New BMW 7 Series coming to South Africa – What to expect

BMW has confirmed that South Africans can expect the all-new 7 Series Sedan on our shores in the final quarter of 2026.

The German luxury sedan will be offered with three powertrains, including a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE), a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) configuration, and a fully-electric (EV) option.

Therefore, the new 7 Series will form part of BMW’s local Neue Klasse line-up, which will soon include the i3 sedan and the iX3, which are also expected to launch later this year.

The Munich-based auto giant explained that the newest version of its flagship sedan represents the most extensive model update ever carried out, marking the beginning of a new technology rollout.

“Developed with passion and designed to perfection, the BMW 7 Series Sedan has established itself as an innovation leader and technological pioneer around the world since it first took to the stage in 1977,” said the Bavarian brand.

Details on pricing and its full line-up are not yet known, and will only become available closer to the sedan’s launch window.

What we know so far

So far, we know that BMW plans to introduce a wide range of options as part of the new 7 Series range, including the 740, 740d xDrive, M760e xDrive plug-in hybrid variant and the fully-electric i7 50 xDrive.

This is a similar line-up to the current, sixth-generation 7 Series available in South Africa.

The combustion offerings will make use of 48V mild hybrid technology, while the fully electric variant will use innovative cylindrical cells to achieve a WLTP range of more than 600km.

The 740 will be fitted with an updated turbocharged 3.0-litre petrol engine producing outputs of 294kW and 580Nm, while the diesel variant’s 3.0-litre turbocharged motor will produce 210kW and 650Nm.

The M760e xDrive PHEV sees its own power output has been boosted from 420kW to 450kW, while its torque remains 800Nm.

The i7 xDrive will be South Africa’s EV option, offering drivers outputs of 335kW and 660Nm.

In terms of design, BMW explained that the new 7 Series embodies the brand’s new design language for the luxury segment with a monolithic exterior, glowing BMW kidney grille, and minimalist crystal headlights.

Its side profile features reduced surfaces and a character line, while the rear has been reshaped and features newly designed lights.

The 7 Series will also be offered as an M Performance, M Sport Package, and M Sport Package Pro, which introduce differentiation.

Buyers will have access to a broad range of personalisation options, including the brand’s world-first Individual Dual-Finish paintwork.

Completing the sedan’s look is a selection of ex-factory wheels, from 21-inch rims – featuring run-flat technology on the standard offer in South Africa – to 22-inch options.

Inside, occupants can expect a clean design, high-quality surfaces in materials such as leather, cloth, wood, crystal glass and metal.

Standard in the South African market is Panoramic iDrive with a passenger screen making its debut, as well as an 8K theatre screen for rear-seat passengers, an ambient light strip, and a Bowers & Wilkins sound system with Dolby Atmos support.

Further interior upgrades include ergonomically designed seats, a new steering wheel, updated automatic doors, a digital interior mirror, a panoramic glass roof with Sky Lounge, four-zone automatic climate control and BMW’s Travel & Comfort System.

Advanced driver assistance systems will include Symbiotic Drive, making use of AI to maximise both comfort and safety through partially automated driving and parking manoeuvres.

New BMW 7 Series