Introduced in 2022, the first-ever BMW i7 has received its mid-cycle refresh, and the latest version is coming to the U.S. as an MY2027 vehicle. Recently, I had a chance to experience the 2027 BMW i7 at the 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Here are the key observations I made during my time with the new i7 in the UK:
Design
The 2027 BMW i7 features an evolutionary design with subtle revisions all around. The new electric sedan has a bolder and more aggressive styling than the old model.
The upper lights that comprise the DRLs, side marker lights, and turn indicators are slimmer and can be optionally specified with 12 crystal glass elements each for a more opulent look. The low- and high-beam lights are now integrated into vertical housings near the air curtains.
The revised kidney grille has a more upright appearance, while the revised lower air intake carries a squarer appearance. The new bumper has a more angular design and goes well with the overall more imposing front end.
On the sides, BMW is offering an option for 22-inch factory-fitted wheels on the i7 for the first time, but not in the U.S. At the rear, the combination lamps are wider, extending further inward. The new bumper has reduced forms but still looks quite sporty for a full-size sedan.
Interior
A new feature called ‘Ceremonial Light Carpet’ projects a dynamic light pattern from the door sills onto the ground near the door as part of the welcome animation. BMW has extensively redesigned the interior of the i7 with the mid-cycle refresh.
The dashboard has a slimmer profile and looks more visually connected to the front door panels. It features a new ambient light strip that adapts the color and brightness to the time of day.
BMW has added ambient light strips into the backs of the front seats, at headrest height. Also new is the polarizing steering wheel that debuted in the all-new iX3, featuring vertical spokes. The car I saw was specified with an optional steering wheel featuring 4- and 8-o’clock spokes.
The 2027 i7 skips the old model’s 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The driver-side segment of the new BMW Panoramic Vision replaces that panel, but as in the old model, BMW does include a 3D head-up display.
BMW has replaced the i7’s 14.9-inch conventionally designed touchscreen infotainment system with a 17.9-inch parallelogram-shaped unit. It has also introduced a 14.6-inch full-HD passenger touchscreen.
Experience in the 2027 BMW i7
The BMW i7 continues to offer electrically operated doors, making ingress feel suitably special. Once inside, I found the pedal box well designed, with enough space even for my large shoe size.
The front seats are similar to those in the original i7. Back support and side bolstering are adequate, while extendable thigh supports provide additional comfort on longer journeys.
With the seat adjusted to my driving position, I had approximately 4 inches of headroom between the top of my head and the headliner. The large fixed glass roof also helps make the cabin feel more spacious.
It takes a few glances to become familiar with the BMW Panoramic Vision’s layout, after which the information is easy to locate. I am not a big fan of the new steering wheel’s design, but it offers a good grip, and the red and blue stitching on this M Sport version gives it a sportier appearance.
Outward visibility is also good, with no major obstructions in any direction. I also noticed that BMW has introduced a digital interior rear-view mirror in the new i7 to improve visibility.
The dashboard features a sporty carbon fibre-like trim across its center, while red ambient lighting adds further visual drama. The padded center armrest is comfortable, although the storage compartment underneath it is not particularly large.
With the front seat still adjusted to my driving position, the rear compartment offered abundant knee room. I also had approximately 4 inches of headroom.
The rear seat felt plush and provided good back support, giving the cabin a suitably limousine-like character, although it did not feel quite as sumptuous as the rear compartment of a Bentley.
One limitation is that the rear seatbacks do not fold down. BMW provides only a central ski hatch, which serves as a pass-through for carrying longer items.
Specifications
The 2027 BMW i7 is available in the U.S. in 50 xDrive and 60 xDrive dual-motor AWD variants. The 2027 i7 50 xDrive, packing 449 hp and 487 lb.-ft. of torque, hits 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds and achieves a top speed of 130 mph.
The 2027 i7 60 xDrive’s powertrain produces 636 hp and 549 lb.-ft. of torque, cutting the 0-60 mph acceleration time to 4.6 seconds. It maxes out at the same 130 mph, though.
BMW has replaced the i7’s 101.7 kWh battery pack featuring prismatic cells with a 112.5 kWh unit that consists of cylindrical cells. The new unit supports charging at up to 240 kW, 45 kW higher than the old unit.
Charging from 10% to 80% SoC via a DC charger takes as little as 29 minutes, which is an improvement of 5 minutes. Also new on the 2027 i7 is an NACS charging port, which opens access to Tesla’s widespread Supercharger network across North America.
BMW expects the new battery pack to deliver a range of up to 350 miles, although EPA estimates are still pending. The company could introduce a single-motor rear-wheel drive variant with a longer range later.
Price and release date
The 2027 BMW i7’s prices start at USD 106,200 for the 50 xDrive variant and USD 124,700 for the 60 xDrive variant, both excluding USD 1,550 destination and handling charges. Its production started in Dingolfing, Germany, on July 1, 2026, and U.S. deliveries should commence by September 2026.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
