Refreshed BMW 7 Series debuts in the Middle East
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BMW’s flagship luxury sedan gets a welcome redesign, Neue Klasse technology, Panoramic iDrive, expanded personalisation and electric variants offering more than 720 km of WLTP range
BMW Group Middle East has introduced the new BMW 7 Series in the region at a glamorous launch event and gala dinner at the Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai, on September 8, 2026. The extensively updated flagship luxury sedan brings revised styling, more digital technology, greater comfort and personalisation, while continuing to offer combustion and fully electric powertrains in the Middle East. First introduced in 1977, the 7 Series has been BMW’s luxury and technology flagship for 49 years. BMW calls this its most extensive model update ever, with the seventh-generation car becoming the first BMW luxury sedan to adopt Neue Klasse technologies. Karim-Christian Haririan, Managing Director of BMW Group Middle East, said the update combines Neue Klasse technology, Panoramic iDrive and BMW Individual craftsmanship to deliver a modern luxury experience.
A welcome redesign
The exterior adopts BMW’s latest luxury-class design language, with a more monolithic look, illuminated BMW kidney Iconic Glow grille, minimalist crystal headlights, cleaner sides and slimmer rear lights. We welcome the redesign, which gives the flagship luxury sedan a more cohesive appearance while retaining its imposing presence. M Performance, M Sport and M Sport Pro versions add sportier styling, while wheels range from 20 to 22 inches.
Panoramic iDrive leads cabin changes
Inside, the BMW 7 Series combines leather, cloth, wood, crystal glass and metal with a major digital upgrade led by BMW Panoramic iDrive with Operating System X and a new standard Passenger Screen. The optional Theatre Screen supports 8K streaming, gaming, video calls and third-party apps, while entertainment is also available through the Central Display when parked.
Other highlights include ambient lighting, Bowers & Wilkins audio with Dolby Atmos, comfort seats, optional Executive Lounge, new steering wheels, updated automatic doors and an available digital interior mirror. A panoramic glass sunroof, four-zone climate control and Travel & Comfort System are standard.
Connectivity includes improved BMW Maps, smartphone integration, Digital Key Plus, BMW Digital Premium, ConnectedDrive upgrades, over-the-air updates and an Intelligent Personal Assistant with Amazon Alexa+ AI.
BMW 7 Series Middle East powertrain options
BMW confirmed several Middle East variants, including the electric BMW i7 xDrive60 with 400 kW/544 hp and BMW i7 M70 xDrive with 500 kW/680 hp, plus the combustion-powered BMW 735 with 210 kW/286 hp and BMW 740 with 294 kW/400 hp. The presentation listed SOP 07/26, indicating a July 2026 start of production.
Globally, the BMW 7 Series is also offered with 48V mild-hybrid combustion engines, plug-in hybrids and fully electric powertrains. The EVs use sixth-generation BMW eDrive cylindrical cells, with more than 720 km of WLTP range, plus charging-optimised route planning, adaptive recuperation and intelligent charging features.
Standard air suspension
The BMW 7 Series comes standard with adaptive two-axle air suspension with four electronically controlled dampers. Optional Adaptive Chassis Control adds Integral Active Steering, while the Professional version also adds roll stabilisation. Other chassis tech includes AI-based tyre-condition monitoring, integrated braking and near-actuator wheel-slip limitation.
More advanced driver assistance
The updated BMW 7 Series expands its SAE Level 2 driver-assistance systems with greater use of AI. BMW Symbiotic Drive improves driver-vehicle interaction, while Motorway Assistant allows hands-off driving up to 130 km/h in numerous European countries. City Assistant supports navigation-guided Address-2-Address journeys, and BMW Maps gains a new assistance visualisation. Standard Park Assist is joined by AI-based parking-space detection and manoeuvre planning, with an expanded standard active-safety package.
BMW Individual offers 500 colour combinations
Personalisation is a major focus, with 12 upholstery options, 130 paint colours and 500 two-tone combinations, plus special-edition and one-off BMW Individual Manufaktur cars. New shades include Vancouver Green Metallic and Frozen Silver Space.
The world-first BMW Individual Dual-Finish combines a matt lower body with a hand-applied metallic upper finish and coachline. Developed over two-and-a-half years, the 12-stage process involves more than 20 specialists and takes over 75 hours, nearly six times longer than conventional paintwork. It is currently exclusive to the BMW 7 Series and BMW Group Plant Dingolfing.
Protection and sustainability
An updated BMW 7 Series Protection is in development with VR9 certification, optional VPAM 10 classification, multi-layer armour and bullet-resistant glass, plus specially adapted suspension and brakes. For the BMW i7, sustainability measures include Gen6 battery cells, more secondary materials, renewable energy and wheels with high recycled content. BMW targets a 60-million-tonne CO₂e reduction by 2035, with TÜV-certified carbon-footprint verification.
All versions will be built on a single line at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing, Germany, which will also lead the rollout of Neue Klasse technologies into BMW’s luxury models.
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