A few months ago, we witnessed the launch of the updated Mercedes-Benz S-Class in India, and now its fierce rival has received its facelift. We are talking about the new BMW 7 Series facelift. BMW has launched the updated luxury sedan in India at Rs 1.95 crore (ex-showroom).
The new model gets changes to its design, cabin and engine. BMW is also selling the facelift in just one petrol version in India. The 740d diesel has been dropped from the range.
The new 7 Series costs Rs 10 lakh more than the outgoing car, which was priced at Rs 1.85 crore. It is still priced below the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, which starts at Rs 2.20 crore.
New Look for the 7 Series
BMW has made several changes to the front of the sedan. The car now has a more upright face, with redesigned split LED headlamps and a larger kidney grille.
The grille gets horizontal elements and an illuminated outline. The lower air intake has also been made wider.
At the side, BMW has added new alloy wheel designs and revised side skirts. The standard car gets 20-inch wheels, while buyers can opt for 22-inch wheels.
The rear section gets wider LED tail-lamps and a revised bumper.
Cabin Gets a Major Tech Update
The cabin is where the facelift brings some of the biggest changes. BMW has used a dashboard layout inspired by its newer models. Key interior features include:
- 17.9-inch central touchscreen
- 14.6-inch front passenger display
- Full-width BMW Panoramic Vision display
- Four-spoke steering wheel
- Redesigned centre console
- New cylindrical drive selector
- 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system
- Powered, heated, ventilated and massaging seats
- Powered leg rests
- Powered doors
- Fixed panoramic glass roof
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Level 2 ADAS
- Over-the-air software updates
Customers can also choose a large 31.3-inch 8K screen for the rear passengers. The panoramic roof can also be fitted with integrated LED lighting.
More Power From the Petrol Engine
The BMW 740 continues with the 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six petrol engine. It is paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. BMW has made changes to the engine and the output has gone up to 400hp and 540Nm. This is 19hp and 20Nm more than the outgoing version. Power is sent to the rear wheels through an 8-speed automatic gearbox.
Here are the main performance figures:
| Specification | BMW 740 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0-litre turbo-petrol |
| Cylinder layout | Straight-six |
| Mild-hybrid system | 48-volt |
| Power | 400hp |
| Torque | 540Nm |
| Gearbox | 8-speed automatic |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| 0-100kmph | 5.4 seconds |
| Top speed | 250kmph |
The sedan also gets rear-wheel steering and adaptive suspension. These features should make the large sedan easier to handle at lower speeds while also helping with stability on the highway.
Diesel Option Dropped
BMW has decided not to offer the 740d with this facelift in India. The 740 petrol is the only version of the standard 7 Series available here.
Alongside the petrol sedan, BMW has also introduced the updated i7 in eDrive50 and M70 versions. The 7 Series and i7 eDrive50 will be assembled at BMW’s Chennai plant.
The updated BMW 7 Series continues to sit in the same luxury sedan space as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. With its new cabin, extra power and revised styling, the facelift gives BMW’s flagship sedan a fresh start in the Indian market.