The new 7 Series is the latest model to take on BMW’s new design characterized by the split headlamp design. The top part can be optioned with Swarovski crystal elements, while the lower part (low- and high-beams) only become visible when switched on. Adaptive LED headlights are standard. The vertically prominent front-end also features a new larger, and yes, illuminated kidney grille. The doors also feature power actuation for both closing and opening.

The rest of the 7 Series is decidedly clean and monolithic in its design. It features virtually flush-fitted side windows with invisible seals, while the pattern graphic embedded in the rear section of windows add some privacy to the occupants inside. BMW will only make this generation of 7 Series available in a long wheelbase format.

Inside, the 7 Series further reduces the number of physical controls in favor of touch screen-based ones. The centerpiece is the BMW Interaction Bar which combines the controls for the ventilation, hazard lights, and the opening of the glove compartment. When not in use, it has a crystalline surface structure that’s backlit. From there, it gets a new curved display—12.3-inch for the instrument cluster and 14.9-inch for the infotainment—canted towards the driver. The steering wheel itself is new in a two-spoke, flat-bottomed style. Meanwhile, each door gets a 5.5-inch color display that allows the passengers to control the audio, climate, and sunshades.

Multi-contoured seats are standard on the 7 Series and this gives passengers extensive adjustments plus ventilation and heating. That said, the benchmark of the segment is the new Executive Lounge option which allows the rear seats to recline 42.5 degrees. Moreover, it has an integrated leg rest that allow passengers to experience the perfect relaxed resting position.

If relaxing is the last thing on a passenger’s mind, the 7 Series features the BMW Theater Screen—a 31-inch, 8K touchscreen-display that moves out of the headliner to give the rear passengers an immersive in-vehicle viewing experience. When activated, the system, which features Amazon Fire TV integration, is accompanied by an acoustic experience created by film composer and Academy Award winner Hans Zimmer. The 18-speaker system (as standard) is by Bower & Wilkins. For those who prefer to take in a bit of nature, a panoramic sunroof.

For the first time ever, BMW is offering the 7 Series with three distinct powertrains—combustion engine, hybrid (mild and plug-in), and fully-electric. The base engine—the 735i packs a 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline-6 making 286 horsepower and 425 Nm of torque. This is followed by the 740i with the same engine uprated to 380 horsepower and 540 Nm of torque. Then, there’s the 760i xDrive and its 4.4-liter V8 making 544 horsepower and 750 Nm of torque. Finally, there’s the i7 xDrive60. The first-ever all-electric 7 Series makes 544 horsepower and 745 Nm of torque from its dual electric motor set-up. A more powerful i7 M70 xDrive with more than 600 horsepower and 1,000 Nm of torque, and a plug-in, the M760e xDrive with more than 571 horsepower and 800 Nm of torque will join the range at a later time.

As was the case with all its predecessors, the new BMW 7 Series will be built at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing.