BMW 7 Series, i7 Facelift India Launch Today: What to Expect?

Key highlights:

The outgoing BMW 7 Series was priced from Rs 1.85 crore (ex-showroom) for both petrol and diesel versions. Meanwhile, the BMW i7 was priced between Rs 2.10 crore and Rs 2.58 crore (ex-showroom).

With the facelift bringing styling changes, new technology and updated powertrains, BMW is expected to increase prices for both models. The exact India-spec pricing will be announced at the launch.

BMW has not confirmed the India-spec engine specifications yet. However, the international facelifted 7 Series is offered with updated versions of its existing petrol and diesel powertrains. The updated 740 xDrive, which replaces the international 740i name, uses a 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-petrol engine producing 400hp and 580Nm. This is an increase of 19hp and 60Nm over the previous version.

The 740d continues with its 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel engine, now producing 313hp and 670Nm, up by 27hp and 20Nm. The India-spec model is expected to continue with the petrol and diesel engines currently offered here.

Internationally, BMW also offers plug-in hybrid versions of the 7 Series. The M760e xDrive produces 612hp, while a 750e xDrive is also expected to join the lineup. It remains to be seen if BMW brings a PHEV version to India.

The electric BMW i7 also gets important mechanical updates. The international i7 50 xDrive replaces the previous eDrive50 name and now gets all-wheel drive instead of rear-wheel drive. It uses a larger 112.4kWh battery, compared with the earlier 101.7kWh unit. The dual-motor setup produces 445hp and 660Nm, while the claimed WLTP range has increased to 727km, up by 103km. The range-topping i7 M70 xDrive also gets the 112.4kWh battery. It produces 680hp and 1,015Nm, with the power output increasing by 30hp. Its claimed WLTP range stands at 686km, 62km more than before.

These specifications are expected to provide an indication of what BMW could offer with the India-spec i7 facelift.

The facelift brings evolutionary changes to the exterior rather than a completely new design. At the front, both models get a boxier kidney grille with new horizontal elements and an illuminated surround. The split LED headlight design has also been revised, with slimmer daytime running lights positioned above the vertically stacked headlight units.

The side profile remains largely unchanged, although BMW has introduced new alloy wheel designs. The illuminated flush-fitting door handles have been carried forward. At the rear, the wraparound taillights feature new LED elements, while the bumper has been redesigned with a cleaner appearance.

The interior gets the most significant update. The facelifted models introduce BMW's Panoramic iDrive, with a full-width display positioned at the base of the windscreen. The dashboard also features a new 17.9-inch central touchscreen and a 14.6-inch front passenger display, both running BMW Operating System X.

Read More: BMW i5 LWB Launched in India at Rs 79.6 Lakh: Gets 271bhp Motor and 160kW Charging

Other changes include a new four-spoke steering wheel and revised ambient lighting that extends across the dashboard, rear speaker grilles and behind the front seats. The luxury rear-seat experience continues with features such as electric adjustment, heating, ventilation, massage, lumbar support and heated armrests. The front passenger seat can also move forward to create additional legroom for the rear passenger.

Read More: Porsche Cayenne Electric India Debut on September 30: Price, Range, Power and More

One of the biggest highlights for rear passengers is the optional 31.3-inch Theatre Screen. The updated screen now gets 8K resolution and supports video calls, streaming and gaming. The rear door-mounted displays have also been revised. Passengers can use them to adjust the Theatre Screen's position and viewing angle, along with controlling other cabin functions.

BMW has also repositioned the automatic door controls for easier access.