More models for the brand's flagship sedan aren't all that's in the cards.
BMW has announced a slew of updates to its models, the significant changes being the introduction of new i7 models and the phase-in of the iDrive 8.5 operating system in flagship models. The i4 will also receive a new variant positioned under the i4 M50, and the six-cylinder 740i will now be available with xDrive AWD.
This past spring, the company introduced a bunch of convenience and aesthetic changes to its lineup, so the summer update seems a little smaller but focuses on increasing the appeal of its brand-new flagship 7 Series. The expansion of iDrive 8.5 is also a big step, as it will allow better functionality and useability of the massive curved screens found in vehicles like the X7 and iX.
Starting with the 7 Series changes, the company is introducing two models. The electric i7 will be joined by a new i7 eDrive50, while the gasoline 7 Series lineup adds the 750e xDrive.
As the name suggests, the 750e xDrive will slot above the 745e xDrive as the new top-of-the-line plug-in-hybrid model. It will be powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six connected to a 194-horsepower electric motor mounted in the transmission. The entire system will be good for 483 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque with an electric-only range of 35 miles. It will retail for $107,000 plus $995 destination and will hit dealers this fall.
The i7 Drive50 is a rear-wheel-drive model with a single motor. It's sourced from BWM's GEN5 powertrains and produces 449 hp. This model will have an MSRP of $105,700 and arrive alongside the hybrid model above.
The company is also introducing xDrive to the 375-hp 740i, which helps drop the 0-60 time from 5.1 seconds to 4.9, bringing with it a sub-six-figure price tag of $99,400 plus $995 in destination charges.
On the other end of the BMW lineup, the i4 is also joining the new-variant party, introducing an entry-level AWD model, the i4 xDrive40. Positioned below the M50, the vehicle's two electric motors will produce 396 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque with a 4.9-second 0-60 time. The car will utilize an 80.7 kWh battery pack capable of 205 kW DC fast charging speeds and have a max range of 307 miles with 18-inch wheels and 282 miles with 19-inch wheels, pending final EPA certification. The price for this mid-range i4 starts at $61,600.
Finally, BMW iDrive 8.5 is here to take full advantage of the beautiful new BMW Curved Display on flagship models. We're not seeing iDrive 9 just yet because BMW wants to iron out the kinks on entry-level vehicles before introducing it to its high-end units.
BMW Operating System 8.5 boasts a new zero-layer philosophy presenting all important information at all times with no need to enter sub-menus.
QuickSelect touch functionality allows the driver to click and swipe through Navigation, Media, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and more. Returning to the main menu is as easy as clicking the home button, meaning the cars now have the same basic functionality as a 10-year-old smartphone.
Starting in July, the system will be found in iX, i4, and 7 Series models. It will arrive in August for the X5, X6, and X7. The XM will receive the new system but without the QuickSelect functionality for some reason, and none of the M models will receive the QuickSelect function either.
Acura
Alfa Romeo
Aston Martin
Audi
Bentley
BMW
Bollinger
BrightDrop
Bugatti
Buick
Cadillac
Caterham
Chevrolet
Chrysler
Dodge
Ferrari
Fiat
Fisker
Ford
Genesis
GMC
Gordon Murray Automotive
Hennessey
Honda
Hyundai
Infiniti
Jaguar
Jeep
Karma
Kia
Koenigsegg
Lamborghini
Land Rover
Lexus
Lincoln
Lordstown
Lotus
Lucid Motors
Maserati
Mazda
McLaren
Mercedes-Benz
Mini
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Pagani
Polestar
Porsche
Ram
Rimac
Rivian
Rolls-Royce
Spyker
Subaru
Tesla
Toyota
VinFast
Volkswagen
Volvo
Join The Discussion