Before a mid-lifecycle refresh (LCI) next year, the 2026 BMW 7 Series is playing it safe. There are no major changes to the model this year, making it more or less the same car that was released three years ago. Of course with the addition of a plug-in hybrid model, which came onto the market one model year after the initial launch. When it comes to 7 Series news, the most interesting things are yet to come. Next year’s LCI will bring significant improvements. So if you like the G70 chassis as it is now, this is your last chance to get in. The MY26 car is now in production until the LCI model is launched in July 2026.
2026 BMW 7 Series engine, transmission and performance
Every new BMW 7 Series combines a turbocharged six or eight-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission from ZF. The series begins with the 740i and the 740i xDrive, both of which are powered by the BMW B58 in-line six-cylinder with 375 hp. Above it sits the plug-in hybrid 750e, which combines its gasoline and electric motors to produce a total output of 483 hp. At the top of the range, the 760i xDrive is the quickest, reaching 60 mph in an estimated 4.1 seconds. It uses the M Division’s S68 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with an output of 536 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. Yes, it’s slower than the V12-powered M760i – which doesn’t get a successor without the electric i7 M70 – but we doubt you’ll care much from the driver’s seat. Or the passenger seat.
2026 BMW 7 Series Fuel Economy and MPG
The 750e xDrive PHEV is probably best suited to efficiency-focused customers. The EPA estimates 70 MPGe, 35 miles of all-electric range, and 460 miles of total range. Even without the battery/motor, the PHEV still manages 24 mpg. However, if you plan on running your 7 Series frequently without charging, the 740i is a better choice. The regular rear-wheel-drive car achieves EPA-estimated fuel economy of 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway (28 mpg combined). All-wheel drive models are hardly affected; The EPA claims 24 cities, 31 highways and 27 total. All superior options compared to the 2026 760i xDrive, which manages a lousy 18 city and 25 highway routes (20 combined).
Interior and cargo space
One of the main reasons to choose the 7 Series over other BMWs – or its competitors – is the interior space. It is designed for comfort and envelops the occupants in high-quality materials and generous space. Even the base model feels like a sanctuary, although real leather costs extra and BMW’s Veganza upholstery is standard. Leather ranges from $1,850 for Extended Merino to a whopping $7,300 for Full Merino. If you’re shopping at this price, we probably don’t need to tell you what you like, but we’d probably stick with the Extended Leather. For frequent longer trips, the available massage seats and ventilated seats are worthwhile upgrades at $1,000 and $500, respectively.
The 2026 BMW 7 Series offers a larger trunk (19 cubic feet) than its main competitors, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the Audi A8. However, this comes at the expense of the interior space. Although the Benz and Audi offer more interior space on paper, the 7 Series’ cabin is anything but claustrophobic.
2026 BMW 7 Series technology and connectivity
The 7 Series features Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch central display with iDrive 8.5 and head-up display. The $1,750 Premium Package adds additional driver assistance technology and an illuminated kidney grille. Other highlights include the huge 31-inch rear theater screen, a $5,000 Bowers & Wilkins audio system, and optional automatic doors for added convenience. Note: Most options are slightly more expensive than last year.
Safety and driver assistance functions
The 2025 BMW 7 Series comes with an impressive range of driver assistance technologies ex works. Standard equipment includes rear and top view cameras, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning and rear cross traffic alert. Frankly, it’s expected from a luxury sedan in this class. The Premium package remains a good value choice here and offers extras such as surround view, self-parking function and adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go. For those who want the fully semi-autonomous experience, BMW’s Driving Assistance Pro system offers hands-free highway driving and automatic lane changes for an additional $2,500. Why not at this price?
Prices for the BMW 7 Series 2026
Prices for the 7 Series start $2,000 higher than last year. So a standard 740i will cost you $99,300. Adding xDrive increases the starting price by $3,000, and if you want a V8 you’ll now have to part with $124,700. Hybrids are somewhere in between at $110,000. The comparison is easy between the 7 Series and Merc’s S-Class, which comes in at about $20,000 more than the entry-level 7 Series. On the other hand, the Genesis G90 starts a little lower than the 7 Series.
2026 BMW 7 Series: Our opinion
Big changes are coming to the 7 Series next year, and we’re willing to wait – and so should you. Unless you’re in love with everything the current G70 offers, we’d recommend waiting for the 7 Series facelift next year. But if you can’t (or don’t want to) wait, the current car will still tick all the boxes. Keep in mind that the car doesn’t get the full Neue Klasse equipment, but the iDrive controller may be missing. Additionally, there could be some new lighting designs decorating the exterior. However, given the car’s already extroverted design, we don’t expect it to be a game-changer for someone already thinking about the car.
