The 3.0-litre B58 straight-six carries over from the outgoing model with internal upgrades, gaining 19 hp and 20 Nm. The 48V mild hybrid system assists at low rpm via a belt-integrated starter generator, improving refinement at urban speeds and enabling smooth stop-start operation.

Power is sent exclusively to the rear wheels through an 8-speed Steptronic Sport automatic. Rear-axle steering is standard, turning the rear wheels opposite to the fronts at low speeds to reduce the effective turning circle, and in the same direction at higher speeds to improve stability. 

Adaptive air suspension is also standard, with electronically controlled damping adjustable across multiple modes.

BMW claims approximately 12.61 km/l under official test conditions for the 7 Series. 

The 83-litre fuel tank provides a theoretical range of over 1,000 km on the claimed figure, making it well suited to long-distance use. The car requires premium 95-octane petrol. 

Buyers choosing between the petrol 740 and the i7 at the same price should note that the electric variant makes a considerably stronger total cost of ownership case for urban-heavy use, particularly for those with home or workplace charging access.

The cabin is where the new 7 Series makes its biggest statement. 

Panoramic Vision replaces the conventional instrument cluster with a wide band of driving information projected at the base of the windscreen, keeping speed, navigation and ADAS data within the driver's natural field of vision. The 17.9-inch infotainment touchscreen and 14.6-inch passenger display complete a three-screen front architecture that is the most advanced available in this segment.

The rear cabin is built around the Executive Lounge specification. 

Boss mode folds the front passenger seat completely flat, maximising rear left legroom. The rear seats recline to 43 degrees with full calf and heel support, heating, ventilation and massage. Theatre Screen 2.0 deploys from the roof lining as a 31.3-inch 8K display, with door-mounted touch panels managing screen angle and playback, while a 35-speaker Bowers and Wilkins Dolby Atmos system handles audio.

At 540 litres, the 7 Series's boot is the largest in this segment.

The 2026 BMW 7 Series addresses the outgoing model's polarising styling choices with a noticeably calmer design.

The front fascia receives a redesigned illuminated kidney grille with horizontal slats replacing vertical units, slimmer DRLs, vertically repositioned main headlamps, and a large matte BMW roundel above the grille. Overall, the front end looks more composed than the outgoing model.

Revised side skirts and new 20-inch wheels are the primary changes to the side profile.

At the rear, wider wraparound LED tail-lamps inspired by Neue Klasse models such as the iX3 and i3 stretch further across the bootlid. A cleaner bumper with a body-coloured diffuser finish and concealed exhaust outlets gives the tail a more streamlined appearance. 

Colour options in the 7 Series include Black Sapphire Metallic, Dravit Grey (BMW Individual), Tanzanit Blue Metallic, Alpine White and additional BMW Individual palette options available at extra cost.

The 2026 7 Series comes with a comprehensive safety suite including seven airbags, electronic stability control, tyre pressure monitoring, 360-degree camera, and Level 2 ADAS tech including adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, collision avoidance, a reversing assistant, and more.

The car has not undergone any crash testing, though the outgoing G70 carried a 5-star Euro NCAP rating.

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the 7 Series' only direct rival in India. 

It is significantly more expensive than the BMW, but counters with 15 airbags (versus the BMW's 7), a plug-in hybrid S 450e with 115 km of electric range, dual 13.6-inch rear screens, and a longer heritage in the chauffeur-driven segment. 

The 7 Series responds with more advanced front-cabin technology, quicker acceleration and a lower starting price. 

The choice comes down to brand preference, whether the PHEV option matters, and how each buyer weights airbag count versus feature depth.

The 2026 BMW 7 Series is a convincing upgrade of the G70 generation. 

The exterior design is more resolved than before, the interior is class-leading in technology terms, the upgraded straight-six with rear-axle steering and adaptive air suspension make for a strong package on paper, and the rear-seat experience is among the most elaborate available in any production car at this price.

The honest limitations are the removal of the diesel variant, a modest ground clearance for Indian roads, and just 7 airbags to 15 on the S-Class. With the i7 available at the same price, the 740's petrol powertrain also faces a compelling internal rival for buyers with charging access.

For buyers who want the most technologically advanced cabin in the full-size luxury sedan segment, the 2026 7 Series facelift makes a strong case.