BMW Launches 2026 7 Series and i7 Facelift in India Starting at Rs 1.95 Crore

BMW India has officially launched the 2026 7 Series and its all-electric sibling, the i7, introducing a mid-lifecycle facelift for the G70-generation flagship sedans. Starting at Rs 1.95 crore, ex-showroom, the updated lineup arrives roughly four years after the current generation made its debut in the Indian market, bringing substantial design revisions, major cabin technology upgrades, and enhanced powertrains.

The launch signals a strategic shift for the German luxury carmaker in India, as it streamlines its internal combustion engine offerings while expanding its high-performance electric vehicle portfolio. Notably, the local assembly of both the petrol-powered 7 Series and the entry-level electric variant at BMW's Chennai plant helps position the flagship competitively against its chief rival, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

In a significant departure from its previous strategy, BMW has dropped the diesel-powered 740d variant from the Indian lineup, leaving the petrol-powered 740 as the sole internal combustion option. The updated 740 is powered by a 3.0-litre twin-scroll turbo-petrol inline-six engine, which is paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Internal mechanical upgrades have boosted the engine's output to 400 horsepower and 540 Nm of torque, representing an increase of 19 horsepower and 20 Nm over the outgoing model.

Power is delivered to the rear wheels through an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission, enabling the large luxury sedan to sprint from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in a claimed 5.4 seconds. The vehicle's top speed is electronically limited to 250 kilometers per hour. To maintain its signature ride quality and handling, the petrol-powered flagship continues to feature adaptive suspension and rear-wheel steering as standard equipment.

On the electric front, the 2026 BMW i7 facelift is offered in two distinct trims: the locally assembled eDrive50 and the fully imported, high-performance M70 xDrive. The entry-level i7 eDrive50 utilizes a single-motor setup driving the rear wheels, producing 455 horsepower and 660 Nm of torque, which allows it to reach 100 kilometers per hour in 5.5 seconds. Equipped with a massive 112.5 kWh battery pack, the eDrive50 now boasts a WLTP-certified range of 728 kilometers on a single charge, which is an increase of 125 kilometers over its predecessor.

For buyers seeking extreme performance, the range-topping i7 M70 xDrive introduces a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive configuration that pumps out 680 horsepower and up to 1,100 Nm of torque when using Launch Control or Sport Boost. This powerhouse completes the zero-to-100 kilometers per hour sprint in just 3.8 seconds, matching the 250 kilometers per hour top speed of its petrol counterpart while still delivering a respectable WLTP range of 686 kilometers. Both electric models support 250 kW DC fast charging, which can replenish the battery from 10 to 80 percent in 28 minutes or add 235 kilometers of range in a mere 10 minutes.

The interior of the 2026 facelift represents a dramatic departure from traditional luxury layouts, drawing heavy inspiration from BMW's upcoming Neue Klasse design philosophy. The conventional driver's instrument cluster has been replaced by BMW Panoramic Vision, a full-width projection system that runs along the base of the windscreen from A-pillar to A-pillar. This system works in tandem with a 17.9-inch central touchscreen running the latest BMW Operating System X, allowing drivers to customize up to six quick-access widgets using simple drag-and-drop gestures.

In a first for the brand, the front passenger receives a dedicated 14.6-inch touchscreen with full-HD resolution. To prevent driver distraction, the passenger screen features an automated dimming function that activates the moment an interior camera detects the driver's gaze shifting toward it. The physical layout of the dashboard has also been simplified, featuring a new two-spoke steering wheel, a redesigned center console with expanded storage, and a cylindrical rotary drive selector crafted from polished glass.

Rear-seat passengers are treated to an ultra-luxurious environment centered around Executive Lounge seating, which offers coordinated backrest and seat-angle adjustments allowing for a reclining angle of up to 43 degrees. Entertainment is anchored by a massive 31.3-inch 8K Theatre Screen that folds down from the ceiling, paired with an 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound system featuring Dolby Atmos. The cabin experience is further elevated by the Sky Lounge panoramic glass roof, which features over 40 embedded LEDs that sync with the ambient lighting to project a quilted pattern across the interior.

On the outside, the 7 Series facelift adopts a more imposing, slab-sided front fascia. The redesigned split headlamps incorporate Swarovski crystal elements that create a distinct sparkling effect, while the larger, more squared-off kidney grilles feature horizontal slats and an illuminated Iconic Glow surround. The automatic doors have also been upgraded, swapping out traditional ultrasonic sensors for advanced radar-based technology to ensure smoother, faster, and safer opening and closing operations.

Priced at Rs 1.95 crore, the petrol-powered BMW 740 and the electric i7 eDrive50 present a highly competitive alternative to their primary market rivals. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class, which received its own update in India recently, is priced between Rs 2.20 crore and Rs 2.38 crore, making the new 7 Series up to Rs 43 lakh more affordable than its Stuttgart competitor. Meanwhile, the top-tier i7 M70 xDrive, which arrives as a completely built-up unit, is positioned at Rs 2.65 crore to target the ultra-luxury performance segment.

Local assembly of the petrol 740 and the electric i7 eDrive50 is already underway at BMW's manufacturing facility in Chennai, with customer deliveries expected to commence shortly. Buyers of the electric variants will receive a complimentary 22 kW AC Wallbox charger, with BMW providing professional home installation services as part of the purchase package.