 11. The company had opened bookings for both flagship luxury sedans on August 1, shortly after their global debut earlier this year. The mid-life update brings exterior styling revisions, a heavily revised cabin with BMW's latest Panoramic iDrive display, and updates to the petrol, diesel and electric powertrains.
- Bookings for both models opened on August 1
- Redesigned cabin with BMW's new Panoramic iDrive
- Updated petrol, diesel and electric powertrains
BMW 7 Series, i7 facelifts: All we know so far
The facelifted 7 Series and i7 receive styling revisions while retaining the overall design of the outgoing models. Changes include a redesigned illuminated kidney grille, revised split LED headlamps and a new front bumper. Along the sides, BMW has introduced a new alloy wheel design while retaining the flush-fitting door handles. At the rear, both models get slimmer tail-lamps with smoked lenses and chrome detailing, along with a redesigned tailgate and bumper.
The biggest changes are inside the cabin. The facelift introduces BMW's new Panoramic iDrive layout, replacing the conventional digital instrument cluster with a full-width projection display at the base of the windscreen. It works alongside a 17.9-inch central touchscreen and a 14.6-inch front passenger display. The infotainment system runs the latest BMW Operating System X, supports over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and features improved voice controls. BMW has also redesigned the dashboard, introduced a new four-spoke steering wheel like in BMW's Neue Klasse models and revised the ambient lighting.
Standard equipment includes electrically adjustable seats with heating, ventilation, massage and lumbar support. The front passenger seat can also slide fully forward to create additional legroom for the passenger seated behind. Rear-seat passengers benefit from an updated 31.3-inch 8K Theatre Screen and revised rear door-mounted control panels. BMW has also revised the automatic doors with better-positioned open and close buttons. Other highlights include a Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system and additional ambient lighting elements throughout the cabin.
BMW 7 Series, i7 facelifts: Powertrain
BMW has not yet confirmed the India-spec variant lineup. However, the current 7 Series is sold here in 740i petrol and 740d diesel forms, while the i7 is available in eDrive50 and M70 xDrive guises. Internationally, all four receive mechanical updates.
The facelifted 740i xDrive continues with a 3.0-litre inline-six petrol mild-hybrid engine which now produces 400hp and 580Nm, up by 19hp and 60Nm. Meanwhile the 740d xDrive now develops 313hp and 670Nm, an increase of 27hp and 20Nm over the outgoing model. Both remain paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
The entry-level i7 eDrive50 has been replaced by the i7 xDrive50, which now gets all-wheel drive. It also receives a larger 112.4kWh battery in place of the previous 101.7kWh unit. Output rises to 455hp and 660Nm. The i7 M70 xDrive also adopts the larger battery, with power increasing from 650hp to 680hp, while torque increases from 1,015Nm to up to 1,100Nm. It remains to be seen whether the range-topping i7 M70 xDrive is also launched in India.
International-spec BMW 7 Series shown for representative purposes only.
Glenn Noronha
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Dipan Sur
Hormazd Sorabjee
