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โผThe BMW 7 Series and i7 have officially launched in India as part of a comprehensive mid-life update, and this refresh arrives four years after the current G70-generation models first went on sale here. Priced from Rs. 1.95 crore, the update brings a genuinely significant milestone, the i7 eDrive50 is now locally assembled in India, making the country only the second market outside Germany to build BMW's electric flagship.
What Makes This Update Different?
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Most mid-life updates in this segment stick to cosmetic tweaks and call it a day. This one goes further, adding an entirely new performance variant to the i7 range, pushing in-cabin technology closer to lounge-level territory, and bringing the electric flagship's assembly onto Indian soil for the first time.
- Local assembly of the i7 eDrive50 begins in India
- A new 680 bhp M70 xDrive variant joins the i7 lineup
- Rear-seat technology and comfort get a substantial overhaul
- Petrol 740 continues largely unchanged mechanically, with updated cabin tech
Variants and Price in India
|
Model & Variant |
Price (Ex-Showroom) |
|---|---|
|
BMW 740 (Petrol) |
Rs. 1.95 Crore |
|
BMW i7 eDrive50 (Locally Assembled) |
Rs. 1.95 Crore |
|
BMW i7 M70 xDrive (CBU Import) |
Rs. 2.65 Crore |
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Feature Breakdown by Variant

- The BMW 740 carries forward its familiar petrol character, now paired with the updated multi-screen cabin and refreshed exterior styling shared across the range.
- The i7 eDrive50 gets an upgraded 112.5 kWh battery pack, extending its WLTP claimed range to 728km, and is the variant BMW has chosen to build locally in India.
- The i7 M70 xDrive is the new range-topper, bringing a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup that pushes power to 680bhp and torque to 1100Nm, arriving strictly as a CBU import.
- Every variant across the lineup now includes the 14.6-inch passenger display, a panoramic vision HUD spanning A-pillar to A-pillar, and a 31.3-inch 8K theatre screen for rear occupants paired with a Bowers & Wilkins sound system.
- The rear seat package has been upgraded with reclining functionality allowing a torso angle of up to 43 degrees, along with radar-based automatic doors with Soft Close.
Engine and Performance Specs
|
Spec |
BMW 740 (Petrol) |
i7 eDrive50 |
i7 M70 xDrive |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Powertrain |
3.0L inline-six petrol |
Electric, single motor |
Electric, dual motor |
|
Power |
400 bhp |
Not specified |
680 bhp |
|
Torque |
540 Nm |
Not specified |
1100 Nm |
|
Battery/Transmission |
8-speed automatic |
112.5 kWh battery |
Dual-motor setup |
|
0-100 km/h |
5.4 seconds |
Not specified |
3.8 seconds |
|
Range/Top Speed |
250 km/h (limited) |
728 km (WLTP) |
686 km (WLTP) |
|
Assembly |
Locally assembled |
Locally assembled |
CBU import |
Every variant here targets a distinctly different buyer, the 740 for petrol traditionalists, the eDrive50 for long-range daily use, and the M70 xDrive for those chasing outright electric performance in a full-size luxury body.
BMW 7 Series and i7 vs. Competitors: Where It Stands
|
Feature |
BMW 7 Series & i7 |
Mercedes-Benz S-Class |
Mercedes-Benz EQS |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Powertrain Choice |
Petrol + Electric (2 EV variants) |
Petrol/Diesel |
Electric only |
|
Starting Price |
Rs. 1.95 Crore |
Comparable range |
Comparable range |
|
Local EV Assembly |
Yes (i7 eDrive50) |
No |
No |
|
Verdict |
Widest Powertrain Choice |
Petrol Refinement |
EV Range Focus |
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Should You Buy the New BMW 7 Series or i7?
Buy it if you:
- Want the flexibility to choose between petrol refinement and electric performance under one flagship nameplate
- Value class-leading rear-seat technology, including the 8K theatre screen and executive lounge seating
- Are drawn to the M70 xDrive's 680 bhp output and don't mind paying the CBU premium for it
- Prefer the eDrive50's locally assembled pricing over the imported alternative
Think before buying if you:
- Maximum outright range matters more than outright power, in which case the eDrive50's 728km WLTP figure deserves close attention against the M70's 686km
- You're cross-shopping strictly against SUVs like the GLS, X7, or Volvo EX90 rather than a traditional sedan silhouette
- The Rs. 70 lakh gap between the eDrive50 and M70 xDrive is a significant swing to justify purely on outright performance
Conclusion
The BMW 7 Series and i7 update strikes a genuinely compelling balance between traditional petrol luxury and electric-first performance across its three-variant spread. With the i7 eDrive50 now locally assembled, the new M70 xDrive pushing electric performance further than before, and pricing starting at Rs. 1.95 crore, BMW has given flagship buyers in India a far wider set of choices than most rivals currently offer in this segment.
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Aakash Mehra
Automotive Journalist & Car Reviewer. Aakash Mehra is a seasoned automotive journalist with over 9 years of experience in car journalism and consumer-focused reviews. Having test-driven more than 550+ vehicles, he delivers detailed comparisons, expert insights, and unbiased advice to help readers confidently choose the right car.