Preview by Veeno Dewan
The BMW Neue Klasse (German for “New Class”) is BMW’s new initiative to renew its fully electric-only vehicle architecture and design ethos. The ‘Neue Klasse” term harks back to the 1960s in Germany, when BMW developed a groundbreaking class of BMW sports sedans to rejuvenate the company amid growing competition and to establish its reputation for performance as “The Ultimate Driving Machine.”
Introduced with the upcoming 2027 BMW iX3 and the 7-Series BME sedan, the Neue Klasse All-Electric architecture will use the new Gen6 eDrive: 800-volt system, upgraded battery technology, and highly efficient electric motors to deliver longer EV range and faster charging times. Exterior styling has been updated with a wide range of paint colors and combinations. Interior trim, futuristic technology, and custom options will be significantly expanded.
The BMW 7 Series Neue Klasse will be available in both electric and gasoline versions, with four different variants. Exteriors will feature updated styling, and the front end will center on an illuminated version of the iconic BMW kidney grille, new two-section headlights, and a newly designed BMW badge.
Buyers will have over 500 color and finish combinations to choose from, including fabulous-looking two-tone options and new split-finish options that allow metallic and matte paint finishes to be combined. Wheel sizes now extend up to 22 inches as well, including special wheel options in the M Sport and M Sport Pro packages.
For the 2027 model year, the BMW 7 Series will be available with up to nine powertrain options. The key options for Canada and the U.S. are the returning i7 models—now with the sixth-generation battery technology of the Neue Klasse cars—and plug-in hybrid models. All i7 models use an 112.5-kilowatt-hour (net) battery pack and feature a two-motor electric all-wheel-drive setup.
BMW also confirms that a V8 gas-powered model will arrive in the future. The i7 50 xDrive kicks off the EV lineup with 455 combined horsepower and 487 pound-feet of torque, with EV driving range estimates of 590 to 708 kilometers. BMW also says it can add 205 km of additional range in just 10 minutes when connected to the fastest DC fast chargers. The 60 xDrive has an uprated 544 horsepower and 549 lb-ft of torque. Meanwhile, the M70 performance versions add a massive 680 horsepower and 748 lb-ft, with a range of 560–650 km and a 0-100 km/h time of 3.5 seconds.
The plug-in 750e xDrive also returns, with a line-six engine paired with an electric motor for 489 combined system horsepower and around 64 km of all-electric range. An M760e will arrive later in the year, boosting the ICE output to 612 combined system horsepower.
The BMW 7 Interior customization list is extensive, with over 700 interior combinations available. Buyers can configure their cabins with lavish materials such as open-pore wood, Alcantara, carbon fiber, and several high-end Merino leather options. The center console will offer a cleaner aesthetic, featuring integrated controls and ambient lighting strips that provide animated welcomes and adjust to your driving mood. The BMW 7 series Neue Klasse influence extends to the dramatic new dashboard, which incorporates BMW’s large central screen and the Panoramic Vision display embedded at the base of the windshield. New for the 7 is a standard passenger-side digital display.
Digital screens abound, and the 7 Series will use BMW’s latest Operation System X, with the passenger display screen also allowing video streaming, though a privacy screen means the driver can’t see it. The 7 Series’ amazing Theatre Screen returns and is upgraded to 8K resolution, while also picking up an integrated camera to allow for on-the-move conference calls. An optional 36-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio setup equipped with Dolby Atmos functionality will offer incredible audiophile sound quality.
The 2027 BMW 7 Series will arrive in early 2027, and firm pricing and specific model availability will be finalized later in 2026. Given the popularity of the BMW 7 Series in Canada and the United States, the new Neue Klasse versions are highly anticipated and will no doubt attract many established and new BMW buyers.
2027 BMW 7 Series Neue Klasse: Expected price of $100,000 or more.
More info at www.bmw.ca.
