BMW's new i7 xDrive EVs will offer longer range and faster charging

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:10:59 +0200

BMW just announced its 7-series lineup for 2027 promising "the most extensive model update ever undertaken" by the Bavarian automaker. The series includes a pair of i7 EVs, a plug-in hybrid, two ICE models and a V8-powered M model — all running on BMW's "Neue Klasse" technology and flaunting all-new design language. BMW describes its updated luxury segment design language as "monolithic," touting the minimalist crystal headlights and (divisive) light-up kidney Iconic Glow grille. The body form includes a new "character line" that lends an almost "boat-tail-like" aesthetic to the three-quarter view, according to the company. BMW also hyped its new "Individual Dual-Finish" paint that pairs a matte finish in the lower area of the vehicle with a manually-applied metallic finish in the upper section for a "discrete but supremely elegant look." The 7-series offers some shiny new interior tech as well, with an extensive upgrade for its 31.3-inch 8K BMW Theater Screen that gives back seat passengers 8K streaming, gaming and Zoom calls. If you get BMW's Digital Premium package (which includes 5G data), you'll also gain access to a TiVo powered video app, select games and the BMW Drive Recorder that gathers exterior footage in case of an accident. Naturally, it includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration as standard. The new lineup also offers special welcome and goodbye animations for when you approach and walk away from the vehicles, in Relaxed, Balanced and Excited modes. Part of that animation is the "Ceremonial Light Carpet" that projects a dynamic graphic light pattern onto the ground near the door. With two new i7 electric sedans — the i7 50 xDrive and i7 60 xDrive — BMW has far from given up on EVs. Both promise reduced sound levels thanks to their sound-isolated electric motors, along with "instantaneous" power delivery, passenger comfort and a luxurious ambience. BMW's new 7 series (the gas powered version) at Grand Central. The electric version were not allowed inside the terminal,.Sam Rutherford Both come with all-new cylindrical battery packs with 20 percent higher energy density and capacities up to 112.5 kWh. Combined with increased drive system efficiency, they'll power the BMW i7 60 xDrive up to an EPA-estimated 350 miles on a charge. You'll also be able to charge them quicker thanks to the higher 250 kW charging rate. The company claims they'll go from 10 to 80 percent in just 28 minutes with a compatible charger. The i7 50 xDrive's dual motors offer up to 449 hp and 487 lb-ft of torque, allowing acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds with a 130 mph top speed. The i7 60 xDrive, meanwhile, packs 536 hp and 549 lb-ft of torque for a 0 to 60 mph time of just 4.6 seconds and a top speed (electronically limited) of 149 mph. They'll also feature a new "adaptive recuperation" system that takes traffic lights into account and can automatically brake. Drivers can choose from high, medium or low brake energy recuperation, with the "high" setting offering a one-pedal feeling. BMW also introduced AI-powered "charging optimized route planning" to include charging stops if a destination is outside the vehicle's range. It can even precondition the battery to an ideal temperature to increase the charging rate as soon as the vehicle is plugged in. The i7 50 xDrive and i7 60 xDrive are debuting today at Auto China 2026 in Beijing and at a special New York City event at Grand Central Terminal. Production begins in July 2026 and they'll be priced starting at $106,200 and $124,700 (plus $1,550 destination and handling) respectively. BMW is also introducing the 750e xDrive PHEV arriving in 2027, which pairs a 308 hp six cylinder inline engine with a 194 hp electric motor for a combined peak 483 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. No electric-only range was specified, but the top speed on all-electric power will be limited to 87 mph. That model will start production in Q4 2026, with no price yet announced. Finally, BMW's 740 and 740 xDrive ICE vehicles will offer up to 394 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque, offering sub-five second 0 to 60 mph sprint times and 155 mph top speeds. They'll arrive later this year at $99,800 and $102,800 respectively. All of the new 7-series models and drivetrain variants, including EVs, will be built on a single production line at BMW's Group Plant in Dingolfing.