BMW has introduced the facelifted 7 Series in India at Rs 1.95 crore (ex-showroom), more than three years after the current-generation flagship sedan first arrived in the country. The updated model gets a significantly revised exterior, a cabin inspired by BMW’s latest-generation models and a more powerful petrol engine.
The refreshed 7 Series is offered in India solely in 740 guise, with BMW discontinuing the diesel-powered 740d from the lineup. Alongside the updated sedan, BMW has also introduced the facelifted i7 in eDrive50 and M70 variants. The 7 Series and i7 eDrive50 will be assembled locally at BMW’s Chennai facility.
The new 740 commands a Rs 10 lakh premium over the outgoing model, which was priced at Rs 1.85 crore. It also undercuts the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, priced between Rs 2.20 crore and Rs 2.38 crore, by as much as Rs 43 lakh.
BMW 7 Series facelift: Exterior
BMW has concentrated much of the visual update at the front, giving the 7 Series a more upright and substantial appearance. The split-headlamp arrangement has been reworked, with the slim daytime running lights positioned above the main LED units. The latter now sit closer to the vertical air intakes.
The kidney grille has also been redesigned and gets a more squared-off profile with horizontal elements and an illuminated outline. A larger air intake sits lower down on the front bumper.
New alloy wheel designs and revised side skirts distinguish the profile, with 20-inch wheels fitted as standard and 22-inch units available as an option. At the rear, the facelift brings wider LED tail-lamps and a redesigned bumper.
BMW 7 Series facelift: Interior and features
Inside, BMW has given the 7 Series a substantial technology update, with the dashboard layout taking inspiration from the brand’s newer Neue Klasse models. The cabin features a 17.9-inch central touchscreen, a 14.6-inch display for the front passenger and BMW’s full-width Panoramic Vision display.
The centre console has also been redesigned, with additional storage, fewer physical controls and a new cylindrical drive selector. A four-spoke steering wheel completes the updated dashboard layout.
Equipment includes an 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system, ambient lighting, powered doors, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, over-the-air software updates, a fixed panoramic glass roof and connected-car technology. The sedan also gets powered, heated, ventilated and massaging seats, powered leg rests, Boss mode and Level 2 ADAS.
Customers can further specify the 7 Series with a 31.3-inch 8K rear entertainment display. The panoramic glass roof can also be equipped with integrated LEDs that work with the cabin’s ambient lighting.
BMW 7 Series facelift: Engine and performance
Power comes from the familiar 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six petrol engine, paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. BMW has made internal changes to the powertrain, raising output to 400bhp and 540Nm. That represents increases of 19bhp and 20Nm over the outgoing 740.
The engine drives the rear wheels through an 8-speed automatic gearbox. BMW claims a 0-100kmph acceleration time of 5.4 seconds, while the top speed is electronically restricted to 250kmph.
The 7 Series also retains rear-wheel steering and gets adaptive suspension as part of its chassis package. Unlike some international markets, India will not receive the diesel-powered 740d with the facelift.
The updated 7 Series continues to go up against the Mercedes-Benz S-Class in India, while the i7 serves as its all-electric alternative.
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