2026 seems to be the year of the updated German flagship, as we're seeing top models from Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW get makeovers that all usher in a new era for their respective nameplates. BMW has already released info for the i3, an electric variant of the 3 Series sedan, and it has just taken the next step with the refreshed lineup by giving its flagship sedan the Neue Klasse treatment. The 7 Series Has Been Thoroughly Updated BMW At first glance, it may not be instantly obvious that the 7 Series caught the refresh bug, as the sleek and very modern appearance looks quite similar to the current model. The bold, unapologetic stance of the 7 Series is still present, but the array of slim, illuminated features and unmistakably Bavarian body design build on the flagship's established aura to ensure it still hits as hard now — with all the tech influence surrounding us — as it has in the past, all without losing its sense of sporty, dynamic comfort. It's at this point that we start to see the design updates — it even sports a redesigned badge.BMW The sleek body sports redesigned elements that give the exterior a cleaner, more flush aesthetic all around, aiding the contemporary visual impact. Even the paint job is cutting-edge, with BMW Individual Dual-Finish techniques giving the coat a split personality when viewing it from the ground up, with smooth transitions between matte and metallic coats displaying a level of craftsmanship that is only seen at this level — it also happens to be a BMW first. The Interior Is Likened More To An Executive Office BMW Stepping inside pushes the flagship element even further, thanks to standard "welcome" and "goodbye" choreographed light animations that now include Ceremonial Light Carpet, which, as its name implies, adds LEDs to the carpeting that help greet and bid farewell to occupants. Premium materials cover every inch of the cabin and include leather, wood, Alcantara, and Veganza, all of which can be customized to the buyer's tastes.BMW The sleek, redesigned screen is also hard to miss, with the passenger screen being added to the new 7 Series as well. We've all seen pictures of the 7 Series' large rear theater screen. It's back and better, thanks to additional functions that can turn the rear seating area into a mobile luxury office. The new integrated camera allows occupants to make Zoom calls, and HDMI hook-ups can turn the theater screen into an expanded computer display. Pair that with the optional surround-sound system, and you've got one of the most comfortable workspaces on the planet. Power That Touches Every Inch Of Luxury Driving BMW At launch, four models — two all-electric and two combustion — will kick off the Neue Klasse 7 Series wave, with the entry-level EV being the i7 50 xDrive packing dual motors with a combined output of 449 horsepower and 487 pound-feet of torque. Stepping up to the i7 60 xDrive gets you 536 horsepower and 549 pound-feet of torque from its dual-motor setup. The i7 models feature new and improved batteries and drive systems that together increase range and power versus the outgoing Gen5 architecture; the i7 60 xDrive has an estimated range of over 350 miles and can charge from 10 to 80 percent in 28 minutes.BMW On the combustion side of things, the entry-level 7 Series will be an inline-six-powered 740. Stepping up one level gets you the 740i xDrive, which packs an inline-six that puts out 375 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. While those may not be extreme numbers, it's enough to get the big sedan up to 60 mph in less than five seconds. And if you really want serious performance but don't want the all-electric i7 model, BMW says a V8 M Performance model will be available in the future.BMW Finally, the 750e xDrive brings plug-in hybrid power to the lineup by adding a 194-horsepower electric motor to the inline-six for a combined output of 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. The i7 and 740 models will be available at launch, though the 750e xDrive PHEV is set to begin production in the fourth quarter of 2026, so expect it sometime in 2027. There's no word on when the V8 M Performance model will drop, though if you really can't wait, there are M Sport Packages available that add some sporty aero and cosmetic flair, even if it doesn't get you a V8.Sources: BMW