2027 BMW 7 Series Hands-On Preview: Cleaner Looks, Neue Klasse Tech

MUNICH—BMW is calling this its most comprehensive mid-cycle update ever.

The current-generation BMW 7 Series debuted four years ago, ushering in a dramatic new look inside and out for the Bavarian flagship. Not only that, it introduced a fully electric model, built alongside the gas, diesel, and plug-in hybrid setups on the same platform. How much could the 2027 7 Series really change the game again?

As it turns out, quite a lot. As BMW broadens the meaning of Neue Klasse in this era—encompassing not only new models like the iX3 and i3, but the broader technology and concepts behind them—the limo is evolving this year. There are improvements to the electric models, major tech upgrades, and more customization than ever before, not to mention massaged looks that should keep the 7 Series out-selling the S-Class in North America, which is also updated for 2027.

I don’t have to tell you the current Sieben is a controversial design. The ‘27 model doesn’t stray from that monolithic look, dictated by large expanses of fuss-free surfaces. If anything, it leans even further into that direction—and the result is a cleaner overall design. The headlights are no longer an obvious split, two-level design; the top “eyebrows” are now ultra-thin and recessed within the body work, while the main beams are moved to the outer corners in smaller, rectangular units. The grille is narrower but taller, with the i7 switching to horizontal strakes within the kidneys. A wide, simple lower air intake visually frames the face.

There are Neue Klasse nods here, with the most clear being the emphasized kink running down the center of the hood. It lets the BMW logo neatly rest in the valley, and extends to the other end of the car, where the taillights now stretch nearly all the way across the tail in a shape not unlike those on the iX3.

Buyers will have over 500 color and finish combinations to choose from, including two-tone options like the model shown. Joining the lineup are split-finish options, allowing folks to spec the same color but in metallic and matte. Wheel sizes now extend up to 22 inches as well, including options in the M Sport and M Sport Pro packages.

The cabin is where you’ll find a more clear Neue Klasse influence, with the dashboard completely redesigned in the mold of iX3. The pared-back design incorporates BMW’s large central screen and the Panoramic Vision display embedded at the base of the windshield. New for the 7 is a standard-fit passenger-side display—more on that in a bit.

If you thought there were too many choices for the exterior, bad news: BMW says there are over 700 customization options for the 7 Series’ cabin, including numerous BMW Individual selections. In theory, it’s unlikely you’d roll past another ‘27 specced identical to your own.

The new screens of course run BMW’s latest Operation System X, the swift and stylish setup that debuted last year in the iX3. Based on our limited time with the car, it operates just the same: slightly overwhelming at first but quickly comfortable, with particular ease in accessing and customizing the panoramic display. The passenger display is largely a copy of that central unit, just shrunken down, with most of the functionality intact. Passengers can stream video here, while a privacy screen means the driver can’t actually see it.

The 7’s standout Theatre Screen returns here, and also sees an upgrade to 8K resolution, while picking up an integrated camera to allow for on-the-move conference calls. An optional 36-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio setup brings with it Dolby Atmos functionality and mega power: we sampled some Daft Punk in the i7 and it was almost as good as seeing the robots perform. Almost.

Also upgraded are the Bimmer’s powered doors, now open and close at the touch of a button on the fob and have better sensors to ensure they don’t make contact with nearby objects. A soft-close feature is also part of the package, while customers can select from numerous welcome light animations.

Including all markets, BMW will be rolling out no fewer than nine powertrains for the 2027 7 Series this year. The important ones for our market are the returning i7 models—now packing the sixth-generation battery tech of the Neue Klasse cars—and plug-in hybrid models. BMW also confirmed a V8 gas-powered model will arrive in the future.

All i7 models utilize a 112.5-kilowatt-hour (net) battery pack and feature a two-motor setup for electric all-wheel drive. The i7 50 xDrive kicks off the EV lineup with 455 combined horsepower and 487 pound-feet of torque, with WLTP range estimates of 367 to 440 miles (590 to 708 kilometers). BMW also says it can add 127 miles (205 km) of additional range in just 10 minutes when hooked up to the quickest public DC fast chargers. The i7 50 xDrive will still crack off dashes to 62 mph in 5.5 seconds.

The 60 xDrive adds extra muscle for 544 hp and 549 lb-ft—incremental improvements over the existing model—with essentially no change in range and slashing 0.7 seconds off the 50’s acceleration times. Meanwhile the M70 rolls on with a pavement-wrinkling 680 hp and 748 lb-ft, with a range of 348–404 mi (560–650 km) and a run to 62 mph (100 km/h) in the mid-threes.

The plug-in 750e xDrive returns, packing BMW’s inline-six along with an electric motor for 489 combined system horsepower and around 40 miles (64 km) of all-electric range. An M760e will arrive later in the year, upping the boost on the ICE quotient for 612 combined system horsepower.

The current 7 Series is our favorite of the German luxobarges and, at least based on sales figures in America and Canada, the public's too. It's not pretty but it's imposing, and the new model tidies up the styling while still adding some (subtle) Neue Klasse nods. BMW has the best, most complete powertrain lineup (even if it lacks the V12 in the S-Class), giving buyers plenty of choice without forcing them into different models like Mercedes. The tech suite upgrades are substantial, and BMW has already made improvements to its latest OS with niceties like uploadable background images and a BMW Art Car feature. While power hasn't changed much, it arguably didn't need to, and range should improve thanks to the Gen 6 battery architecture.

Will this be enough to stay ahead of the S-Class when both models go head to head later this year? We're certainly looking forward to finding out.

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