seniordriver.au

Car advice for people whose age and IQ are both over 50.

BMW releases flagship 7 Series luxury sedan

Published:

Last Modified:

Authors: Paul Murrell

THE 7 SERIES HAS ALWAYS been BMW’s flagship saloon, and the latest introduces a major leap forward, introducing a significant evolution with a sharper design presence and advanced digital technology. 

The new BMW 7 Series will arrive in Australia during Q4 2026 in two variants: the BMW 740 and BMW i7 60 xDrive, priced from $277,900 and $306,900 respectively. 

The BMW 740 produces 280kW and 580Nm, accelerating from zero to 100km/h in 5.4 seconds with a top speed of 250km/h.  The BMW i7 60 xDrive delivers 400kW and 745Nm, accelerating to 100km/h in 4.8 seconds and reaching a top speed of 240km/h. 

Thanks to the sixth-generation BMW eDrive – cylindrical battery cells, the fully electric BMW i7 now offers a driving range of up to 727km (WLTP).  

The first luxury sedan with technologies from the Neue Klasse.

Since its debut in 1977 (49 years), the BMW 7 Series has established itself globally as an innovation leader and technological pioneer in the luxury sedan segment. Across seven generations, the model has consistently introduced revolutionary benchmarks in safety, driving dynamics and operating concepts to customer comforts that set new industry standards. 

The new BMW 7 Series represents one of the most comprehensive updates ever introduced to the model line-up and plays a pioneering role in bringing Neue Klasse technologies across all powertrains. As the lead model for the rollout of BMW’s next-generation technologies, the 7 Series showcases advancements in digital interaction, electrification, intelligent assistance systems and sustainable mobility that will progressively expand across future BMW models. 

Premiere for the new BMW luxury-class design.

The new BMW 7 Series embodies BMW’s latest design language for the luxury segment, combining a monolithic exterior with a more contemporary and commanding presence. The illuminated BMW kidney Iconic Glow grille and minimalist crystal headlights create a distinctive front-end appearance, while cleaner surfaces, a defined character line and refined detailing contribute to an elegant side profile and a modern rear design. 

Sporting differentiation is further enhanced through available M Sport Package and M Sport Package Pro variants, reinforcing the model’s dynamic character. Customers will also benefit from expanded BMW Individual personalisation options, including the technologically advanced BMW Individual Dual-Finish paintwork.  20-inch wheel design will be available on the BMW 740 and newly available 21-inch design on the BMW i7 60 xDrive, completing the luxury-focused exterior package. 

For customers seeking an even higher level of exclusivity, the First Edition Package will be available for the first 12 months of production.  The package includes BMW Individual ‘Merino’ leather upholstery with exclusive elements or a wool-cashmere combination, 21-inch BMW Individual light-alloy wheels and two-tone paintwork. It is priced at $12,900 for the BMW 740 and is offered at no additional cost on the BMW i7 60 xDrive. 

Exclusive interior experience: feel-good ambience with luxurious materials, modern design and innovative technologies.

The interior of the new BMW 7 Series combines luxurious materials, modern design and advanced technology to create an exclusive yet highly comfortable atmosphere. A clean design language and premium finishes including leather, wood, crystal glass and metal are complemented by sophisticated ambient lighting elements and refined detailing throughout the cabin. 

Key highlights include the debut of BMW Panoramic iDrive with a BMW Passenger Screen, alongside the upgraded BMW Theatre Screen, which delivers a cinematic entertainment experience for rear-seat passengers. The immersive interior experience is further enhanced by a Bowers & Wilkins sound system with Dolby Atmos support, redesigned steering wheels, updated automatic doors and a digital interior mirror. 

Comfort remains a central focus, with ergonomically designed seats, including available Executive Lounge seating, while standard features such as a panoramic glass sunroof, four-zone automatic climate control and the Travel & Comfort System reinforce the BMW 7 Series’ position as the pinnacle of BMW luxury. 

BMW Panoramic iDrive and new BMW Passenger Screen

The introduction of BMW Panoramic iDrive with BMW Operating System X, representing a new generation of driver-focused interaction. The system integrates BMW Panoramic Vision, a 3D Head-Up Display and a 17.9-inch Central Display to create an intuitive and immersive digital environment. The new BMW Passenger Screen further enhances the front passenger experience, while the optional BMW Theatre Screen transforms the rear cabin into a premium entertainment space with 8K streaming, gaming and connectivity functions. 

The new BMW 7 Series also introduces expanded digital services and connectivity features, including enhanced BMW Maps navigation, smartphone integration, BMW Digital Key Plus and over-the-air software updates. Powered by a new software and electronics architecture, the system delivers improved functionality and future-ready capability. 

Advanced assistance systems with BMW Symbiotic Drive

The new BMW 7 Series employs advanced technologies and an increased use of artificial intelligence (AI) to set new benchmarks in comfort and safety for partially automated driving and parking manoeuvres, while BMW Symbiotic Drive enhances the interaction between driver and vehicle for a more seamless driving experience. 

Standard-fit Park Assist and AI-supported parking space detection and manoeuvre planning make parking more intuitive, precise and comfortable. 

Driving pleasure meets the pleasure of being driven

As before, the new BMW 7 Series blends compelling driving dynamics with the comfort levels of a luxury chauffeur-driven sedan, meeting the diverse needs of customers worldwide – from drivers seeking sporty performance to passengers prioritising rear-seat comfort. 

Innovative chassis technology, including standard adaptive two-axle air suspension with four electronically controlled shock absorbers, enables outstanding ride comfort, driving dynamics and safety. Integral Active Steering available in the 740 allows the rear wheels to turn either in the same or opposite direction to the front wheels depending on road speed by up to 3.5 degrees. Adaptive Chassis Control Professional with Integral Active Steering available in the i7 60 xDrive combines rear wheel steering with an active roll stabilization feature, to further elevate comfort, handling and agility. 

The M Sport package and M Sport Package Pro sharpen the vehicle’s dynamic character even further, while advanced technologies such as AI-supported tyre condition monitoring, the integrated braking system and near-actuator wheel slip limitation ensure precise handling and a high level of driving safety. 

When maximum security meets luxury: the BMW 7 Series Protection.

The BMW 7 Series Protection brings together exceptionally high levels of safety, security and luxury. It provides occupants with protection from attacks with firearms or explosives and has VR9 certification – with VPAM 10 classification, representing the highest level of protection, available as an option. Underpinning this capability is the innovative BMW Protection Core with multi-layer armouring consisting of steel, special alloys, composite materials and bulletproof glass. The suspension and brakes are set up specially to ensure BMW’s signature dynamic ability is preserved. A new BMW 7 Series Protection special protection vehicle based on the new BMW 7 Series is in the final stages of development. 

Focus on sustainability and future production

With the new BMW 7 Series, the BMW Group extends its sustainability strategy across all drive-system variants, focusing on resource-efficient product development, innovative technologies and measures applied across the entire vehicle life cycle – from the supply chain through production to the use phase. 

In the case of the BMW i7, CO₂ emissions have been significantly reduced through the increased use of secondary materials, renewable energy and optimised manufacturing processes, including Gen6 battery cells and aluminum wheel rims with a high recycled material content. BMW’s broader climate ambition includes reducing CO₂ emissions by 60 million tonnes by 2035, reflecting its 360-degree sustainability approach. 

Production at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing.

All model and drive-system variants of the new BMW 7 Series Sedan will be built on a single production line at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing. The tradition-rich location in Lower Bavaria combines the customary BMW passion for flawless engineering with skilled craftsmanship liek no other. By beginning the rollout of Neue Klasse technologies, BMW Group Plant Dingolfing is once again assuming the role of lead plant for the new BMW luxury-class models. 

Local standard specifications

BMW 740
Six-cylinder in-line petrol engine, 48V mild hybrid technology, eight-speed Steptronic transmission
Overall drive system:
Output: 294 kW, torque: 580 Nm

BMW TwinPower Turbo engine:
Capacity: 2998 cc
Rated output: 294kW at 5500 rpm
Rated torque: 540Nm at 1980 – 5,000rpm
Electric motor:
Rated output: 13kW, rated torque: 200Nm
Performance/consumption/emissions:
Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h: 5.4 sec
Top speed: 250 km/h
Combined fuel consumption according to WLTP: 8.8 – 7.7L/100 km
Combined CO2 emissions according to WLTP: 200 – 176g/km
Emissions standard: EU6e (EU7 from November 2026)  

BMW i7 60 xDrive:
BMW Gen6 cell technology in upgraded BMW Gen5 eDrive, electric motor on front and rear axle, electric BMW xDrive all-wheel drive
Overall drive system:
Output: 400kW, max. system torque: 745Nm
Electric motor at the rear:
Rated output: 230kW, rated torque: 400Nm
Electric motor at the front:
Rated output: 190kW, rated torque: 365Nm
High-voltage battery:
Energy content (net): 112.5kWh
Charging rate: 250kW
Range: 581 – 727km according to WLTP
Charging time, 10 – 80% charge: 28 min.
Additional range after 10 min. of DC charging (max. charging rate): 235 km
Performance/consumption/emissions:
Acceleration 0 – 100km/h: 4.8 s
Top speed: 240km/h
Combined electric power consumption according to WLTP, based on EU6: 21.9 – 18.2kWh/100 km

Standard Specification

BMW 740BMW i7 60 xDrive
20-inch wheels
Active seat ventilation in the front seats
Active seat ventilation, rear 
Adaptive 2-axle air suspension 
Alarm system 
Ambient light 
Automatic air conditioning
Automatic tailgate operation
BMW 3D Head-up Display
BMW crystal headlights Iconic Glow BMW Digital Premium – three-year duration
BMW kidney Iconic Glow BMW Panoramic Vision
BMW Passenger Screen
Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system
Carbon Fibre M interior trim
Ceremonial Light Carpet
Comfort Access system incl. Digital Key Plus DAB+ tuner
Driving Assistant Plus Executive Lounge rear console Glass application
‘CraftedClarity’ for interior elements 
Heat Comfort package
Integral Active Steering
M Sport Brakes,
Blue M Sport Package
Massage function for rear-seat passengers
Massage function front
Multifunction seats at rear
Multifunctional seats for driver and front passenger Panorama glass roof
Sky Lounge Parking Assistant Professional
Remote Engine Start
BMW Service Inclusive – five years
Roller sunblinds
Seat heating for driver and front passenger Seat heating two outer rear seats
Soft-Close function for doors
Sports steering wheel
Steering wheel heating
Tyre pressure monitoring system Tyre repair kit
Plus Wireless charging tray Plus
21-inch wheels
Acoustic protection for pedestrians
Adaptive Chassis Control Professional
Automatic Doors
BMW Iconic Sounds
Electric Executive Lounge Seating
Fast charging cable Professional (mode 3) for public charging
Flexible Charger (Mode 2)
Rear-seat entertainment Experience  

Two-tone paintwork

$16,500 option

Sapphire Black + Oxide Grey

Sapphire Black + Aventurine Red

Sapphire Black + Vancouver Green

Sapphire Black + Dravit Grey

Sapphire Black + Tanzanite Blue

Oxide Grey + Dravit Grey

Oxide Grey + Sapphire Black

$20,500 option

Tanzanite Blue + Frozen Tanzanite Blue  

Comments

Your feedback is important to us. We are currently working to restore comment functionality. Thank you for your patience.