The BMW i7 gets updated with technology from the Neue Klasse

BMW has just announced an in-depth update to its flagship, the 7 Series, ahead of its presentation at the Beijing Auto Show, which opens today, Friday 24 April, and runs throughout next week. The all-electric i7 version of this luxury saloon has received the largest number of improvements, incorporating advanced technologies from the Neue Klasse platform.

Although the i7 still uses the traditional CLAR platform as its base, BMW has integrated key components of its new architecture. Among the many improvements introduced by the Bavarian manufacturer, the most notable is the replacement of the former 101.7 kWh battery pack, which used prismatic cells, with a renewed battery pack that this time uses sixth-generation cylindrical cells, as used in the models of the Neue Klasse. This upgrade increases the total capacity of the new battery pack to 112.5 kWh, which, as expected, translates into greater range as well as a shorter time needed to complete a charge.

BMW has placed special emphasis on highlighting that this update is one of the most comprehensive revisions it has carried out on an existing model in its entire history. As a result, the i7 now supports a peak output of 250 kW when charging with direct current, compared with 200 kW for the previous model. This reduces the time needed to raise the state of charge from 10 to 80 percent by about 5 minutes. This process now takes just 29 minutes.

In this regard, it should be noted that although the new i7 cannot match the charging performance offered by rivals with 800-volt architecture, the Bavarian manufacturer has optimised the vehicle’s charging curve to reduce the total time required.

This is how the BMW i7 2026 range looks

Initially, BMW will offer three all-electric versions with all-wheel drive: 50 xDrive, with a total output of 335 kW and 660 Nm, and a WLTP range of 708 km; 60 xDrive, with 400 kW combined output from its two motors and 745 Nm. In this case, the WLTP range is 707 km. Finally, the most radical version, the M70 xDrive, combined output soars to 500 kW with 1015 Nm of torque. According to the manufacturer, this top-of-the-range version offers a WLTP range of 650 km and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds.

In terms of styling, the i7 adopts the new design language of the Bavarian brand that debuted with the iX3. The front looks more monolithic and imposing: the main headlights are now vertical, the daytime running light signature is more angular, and the kidney grille is more pronounced. The side profile remains the same for cost reasons, but the rear lights are clearly inspired by the design language of the Neue Klasse.

Inside, the influence of the Neue Klasse is also evident, now incorporating the Panoramic iDrive that debuted with the iX3, a continuous screen running from one side of the dashboard to the other.

Production of the updated i7 will begin in July at the German Dingolfing plant. In the German market, prices start at €121,400 for the i7 50 xDrive, €140,100 for the 60 xDrive and €182,400 for the M70 xDrive. The plug-in hybrid versions, the 750e and M760e, will arrive in November 2026.

Technical specifications of this car

SedanBMW i73 versions · from 116,000 €