New BMW launching in South Africa
BMW has announced that it will release its new 7 Series sedan later this year, with the car expected to reach South Africa in the last quarter of 2026.
The 7 series sedan range has been produced by BMW since 1977, with each generation of the vehicle bringing upgrades to safety and operating concepts.
BMW said the newest addition to the range is “the most extensive model update ever carried out” by the group.
The group said this release will mark the beginning of a technology rollout, spanning drivetrain variants and market segments.
The new 7 Series has been designed to focus on the luxury market, with newly designed headlights and a striking visual concept.
The focus on luxury has also been brought into the car’s interior, which features materials such as leather, crystal glass, and wood.
BMW said the interior design is meant to create “an exclusive yet also cosy atmosphere” through “innovative details”.
The interior will also feature a passenger screen and a theatre screen, which boasts 8K resolution and is augmented for third-party apps.
The new release will feature several versions of the sedan, including a plug-in hybrid and a fully electric model.
The fully electric variant has an effective range of approximately 600 km, along with intelligent charging options and built-in route planning for charging stations.
The sedan will be All Wheel Drive (AWD) with one motor for the front wheels and one for the rear, with power to these wheels adjusted continuously in a coordinated process.
The hybrid model will feature a turbocharged six-cylinder engine and a 347-volt underfloor battery, providing additional power and fuel efficiency.
All of the 7 series models planned for release will feature AWD and disc brakes on all wheels, along with a host of other safety features.
New tech and assists
The new 7 Series range will feature advanced parking and driving aids, with integrated AI parking assistance.
The sedans will be able to identify parking zones and plan parking manoeuvres to ensure that the process is intuitive and functional.
BMW said the new range “employs advanced technologies and increases the use of AI to set new standards of comfort and safety in partially automated driving and parking manoeuvres.”
The company said the new driver assistance systems and active safety functions will “provide noticeable added value” to the driving experience.
The active suspension offers a range of driving experiences, with air suspension and electronically controlled shock absorbers.
The suspension can be adjusted depending on the driver, to offer comfort or sporting responses from the car.
BMW has included proprietary technology such as Adaptive Chassis Control, Integral Active Steering, and optional Adaptive Chassis Control Professional.
These technologies are designed to improve the overall driving experience, tailored to each individual’s style and preferences.
Other technologies worked into the new 7 Series models include active tyre pressure monitoring and an integrated braking system.
All models and variants of the new 7 Series will be produced in Dingolfing, a town in the Lower Bavaria region of Germany.
The BMW production plant in Dingolfing is often where the company’s flagship models are produced, with the group saying the area promotes a “passion for flawless engineering with skilled craftsmanship like no other.”
BMW has not announced prices for the refreshed 2026 model in South Africa, but the current standard model already starts at R2.3 million, with the M760e xDrive hitting R3.1 million
South Africa has notably higher import tariffs and taxes on foreign vehicles than in other countries, causing the prices of many international cars to rise.
Photos of the new BMW 7 Series
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