2026 BMW Series 7 Interior, Dimensions, Engine

2026 BMW Series 7 Interior, Dimensions, Engine   –  Back in university, my roommate was the consummate overachiever, studying hard and putting up impressive grades in every course. During our undergrad years, we both had eyes for law school. My roommate succeeded there, too, and has spent the last quarter century labouring to become a senior partner at one of Toronto’s top firms. Fortunately, I took a different path, dodging a life of courtrooms, suits, and ties at the cost of the wealth and prosperity that tends to come with it.

Recently, my old roommate invited me to spend the weekend at his holiday home, which happened to correspond with my test of the 2026 BMW Series 7e – the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the brand’s flagship sedan. As the latest iteration of BMW’s true range-topper, it was perfectly suited for showing off to my fancy-pants barrister buddy.

2026 BMW Series 7 Redesign and Update Plan

Exterior and Interior

A car like this is expected to be able to move out of its own way, but neck-snapping acceleration isn’t the point. It’s about smoothness and effortlessness, and the Series 7e excels in both measures. My former roommate, who isn’t much of a car enthusiast, didn’t know what to make of the stately sedan when he first walked up to it, remarking only about the car’s presumed unwieldy stature.

The reality is that, while a very large car, it was surprisingly athletic when hustled around the rolling hills of upstate New York en route to his chalet. The wide tires wrapped around 21-inch wheels clung to the pavement, even at speeds that were quicker than a big sedan like this is normally driven in such environs. It’s on the highway where the Series 7e truly impresses. Cruising at speed there, the smoothness and serenity are a friendly reminder of why a machine like this costs what it does. It’s such a dignified way of getting around, providing enjoyment simply because it’s such a relaxing, comfortable experience.

However, the brakes, while plenty powerful, were difficult to get used to, requiring a push through a mushy first quarter of the pedal travel without much result before stepping into a bunch of braking power all at once. It wasn’t a great way to show the law-talking guy what a skilled, professional driver I’ve become in the time it’s taken him to achieve excellence in his own field.

2026 BMW Series 7 Specs

The 2026 BMW Series 7e is trimmed in decadent trappings throughout. The materials are first-rate and build quality is exceptional. Even this version that’s the cheapest of the lot is a posh machine with an excellent sound system, soft-close doors, dramatic interior lighting, and a panoramic glass roof. Plus, there are impressive details like the small door-mounted touchscreens for rear-seat occupants to manage their individual climate and comfort whims.

As with the safety features, some elements cost extra here that one might expect to find included, such as heated rear seats. Those come as part of an option group that includes heated armrests, front seat massagers, crystal headlights, and swanky glass controls.

Engine and Performance

Back in university, my roommate was the consummate overachiever, studying hard and putting up impressive grades in every course. During our undergrad years, we both had eyes for law school. My roommate succeeded there, too, and has spent the last quarter century labouring to become a senior partner at one of Toronto’s top firms. Fortunately, I took a different path, dodging a life of courtrooms, suits, and ties at the cost of the wealth and prosperity that tends to come with it.  2026 BMW Series 7 Interior

Recently, my old roommate invited me to spend the weekend at his holiday home, which happened to correspond with my test of the 2026 BMW Series 7e – the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the brand’s flagship sedan. As the latest iteration of BMW’s true range-topper, it was perfectly suited for showing off to my fancy-pants barrister buddy.

2026 BMW Series 7 Fuel Economy

The 14.4-kWh battery is nestled under the floor and can be charged at a maximum rate of 7.4 kW. It’s rated for 55 km of range on nothing but electricity, which means many daily commutes won’t need to wake the engine at all. When the engine is called upon it’s assisted by the electric motor, resulting in a combined consumption rate of 9.4 L/100 km. That’s a decent figure for a huge car with serious power. (For perspective, the V8-powered version of this car is rated for 11.5 L/100 km.)  2026 BMW Series 7 Interior

It’s not tough to top that official estimate, especially if the electric half of the powertrain is used for in-town driving. With the gas engine running on the highway and secondary roads during this test, the indicated consumption rate ranged in the mid-8s. This PHEV’s direct competitor is the Mercedes-Benz S 580e, which uses a turbo straight-six with identical displacement to this one. And while the Benz is slightly thirstier, particularly in urban driving, its all-electric range rates at 74 km. Meanwhile, the Lexus LS 500h is a conventional hybrid that doesn’t offer plug-in power, but it’s slightly more efficient than its German rivals.

2026 BMW Series 7 Safety Features

The 14.4-kWh battery is nestled under the floor and can be charged at a maximum rate of 7.4 kW. It’s rated for 55 km of range on nothing but electricity, which means many daily commutes won’t need to wake the engine at all. When the engine is called upon it’s assisted by the electric motor, resulting in a combined consumption rate of 9.4 L/100 km. That’s a decent figure for a huge car with serious power. (For perspective, the V8-powered version of this car is rated for 11.5 L/100 km.) It’s not tough to top that official estimate, especially if the electric half of the powertrain is used for in-town driving. With the gas engine running on the highway and secondary roads during this test, the indicated consumption rate ranged in the mid-8s.

This PHEV’s direct competitor is the Mercedes-Benz S 580e, which uses a turbo straight-six with identical displacement to this one. And while the Benz is slightly thirstier, particularly in urban driving, its all-electric range rates at 74 km. Meanwhile, the Lexus LS 500h is a conventional hybrid that doesn’t offer plug-in power, but it’s slightly more efficient than its German rivals. 2026 BMW Series 7 Interior

2026 BMW Series 7 Price and Release Date

The most affordable 7 Series still commands a starting price of $142,500. Add on the extra necessities found on the test car, plus destination charges and luxury tax, and the tally easily surpasses $170,000. The hybrid Lexus LS 500h and mild-hybrid Genesis G90 both share similar gravitas and comfort, but cost tens of thousands less. Still, compared to the V8-powered 760i or all-electric i7 – or the plug-in Mercedes S 580e – the 2026 BMW Series 7e rings in notably cheaper and, in many respects, represents a stronger value. 2026 BMW Series 7 Interior

In some top-tier sedans, replacing the V8 with a six-cylinder dramatically reduces its appeal by ruining its harmonics and smoothness. That’s not the case with the 2026 BMW Series 7e that delivers the sublime serenity expected of a car like this. Although lacking the thrilling thrust of the V8-powered and entirely electric 7 Series models, this PHEV still succeeds where it needs to, offering all the visual impact of its costlier siblings and the sufficiently decadent interior to coddle power players like my dear friend and former roommate.