A big update for BMW’s flagship delivers lots of change, but also asks for more cash.

CONVENTION set when the current 7-Series landed three years ago to focus on petrol hybrid and pure electric maintains with a mid-life update arriving later this year.

What’s changed for BMW’s prime number is price positioning, especially for the electric.

The battery-wed Beemer is now a $306,900 presentation now, a big step up from the $276,900 that was asked when it arrived in 2023.

The latest sticker means that i7 xDrive60 stands further apart from the 740 hybrid, which will start at $277,900. There’s time to think about those figures, as the updated range won’t be here until at least October.

There’s plenty of change. As reported in April, as mid-life overhauls go, this one is super-sized. A new interior, revised design and improved powertrains, with better range from the electric drive is coming. A key part of the EV update is the introduction of BMW’s latest electrical architecture and next-generation battery technology.

The 740 marries a 48-volt hybrid system with the familiar 3.0-litre inline six petrol, for 280kW of power and 580Nm of torque and 0-100kmh in 5.4 seconds.

The dual motor i7 60 xDrive packs 400kW and 745Nm, and nails the legal open road limit in 4.8 seconds. More importantly, the transfer to a sixth generation 112.5kWh battery pack lifts range to 727 kilometres, against 624km previously.

The peak charging speed has also risen to 250kW, meaning it can be charged from 10–80 percent in 28 minutes according to BMW.

A new dashboard layout incorporates BMW’s latest digital interface, including a panoramic display system that spans the width of the cabin. A redesigned infotainment system and an optional front passenger screen further emphasise the car’s focus on technology and connectivity.

Standard equipment across both is profuse, with heated and ventilated seats in both rows, massage function, a Bowers and Wilkins sound system and soft-closing doors among highlights, and early birds can buy into First Edition examples that have BMW Individual Leather ‘Merino’ leather upholstery with exclusive elements or a wool-cashmere combination, 21-inch BMW Individual light-alloy wheels and a two-tone paintwork treatment that wasn’t previously available.

The 7 was already a dramatic-looking car, so there’s been no major dabbling with the kerbside look. Yet, though subtle, changes are still noticeable, with revised lighting elements, updated grille detailing and new wheel designs. BMW is also expanding customisation options, including new paint finishes.

Core features such as air suspension and rear-wheel steering remain.