BMW 7-Series Goes Bold With Facelift and Brand-New Interior

Ollie Barstow
Ollie BarstowAutomotive Correspondent
BMW 7-Series
BMW 7-Series

The BMW 7-Series has undergone a major update with the German marque introducing styling updates, an entirely new interior design and even more luxury to its range-topping saloon.

A car already famous for its accentuated interpretation of BMW’s distinctive design language, the new 7-Series – and its electric sister, the BMW i7 - gain even more aggression, dominated by a sculpted front-end look.

While the kidney-grille remains just an enormous, it is now illuminated and has a more angular finish, while the slats within have swapped from vertical to horizontal.

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It is flanked by a pair of slender split headlights, while the broad, squared-off bumper and deep channel that runs the length of the bonnet is designed to make the 7-Series appear more imposing and sophisticated.

While the subtle changes to the exterior are certainly effective, the bigger overhaul is to be found on the inside where the 7-Series gains a similar interior layout to the recently revealed BMW iX3 and BMW i3.

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A new, much larger central touchscreen is now perched on its own above the centre console, where it is joined by a second screen for passengers to utilise.

It also now comes with BMW’s Panoramic Vision system, which integrates the critical driving displays – such as the speedometer and satellite-navigation directions – into a heads-up display at the bottom of the windscreen.

Electric BMW i7 and 7-Series Plug-In Hybrid

Under the skin, the BMW 7-Series is offered with the choice of either an electric powertrain (for the model known as the BMW i7) and plug-in hybrid options.

As before, the 7-Series PHEV gets variations on its six-cylinder petrol engine, mated to an electric motor and a battery pack. It is possible to get around 50-miles of electric-only running with either the BMW 750e or high-performance M760e.

As for the i7, BMW claims range of 452-miles will be possible with the 448bhp 50xDrive and 563bhp 60xDrive versions. An M70 version with 672bhp will also be available.

Representing an improvement on the outgoing model, this has been made possible by new electronic architecture inspired by BMW’s state-of-the-art Neue Klasse platform that has allowed it to set new standards for durability with the iX3 and i3 in their respective classes.

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New Standards for Luxury

In an effort to keep its flagship luxury car competitive against the new Mercedes S-Class, BMW have also introduced a raft of updates for the specification, including some standout new features.

These include a vast 31.3-inch screen that folds down for rear passengers, which is complemented by a Dolby Atmos sound system that includes speakers integrated into the seating to offer an unrivalled cinema-style surround sound experience.

There is also air-suspension to ensure plush ride comfort, rear-wheel steering to mitigate the 7-Series’ length and ensure keen handling, as well as powered doors and a plethora of customising options.

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