The 2027 BMW 7 Series was unveiled at dual events in Beijing and New York City on April 22, and even a cursory glance at the latest version of BMW’s flagship is all one needs to see how committed the automaker is to its second “Neue Klasse” era. The revised saloon may not be completely new—it is technically a mid-cycle refresh—but it features several key updates that bring it in line with the German marque’s eagerly anticipated i3 and iX3 EVs.

Within 24 hours of the reveal, Robb Report got a chance to take a ride in the electric version of the 7 Series, the i7, with designer Maximilian Missoni. We took the opportunity to discuss the thought that went into revising the commanding model.

“The 7 Series has always had this quite big degree of presence and monolithic design,” says Missoni, who oversees the design of BMW’s high-end models. “So, extending it into the realm of Neue Klasse was a very natural progression.”

The 7 Series has been BMW’s flagship model since its debut in 1977 as the successor to the New Six, or E3. Seven generations on, the full-size saloon remains the most regal model in the automaker’s wide-ranging portfolio. Despite the brand referring to the refresh as the “most extensive model update” in its history, the four-door doesn’t look radically different from its immediate predecessor, which only debuted in 2022. The general shape and proportions of the vehicle remain the same, but the front end has been reworked, the lighting package upgraded, and there’s now a new Dual Finish option—a 12-step process that brings together a metallic upper body, the hand-drawn coachline, and the matte lower body.

Yet the exterior changes likely to draw the most attention are those made to the front fascia. The layout has been simplified, with the updated illuminated kidney grille winged by new two-section highlights. BMW’s iconic grille, the size of which the designer admits is something of a “hot topic” among enthusiasts, remains as massive as ever.

“In the current generation, with the i3, iX3, and now the 7 Series, there’s a big variety in kidney sizes,” Missoni mentions. “And I think that’s good. That’s a very deliberate decision.”

Although the exterior of the new 7 Series has only been revised, the interior has been fully reimagined. The changes start up front, where, instead of a traditional instrument cluster, the dash is crowned by BMW’s Panoramic iDrive, a display that runs along the bottom of the windshield from A-pilar to A-pilar and shows all relevant vehicle info. There is also a 3-D head-up display, which, Missoni notes, works with the Panoramic iDrive to help keep drivers’ eyes on the road ahead. Then there’s the 17.9-inch center-mounted touchscreen infotainment system and a 14.6-inch passenger display—all of which come standard.

The rear of the cabin also has plenty of tech, including a flip-down 31.3-inch Theater Screen that can be used for watching Top Gun: Maverick in glorious HD or taking Zoom calls. Just as noteworthy is how cushy the rear seats and their pillow-like headrests feel. The optional Executive Lounge spec adds reclining chairs, an integrated seat rest on the passenger side, and an Alcantara-trimmed smartphone tray with inductive charging. There are also plenty of premium material options to choose from, as well as a standard Bowers & Wilkins surround-sound audio system.

“That’s the beauty of the 7 Series,” Missoni says.” It’s a driver’s car, but at the same time, you have all the luxury amenities you need in the second row.”

BMW plans to eventually give 7 Series customers the choice of gas, plug-in hybrid, or fully electric power-train configurations. The solely gas-powered 740 and 740 xDrive will both be available at launch and are powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 that makes 394 hp (which is 19 hp more than before) and 398 ft lbs of torque. That torque is routed to just the rear wheels in the 740, and to all four wheels in the 740 xDrive. The more powerful model can go from zero to 60 mph in under five seconds and tops out at 155 mph. The plug-in 750e and a performance-focused M car—with a V-8—are expected to follow later.

There will be two versions of the electric model available at launch, the i7 50 xDrive and the i7 60 xDrive. Both feature a dual-motor power train, which produces 449 hp and 487 ft lbs of torque in the former, and 536 hp and 549 ft lbs of torque in the latter. BMW says the more potent EV will be able to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, reach a top speed of 155 mph, and travel more than 350 miles on a single charge. Regardless of the power train, Missoni says that each new 7 Series looks the same, with the difference between model variants only noticeable to the most eagle-eyed of observers.

“We’ve seen a trend in the industry of different designs for different power trains,” says Missoni. “But I think what we’re realizing right now is that maybe there has been a certain overestimation of the need for that.”

Production of the refreshed 7 Series is expected to start this summer, with all versions, including the i7, being built on the same production line. Pricing for the gas-powered 740 starts at $101,350, the 740 xDrive at $104,350, the i7 50 xDrive at $107,750, and the i7 60 xDrive at $126,250 (all prices include destination and handling fees).

Click here to see more photos of the 2027 BMW 7 Series.