Neue Klasse makeover can't fix BMW 7 Series

Still looks like a bag of hammers - but you do get more range and the inside is plusher than ever

By Matt Bird / Wednesday, 22 April 2026 / Loading comments

Having promised plenty more Neue Klasse influence over the coming months and years, BMW already has another new model to debut. While this latest 7 Series is only a mid-life refresh, technically speaking, it’s also said to be ‘the most extensive model update in BMW Group history’. And it’s not often that sort of claim is made about a facelift. As the entire BMW lineup will get an overhaul inspired by the design and tech of the i3 and iX3, so it makes sense to begin at the top. Wouldn't want the powerfully built company directors feeling left out of the Neue Klasse revolution…

BMW says that its ‘visually striking presence’ makes the new 7 ‘easily recognisable’ - no arguing with that. So while still familiar as the 7, it’s also easy to see where this new car has been altered. The rear end in particular, with the new light and bumper design as well as the section carved out for the BMW badge, immediately brings to mind the iX3. While the front is still dominated by the grilles, it’s a tidier schnozz this time around with new lights and a reworked bumper.

Still no stunner, that’s for sure - but arguably cleaner and crisper than last time around. BMW says that the G70 LCI ‘showcases this design direction for the luxury segment, merging the model’s hallmark qualities – dynamism, comfort and luxury – with the Neue Klasse principles.’ There’s also what’s claimed to be a world first in terms of paint tech, which might help us warm to the look; BMW Individual Dual-Finish features a matt finish for the lower bodywork, and a hand-applied metallic finish up top. In case you hadn’t already spent enough on a 7 Series…

Let’s be honest, though - it’s probably the interior that will sell this car more than the outside. To that end, BMW has pulled out all the stops to combine ‘presence, elegance and premium materials with a clear, uncluttered design, while the implementation of Neue Klasse technologies sets the stage for an exceptional on-board entertainment experience for all passengers.’ As is often the case with a new 7, there’s never-before-seen-in-a-BMW tech, here including stuff like the Passenger Screen and 8K resolution for the rear Theatre Screen.

The former is a 14.6-inch display standard throughout the range, offering the usual array of entertainment options for when the driver is a bit tedious (if indeed anybody is actually sitting up front in a 7 Series). It’s that monster rear screen, 31.3 inches across and now with video conferencing capability for the first time, that’ll probably be the big drawer. Hook it up to the optional B&W Diamond Surround Sound System with Dolby Atmos and you’ll get the ‘ultimate cinema experience.’ Or you can just plug in a PC via the HDMI and enjoy Minecraft like never before.

The driver doesn’t want for things to look at, either. The Neue Klasse rework means the introduction of Panoramic iDrive for the 7 Series (underpinned by BMW Operating System X), as well as a 17.9-inch ‘free-cut Central Display.’ Plus you get a 3D Head-up Display. Even the steering wheel is new, featuring controls that only illuminated when required; probably a good idea given everything else in front of the driver. BMW says the tech all comes together to form a ‘coherent, clearly structured operating concept.’ And, to be fair, it typically has been pretty good at incorporating the crazy levels of tech now included in a new car. Particularly a luxury saloon. But you wouldn’t be alone in feeling slightly daunted with that much going on.

BMW hasn’t lost sight of what’s important when it comes to 7 Series interiors, however, with more personalisation and customisation possible than ever before. Don’t like the four-spoke steering wheel? There are four others available, and each can be trimmed in up to three colours. Who’s for a BMW Individual wheel ‘clad in Smoke White with a Dark Silver bezel’? You can have cashmere with leather, Alcantara headlining, Fineline Lime open-pored matt fine-wood trim, Crafted Clarity Glass… you get the idea. BMW suggests that around 700 interior material combinations are possible. So good luck with that configurator session.

Speaking of which, those lucky enough to be in the back of a 7 Series will have plenty of options to choose from to make the most of the experience. There’s something called an Executive Lounge that brings a footrest and a quilted, heated armrest, plus the ability to recline the seat - sounds like a box worth ticking. The aforementioned Bowers & Wilkins sound system brings 35 speakers and up to 1,965 watts; if you can have 35 speakers in a 7 Series, why wouldn’t you? Particularly with standard acoustic glazing, tyres with internal foam absorbers, better door insulation and ‘further aeroacoustic optimisation of the exterior mirror caps’ included for the best refinement possible; maybe that ultimate cinema experience claim wasn’t an exaggeration…

As before, there’ll be purely electric i7-spec 7 Series and plug-in hybrids. A purely petrol V8 M Performance 7 Series, V8 and all, has also been suggested for future, which sounds cool. Ideal for another Transporter film, if not much else. At launch, it’ll just be the battery-powered models offered, all benefitting from the new Gen6 cylindrical cells found in the Neue Klasses, with a 750e and M760e PHEVs to follow soon.

For the i7 50 xDrive, that means best scores of 452 WLTP miles and up to 3.47mi/kWh. The i7 60 xDrive boosts power from 455hp to 544hp, meaning it can dip under five seconds to 62mph and deliver just one mile less on the WLTP range rest. It also offers up to 3.41mi/kWh, so sounds like a worthwhile upgrade over the 50. For those who want the ultimate in 7 Series acceleration (and depreciation), the M70 xDrive soldiers on, able to reach 62mph in just 3.8 seconds thanks to an 811lb ft overboost. Charging is now up to 250kW for all i7s, from 195kW.

So it really is more than a new look for the ultimate BMW saloon, and evidence of just how extensive the Neue Klasse revolution will be for every model carrying the propeller. Because this sort of overhaul is coming for all the BMWs, and while not everything will get a Passenger Display, AI-assisted digital tyre monitoring or a Ceremonial Light Carpet option, there’s clearly a lot of new tech coming. Having made its debut in China, this seventh-generation Seven is due on sale in the UK later in 2026. So the £20,000 already off an M70 might just be the start for the rest of this year…