BMW India has launched the facelifted 7 Series and i7 electric sedan range at a starting price of ₹1.95 crore, with the flagship i7 M70 xDrive priced at ₹2.65 crore, ex-showroom. The launch, on September 11, 2026, marks the first time BMW is locally assembling the i7 50 xDrive at its Chennai plant, making India the only country outside Germany to produce the automaker’s flagship electric sedan.
The updated 7 Series and i7 range introduces BMW Panoramic iDrive, the new BMW Operating System X, and the brand’s first passenger-side screen, positioning the facelift as a significant technology update rather than a cosmetic refresh. Local assembly of the i7 50 xDrive is expected to improve pricing competitiveness and delivery timelines for BMW’s electric flagship in the Indian market.
Why Is BMW Locally Assembling the i7 in Chennai?
Local assembly allows BMW to reduce import duties on the i7 50 xDrive, which typically make fully imported luxury EVs significantly more expensive in India. By producing the model at its existing Chennai plant, BMW can offer more competitive pricing on its flagship electric sedan while also cutting delivery lead times for Indian buyers. The move also reflects BMW’s broader strategy of localising higher-value electric models in India as demand for premium EVs grows, following similar approaches by rivals expanding local production of electric variants.
What Does This Launch Mean for India’s Luxury EV Market?
The facelifted i7’s local assembly comes as India recorded 79,063 electric car sales between January and April 2026, up 69.5 percent year-on-year, signalling accelerating demand across price segments, including the ultra-luxury tier where BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche compete. Porsche is separately preparing to launch the Cayenne EV in India this month, underscoring intensifying competition in the premium electric segment as buyers increasingly consider EVs even at the highest price points.
Market Reaction and Industry Response
Industry analysts view the Chennai assembly of the i7 as a strong signal of BMW’s long-term commitment to India’s luxury EV segment, rather than treating the market as an import-only destination. Dealers have reported early interest in the updated 7 Series and i7 range, particularly around the new BMW Operating System X and passenger display, which bring the flagship sedan’s technology closer to parity with newer rivals in the segment.
What Happens Next?
Deliveries of the facelifted 7 Series and i7 are expected to begin in the coming weeks, coinciding with India’s festive season, which typically drives a large share of annual luxury car sales. BMW is expected to monitor demand for the locally assembled i7 50 xDrive closely, with further localisation of components possible if volumes justify the investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price of the new BMW i7 in India?
The facelifted BMW i7 range starts at ₹1.95 crore, with the flagship i7 M70 xDrive priced at ₹2.65 crore, ex-showroom.
Is the BMW i7 made in India?
The i7 50 xDrive is now locally assembled at BMW’s Chennai plant, making India the only country outside Germany to produce the model.
What new features does the facelifted 7 Series and i7 offer?
The update adds BMW Panoramic iDrive, BMW Operating System X, and the brand’s first passenger-side display screen.
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