New BMW i7 and 7 Series priced

BMW Australia has announced local pricing and specification for the new-generation 2022 BMW 7 Series that launches in the final quarter of this year with the choice of petrol or electric power.

The headline act is the full-electric 2022 BMW i7 xDrive60, which is priced from $297,900 plus on-road costs and features a dual-motor powertrain delivering 400kW/745Nm and offering a 625km driving range from its 106kWh battery.

The EV luxury sedan can also accelerate from 0-100km/h in 4.7 seconds.

Joining the i7 at launch is the 2022 BMW 740i that starts at $268,900 plus ORCs – up $34,000 compared to the previous 740iL ($234,900) – and features the latest iteration of the German car-maker’s 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder turbo-petrol engine.

Aided by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, the 740i produces 280kW/540Nm and, driving the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission, can reach 100km/h from rest in 5.4 seconds.

There’s no word yet on other powertrain options for Australia, such as the entry-level 735i six-cylinder, 40d turbo-diesel, 760i xDrive V8 and the 750e and 760e plug-in hybrids (PHEVs).

A range-topping i7 M70 xDrive boasting 441kW-plus and 1000Nm of torque – as well as a 600km range – is expected later next year.

The new BMW 7 Series is primed to take on the latest-generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class that’s offered in S 580L 4MATIC V8 guise (from $335,100) and S 450 4MATIC six-cylinder turbo-petrol (from $240,700), the latter lining up closely to the 740i.

There’s also the all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQS in market, which has launched with the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 (from $328,400) and will be joined later this year by the EQS 450.

The latest 7 Series is 131mm longer than its predecessor and rides on a 5mm longer wheelbase with 48mm and 65mm being added to the overall width and height respectively.

BMW says expanding the luxury limo’s footprint has improved the dynamics as well as the ride comfort, but the main factors in these improvements are the new two-axle air springs and adaptive damping system which now come standard across the range.

Also standard on both the EV and ICE model is what BMW calls ‘BMW Integral Active Steering’ (rear axle steering).

Lengthy equipment list

Befitting its flagship status, the new 2022 BMW 7 Series has a standard equipment list as long as its vast body.

Headline features of the 740i include 20-inch M alloy wheels, M Sport cosmetic package (as per all Aussie BMWs), BMW crystal headlights, an illuminated grille, M carbon-fibre interior trim, massaging front seats, panorama glass roof and a 20-speaker Bower and Wilkins surround sound system.

Other highlights include remote engine start, tyre pressure monitoring, Travel and Comfort system, multifunctional front seats, Heat Comfort package, an interior camera, Driving Assistant Professional, Parking Assistant Professional, natural interaction, ‘Merino’ leather upholstery and Alcantara headlining.

Building on the 740i’s standard gear, the i7 xDrive60 adds 21-inch M alloys, Executive Drive Pro (active roll stabilisation and comfort technology), automatic doors, multifunction rear seats, ‘Executive Lounge’ rear console, BMW IconicSounds Electric, 39-speaker Bowers and Wilkins diamond surround sound, rear seat entertainment experience and a BMW Individual Gran Lusso interior comprising Merino and wool-cashmere combination upholstery.

Also included in the price of the EV is a third-generation BMW wallbox, a five-year Chargefox subscription and all the relevant public and domestic charging cables.

An M Sport Pro package is a no-cost option for both variants and raises the visual menace via gloss black M Sport brakes, lip spoiler, exterior trim and light surrounds.

A Connoisseur Lounge pack costs $27,900 for 740i customers and adds many of the i7’s signature features like the automatic doors, rear entertainment system, diamond sound system and the multifunction rear seats.

It also adds Executive Lounge seating as well as a massage function and ventilation to the rear pews – these aren’t included as standard on the i7, but can be ordered for $9000.

The 7 Series pricing comes less than a fortnight after the car-maker announced its inbound BMW X7 flagship SUV line-up.

How much does the 2022 BMW 7 Series cost?
740i – $268,900
i7 xDrive60 – $297,900
* Prices exclude on-road costs

For everything you auto know about EVs, listen to carsales' Watts Under the Bonnet: the electric car podcast

Join the conversation at 

our Facebook page

Or email us at 

editor@carsales.com.au