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The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V has continued to evolve with updates aimed at keeping it competitive in the feature-heavy 160 cc motorcycle segment. For 2026, TVS has focused its attention on the top-spec version, adding technology and convenience features rather than making major changes to the motorcycle's mechanical package.
5-inch TFT Display With Google Maps Mirroring
The biggest update on the top-spec Apache RTR 160 4V is the new 5-inch TFT display. The larger full-colour screen gives a more modern interface while making key riding information easier to read. Additionally, the display supports Google Maps mirroring, allowing navigation information to be shown directly on the motorcycle's screen. This is particularly useful for riders who rely on their smartphones for navigation, as they can follow turn-by-turn directions with more ease.
Panic Brake Alert
The Apache RTR 160 4V also gets a Panic Brake Alert system. As the name suggests, it is designed to alert vehicles and riders behind when the motorcycle undergoes hard emergency braking. The feature helps with better rear visibility during sudden braking, giving following traffic an additional indication that the motorcycle is slowing down rapidly. While there is no change in the braking hardware, it adds a layer of active safety to the motorcycle.
Another convenience addition is a type-C charging port. With smartphones playing a bigger role in everyday lives, particularly for navigation, music and communication, having an integrated charging option helps a long way. The type-C interface is more standard now with the current crop of smartphones in the market compared to USB-A type charging port.
Pricing
The top-spec 2026 Apache RTR 160 4V is priced at around ₹1.41 lakh. The higher-spec version carries a premium for its additional technology and convenience features, with the new TFT display and connected functions. For buyers looking at the upper end of the 160 cc segment, these updates give the Apache RTR 160 4V a more contemporary equipment list while retaining the motorcycle's sporty positioning.
The 2026 update can be summed up as improving the rider's interaction with the motorcycle rather than changing its fundamental character. The 5-inch TFT display with Google Maps mirroring add premium feel to the cockpit, while Panic Brake Alert and the Type-C charging port add functionality.
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Stellantis India, the parent company of brands like Jeep and Citroen, has announced it will assume 100 per cent ownership of its manufacturing plant in Tiruvallur, Tamil Nadu. The facility was jointly owned by Hindustan Motor Finance Corporation Ltd. (HMFCL), a CK Birla company, and Stellantis Automobiles India Private Limited (SAIPL). The company says the acquisition marks a defining milestone in Stellantis' India journey. In fact, Stellantis is targeting a production ramp-up of over 160 per cent, growing from 16,000 units in 2026 to more than 43,000 units annually by 2028.
The company has been producing locally manufactured vehicles at the Thiruvallur facility since 2021. Presently, the plant manufactures the Citroën C3, ë-C3, C3 Aircross, and Basalt, achieving over 95 per cent localisation. In fact, the company states that production growth is expected to more than double the direct workforce from the current 610 employees. Furthermore, it will also create jobs across the supplier and logistics ecosystem.
Broadly, Stellantis says it has invested over €1 billion (almost Rs. 11,000 crore) in India to support its long-term growth ambitions. This includes manufacturing, product development, localisation, and capability building.
Commenting on the milestone, Shailesh Hazela, CEO and Managing Director, Stellantis India, said, "India remains a key pillar of Stellantis' growth strategy. Having invested close to Rs. 11,000 crore in the country to build a strong manufacturing, engineering and export ecosystem, we continue to see significant opportunities ahead. This milestone will enable greater integration and enhance our ability to respond more quickly to customer and market needs."
He further added: "As we look ahead, we are committed to driving growth through new product investments, expanded manufacturing capacity, stronger export competitiveness and deeper localisation. India is playing an increasingly important role within Stellantis' global network, and we see significant potential to further scale our operations and contribution to the country's industrial growth."
India is a key market for Stellantis and an important hub for manufacturing, engineering and exports. Full ownership of SAIPL will give the company greater operational flexibility and simplify its governance structure. The move is expected to help Stellantis accelerate growth in India, expand exports and increase local investments, while creating long-term value for its customers, employees and partners.
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Swedish carmaker Volvo Cars has appointed Klaus Zellmer as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. Zellmer will assume the position on October 1, 2027, succeeding Håkan Samuelsson, who led Volvo from 2012 to 2022 and again since April 2025.
Zellmer has more than 30 years of experience in the automotive industry. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Management and CEO of Škoda Auto. Previously, he was responsible for marketing, sales and after-sales at Volkswagen Passenger Cars, where he was also a member of the Board of Management.
Spanning more than two decades, Zellmer also held several senior leadership positions at Porsche, including CEO of Porsche Deutschland and CEO of Porsche North America.
Škoda reported record results in 2025 under Zellmer’s leadership, followed by further growth and record electric vehicle deliveries in the first half of 2026, according to Volvo Cars.
Håkan Samuelsson has led Volvo Cars across two tenures, first from 2012 to 2022 and again since April 2025. His current tenure has focused on providing stability and developing the company’s long-term strategic roadmap.
Zellmer said he looks forward to building on Volvo Cars’ existing strengths, including its focus on safety, design and brand identity, while contributing to the company’s next phase of development.
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Kia India recently launched the Carens and the Carens Clavis with a factory-fitted CNG kit. The prices start at Rs 12.12 Lakh for the Carens CNG. And in this price bracket, the MPV stands as the rival against the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga CNG. The Ertiga CNG has a rock-solid fan following as the budget CNG MPV in the market, but with just a premium of Rs 12,000 compared to the top-spec Ertiga, can the Carens wrest away its advantage? Lets find out.
Kia Carens vs Maruti Suzuki Ertiga: Price and Variants
Model
Variant
Ex-showroom price
Kia Carens CNG
Premium (O)
Rs 12.11 lakh
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga CNG
VXi CNG
Rs 10.94 lakh
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga CNG
ZXi CNG
Rs 12 lakh
The Kia Carens CNG is available in only one variant, the Premium (O), and costs Rs 12,000 more than the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI CNG. The Ertiga CNG, however, is available in two variants: ZXI and VXI. The VXI CNG is priced at Rs 10.94 lakh, creating a price difference of Rs 1.18 lakh compared to the Carens CNG. This makes the Ertiga VXI CNG the more affordable option.
Kia Carens vs Maruti Suzuki Ertiga: Engine and Performance
Specification
Kia Carens CNG
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga CNG
Engine
1.5-litre, 4-cylinder NA petrol
1.5-litre, 4-cylinder NA petrol
Displacement
1,497cc
1,462cc
Power
94.7 bhp
86.6bhp
Torque
123Nm
121.5Nm
Transmission
6-speed manual
5-speed manual
Drive
Front-wheel drive
Front-wheel drive
CNG tank/cylinder
60-litre
60-litre
Petrol tank
45-litre
45-litre
Claimed efficiency
NA
26.11km/kg
The Carens CNG uses Kia's 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, which produces 94.7 bhp and 123 Nm of peak torque in CNG mode. The Ertiga's 1.5-litre CNG engine produces 86.6bhp and 121.5Nm of peak torque. The Kia also gets one additional forward gear, with a 6-speed manual gearbox compared with the Ertiga's 5-speed manual.
Moreover, the Carens produces around 8bhp more power and 1.5Nm more torque than the Ertiga. With more power and the benefit of an additional gear, the Carens has the more powerful powertrain on paper. Maruti Suzuki claims a fuel efficiency of 26.11km/kg for the Ertiga CNG. Kia has not yet announced an ARAI-certified fuel-efficiency figure for the Carens CNG.
Kia Carens vs Maruti Suzuki Ertiga: Dimensions
Dimension
Kia Carens CNG
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga CNG
Length
4,540mm
4,395mm
Width
1,800mm
1,735mm
Height
1,708mm
1,690mm
Wheelbase
2,780mm
2,740mm
Seating capacity
7
7
Wheel Size
16-inch
15-inch
The Kia Carens is considerably larger in terms of dimensions. It measures 145mm longer, 65mm wider and 18mm taller than the Ertiga, with a wheelbase that is over 40mm longer. However, this also affects the luggage and seating space.
The Carens CNG gets a 60-litre CNG tank mounted inside the boot, which reduces the boot capacity from 216 litres in the standard version to 116 litres in the CNG version. The Ertiga, meanwhile, offers 206 litres of boot space as standard, but with the CNG kit, there is little to no usable boot space left.
The Carens CNG sits on larger 16-inch steel wheels, while the Ertiga looks more premium with its 15-inch alloy wheels.
Kia Carens vs Maruti Suzuki Ertiga: Features
The Carens CNG is based on the Premium (O) variant and gets an 8.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 12.5-inch digital instrument cluster with a 4.2-inch colour TFT MID, a rear-view camera, keyless entry, electrically adjustable ORVMs with LED turn indicators and semi-leatherette upholstery.
The Ertiga ZXi CNG features a 7.0-inch SmartPlay infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, alloy wheels, a sliding front armrest with a utility box, premium dual-tone interiors and additional convenience equipment. It also features a height-adjustable driver seat, 60:40 split second-row seats with one-touch recline and slide, 50:50 split third-row seats with reclining functionality, rear AC vents, a second-row centre armrest, dual-tone interiors and a flat-folding third row.
The Carens gets six airbags as standard, along with ABS, ESC, VSM, BAS, Hill-start Assist and Downhill Brake Control. It also gets disc brakes on all four wheels.
The Ertiga comes with six airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, seatbelt reminders and an overspeed alert as standard. Its braking setup comprises disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear.
Overall, the Kia Carens is the more premium MPV, with more space and better storage options, making it more practical. Its longer wheelbase also provides more room inside the cabin. Meanwhile, the Ertiga is the more economical option and focuses on keeping ownership costs low. It gets Maruti Suzuki's tried-and-tested 1.5-litre engine, which has been used for several years, potentially making it a more familiar and straightforward ownership proposition.
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Kawasaki has taken the wraps off the 2027 Ninja H2, which comes after the recent speculations on the homologation filings and teaser images. The latest version retains the familiar silhouette of the supercharged flagship motorcycle but gets several mechanical and hardware updates underneath.
The biggest change is the engine, which has been revised to meet Euro 5+ emission standards. Kawasaki has also reworked several internal components, while the updated bike is claimed to offer stronger torque in the low- and mid-range. The Ninja H2 continues with its 998cc supercharged inline-four, but Kawasaki has redesigned the impeller and intake system, along with the pistons, cylinder head and crankshaft.
The exhaust system has been changed as well. The previous twin-exhaust setup has been replaced by a single-sided exhaust, similar to the configuration used on the Ninja H2 SX and Z H2.
Next, the motorcycle also gets new braking hardware. The previous Brembo Stylema front calipers have been replaced by Brembo Hypure four-piston calipers for even better braking performance.
Another notable update is the instrument cluster, which now combines an analogue tachometer with a TFT display. The setup appears similar to the unit used on the Ninja H2 SX and provides access to the motorcycle's electronic rider aids, including selectable power modes, traction control and cruise control.
The 2027 Kawasaki Ninja H2 has so far been announced for the UK, where it is priced at £28,600, equivalent to around Rs 36.90 lakh. The Ninja H2 was discontinued in India several years ago, and while there is no confirmation whether the 2027 model will make it to India, one can expect it to be launched towards the end of this year.
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Volkswagen has unveiled the fastest and most powerful iteration of its ID.3 electric hatchback, the GTI. Developing a peak 321 bhp and 545 Nm, the ID.3 GTI is the most powerful hatchback to wear the GTI badge and also the first electric car to do so. Additionally, unlike its ICE predecessors, the new electric GTI sends all its power to the rear wheels
Powertrain Details
The ID.3 GTI features a 79kWh lithium-ion battery pack that sends power to a rear-mounted electric motor. The hot hatch is claimed to offer a maximum range of up to 601km. The electric motor produces 321bhp and 545Nm of peak torque, allowing the electric hatch to hit 100 kph in a claimed 5.6 seconds. Top speed stands at 200kph.
On the charging front, the ID.3 GTI supports DC fast charging at up to 183kW and takes around 29 minutes to charge from 10 to 80 per cent.
Moreover, it gets a GTI button on the steering wheel that activates the GTI driving profile. This adjusts the electric motor’s power delivery, steering and DCC adaptive sports chassis for a more performance-focused experience. The GTI mode also activates Launch Control and adds a simulated combustion-engine sound inside the cabin.
Based on the ID.3 Neo, the GTI gets a sportier styling package including the iconic red design touches seen on prior internal combustion GTIs. The enclosed grille now features a thin red stripe spanning its width, along with GTI lettering, while the bumper lower down gets a slightly more squared-off look and a mesh pattern lower air intake with red accents.
Moving to the profile, the GTI sit on 20-inch Wörthersee alloy wheels while the mirror caps and side sills are finished in gloss black. Unlike the previous ID.3 GTX, the roof, spoiler and boot lid are finished in the body colour.
The GTI is available in five exterior colour options: Tornado Red, Moonstone Grey, Scale Silver, Grenadilla Black and Glacier White.
Aesthetically, the interior features an all-black finish with red accents and stitching present across various surfaces, including a stripe across the dashboard and a red 12 o’clock marking on the sports steering wheel. The seats feature a Superclark pattern inspired by the tartan-style seats of the original Golf GTI.
The dashboard design and layout, meanwhile, have not changed over the standard ID.3, with elements such as the digital instrument screen and 12.9-inch touchscreen retained, though now running GTI-specific graphics. Buyers also get an augmented reality head-up display as part of the GTI package.
The ID.3 GTI gets a V2L (vehicle-to-load) function through an optional PowerSocket Adapter. This allows it to power or charge external devices.
For automated driving, it gets the Travel Assist system and Park Assist Pro with a memory function. Travel Assist can also respond to traffic lights, automatically bringing the vehicle to a stop when a red signal is detected.
Volkswagen says the ID.3 GTI will go on sale in global markets in early 2027.
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Hyundai Indiahas released the first sketches of the new Hyundai Bayon, ahead of its debut and launch. The sketches reveal some key styling details of the upcoming SUV, including the fascia and cabin design.
On the outside, the sketches show only the front half of the car, where it shows a sculpted hood and Hyundai’s H-Edge lighting setup with high-set LED daytime running lamps similar to the new Venue. The main headlamps likely sit below, within angular housings in the bumper. The sketches also preview a rather edgy and chunky bumper design with a prominent skid plate element and notable creases.
As for the cabin, the upcoming Bayon looks to be following Hyundai contemporary design template with a large display spanning the driver side of the dashbaord and centre console. The display will house the central touchscreen and digital instrument cluster.
Additionally, the centre console looks to follow a minimalist theme with space for a wireless charger near its base. The steering wheel design looks to be in line with other newer Hyundais with paddle shifters also visible.
The Bayon is expected to be offered with a naturally aspirated petrol engine at launch, with manual and automatic transmission options likely to be available. It is also expected to come with a factory-fitted CNG kit, making it the largest Hyundai yet to be available in a CNG guise.
The Hyundai Bayon is expected to be positioned above the Venue, which is currently priced between Rs 8 lakh and Rs 15.83 lakh (ex-showroom).
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Volvo Cars has unveiled long-range plug-in hybrid powertrains for the Volvo XC60 and the XC90 in Europe and the US. The XC60 has a maximum electric range of up to 200km meanwhile the XC90 can go till 160km.
Volvo says the new long-range PHEVs use larger, floor-integrated batteries and more powerful electric motors than the existing plug-in hybrid models. The brand says the electric range is now more than 2.5 times higher than that of the current PHEV variants. PHEV powertrain will be offered alongside the mild-hybrid powertrains.
Powertrain Details
For the XC60, it is offered in two trims: the T6 AWD and T8 AWD. The long-range version is powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged engine paired with a 41.2kWh battery pack and a 130kW electric motor. The SUV produces a combined output of 454bhp and 669Nm of peak torque, offering an electric range of up to 200km and a combined range of up to 1,240km. Volvo claims a 0-100km/h time of 4.8 seconds in the most powerful spec. As for charging, the battery can be fully charged in four hours using a 16A charger.
The XC90 is available in a single PHEV trim alongside the mild-hybrid powertrain. It shares the same powertrain as the XC60 but offers 40km less electric range, at up to 160km, and a combined range of up to 1,100km. The power and torque figures remain the same as well.
Volvo XC60 Exterior Updates
The XC60 gets a redesigned grille, front bumper, bonnet, front wings and new wheels, apart from the PHEV powertrain option.
At the front, it features Thor's Hammer Matrix LED headlights, which have also been redesigned, while the tailgate, rear LED lamps and rear bumper feature revised styling emphasising horizontal lines.
Inside, the XC60 gets a redesigned dashboard and door panels, along with wood trim and ventilated Nappa leather upholstery. The SUV also features an 11.2-inch display running Volvo's latest infotainment interface.
The updated XC60 also gains additional active safety and driver assistance features. These include automatic emergency steering, automatic emergency braking, cyclist alerts, lane change assist and a 360-degree camera with a 3D view.
Another addition is Google's Gemini AI assistant, which allows occupants to interact with the vehicle using natural language for functions such as journey planning, finding stops and managing messages.
Volvo XC90 Updates
The XC90 continues with its seven-seat layout and retains its focus on safety, comfort and Scandinavian-inspired design. The SUV features premium materials, wood trim and natural-light-focused interior elements.
Additionally, it gets an optional Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system, while Google Gemini has been added to the XC90's technology package.
Both the XC60 and XC90 will receive over-the-air software updates. Volvo has opened order books for the new SUVs, including Black Edition variants, in selected markets, with production scheduled to begin later this autumn.
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In the first official communication about its newest model, Hyundai India has confirmed its upcoming SUV will bear the Bayon name. Named after the city of Bayonne in the French Basque country, the new SUV will reflect ‘Hyundai’s global design philosophy while marking the arrival of a new SUV created for an evolving India, with a sense of exhilaration and a new spirit of adventure’, according to Hyundai's press statement. It's worth noting the Bayon for India will be substantially different from its global namesake, which is effectively a crossover based on the i20 hatchback.
Compared to the global Bayon, the Bayon for India is far more upright and SUV-like, a series of spy shots have confirmed. The SUV will have a split-headlight setup like several present-day Hyundai SUVs, with slim LED DRLs situated above the main headlights. The partially covered bumper also reveals horizontal grille elements, front parking sensors and a radar module to enable advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
Recent spy pictures have also provide a reasonably clear glimpse of the Bayon's interior. The cabin follows the design seen on new Hyundai models, with a combination of white and grey tones. The steering wheel follows the same dual-tone treatment and is expected to feature the Hyundai 'H' logo in illuminated Morse code. Also seen is a dual-screen setup, combining a 12.3-inch digital instruments display and 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen.
The Bayon is expected to be offered with a naturally aspirated petrol engine at launch, with manual and automatic transmission options likely to be on the table. The Bayon is also expected to come with a factory-fitted CNG kit, making it the biggest Hyundai yet to be available in CNG guise. It will be interesting to see if Hyundai also extends a turbocharged petrol option for the Bayon.
The Hyundai Bayon is expected to be positioned higher than the Venue, which is currently priced between Rs 8 lakh and Rs 15.83 lakh (ex-showroom).
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Royal Enfield has rolled out prices for the complete range of factory accessories for the Himalayan 440. The catalogue covers styling, protection and touring equipment, with prices starting at Rs 730 and going up to Rs 29,250. The Himalayan 440 was launched in India recently at an ex-showroom price of Rs 2.29 lakh. The Master Cylinder Guard is the most affordable accessory at Rs 730, while the Adventure Panniers sit at the other end of the list at Rs 29,250.
The Himalayan 440 gets several options for owners looking to personalise the motorcycle. The Tapered Mirrors cost Rs 4,650, while the Round Mirrors are priced at Rs 4,500. The motorcycle can also be equipped with black touring seats for the rider and passenger, priced at Rs 1,995 and Rs 1,351 respectively. A silver or black Oil Filler Cap is available for Rs 1,070.
Himalayan 440: Protective Accessories
The protection range includes the Master Cylinder Guard at Rs 730 and the Oil Cooler Guard at Rs 1,250. There are three engine guard options as well. The Compact Engine Guards cost Rs 1,450, the Large Engine Guards are priced at Rs 1,650, while the Adventure Engine Guards cost Rs 4,650. The Engine Guard Sliders are available for Rs 1,010.
Himalayan 440: Touring and Convenience Accessories
In typical ADV fashion, Royal Enfield is also offering an Adventure Top Box priced at Rs 22,750. The waterproof inner bag costs Rs 2,630, while the Top Box Rear Rack and Adventure Top Box Mount are priced at Rs 3,900 and Rs 2,420, respectively. The larger luggage option is the Adventure Panniers, which cost Rs 29,250. Their waterproof inner bags are priced at Rs 2,950, while the Pannier Rails cost Rs 3,750.
Himalayan 440: Fully Accessorised Price
If all accessories are added to the Himalayan 440, the total accessory bill comes to Rs 81,156. Adding that to the motorcycle's Rs 2.29 lakh ex-showroom price takes the fully accessorised Himalayan 440 to Rs 3.10 lakh.
Accessory
Price
Master Cylinder Guard – Silver/Black
Rs 730
Black Engine Guard Sliders
Rs 1,010
Oil Filler Cap – Silver/Black
Rs 1,070
Oil Cooler Guard – Silver/Black
Rs 1,250
Black Compact Engine Guards
Rs 1,450
Black Large Engine Guards
Rs 1,650
Black Touring Passenger Seat
Rs 1,351
Black Touring Rider Seat
Rs 1,995
Silver Adventure Top Box Mount
Rs 2,420
Top Box Waterproof Inner Bag
Rs 2,630
Adventure Waterproof Inner Bags – Black
Rs 2,950
Black Adventure Pannier Rails
Rs 3,750
Black Top Box Rear Rack
Rs 3,900
Round Mirrors – Black
Rs 4,500
Tapered Mirrors – Black
Rs 4,650
Black Adventure Engine Guards
Rs 4,650
Adventure Top Box – Black/Silver
Rs 22,750
Black/Silver Adventure Panniers
Rs 29,250
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Just days after launching the i5 LWB in India, BMW has launched the facelifted 7 Series and i7 in the country. Prices for the 7-duo start at Rs 1.95 crore (ex-showroom). Both the 7 Series and i7 will be locally assembled at BMW Group’s Chennai plant, making India only the second country after Germany to produce the i7. However, the i7 M70 xDrive arrives here as a CBU at Rs 2.65 crore. Order books for both models have been open since the start of August 2026.
The outgoing 7 Series was priced from Rs 1.85 crore. The updated luxury sedan commands a premium of Rs 10 lakh and will be offered in a single 740 petrol spec. Notably, the diesel has been dropped for the Indian market.
For starters, the facelifted seventh-generation flagship sedan gets minor changes to its exterior and a refreshed interior, among other changes, enough for the brand to call it its most comprehensive model update to date. The carmaker has also made changes to the powertrains, with the petrol 7 Series gaining more power, while the i7 gets a larger battery and more range.
BMW 7 Series Facelift: Updated Powertrain
The facelifted ICE 7 in India will only be offered with a petrol engine, although BMW has changed the nomenclature. The previous 740i is now labelled as the 740 while it retains its 3.0-litre, six-cylinder turbo-petrol engine. However, output is now rated at 400 bhp and 540 Nm, which is an increase of 15 bhp and 61 Nm over the outgoing model.
BMW i7 Facelift: Battery Pack and Details
The i7 has received a more significant powertrain update. The i7 eDrive50 gets a larger 112.4 kWh battery pack, replacing the 101.7 kWh unit in the outgoing car. It churns out 455 bhp and 660 Nm, while its claimed WLTP range has climbed to 728 km, which is an improvement of 125 km over the outgoing model. This variant is claimed to sprint from 0-100 kmph in 5.5 seconds before hitting a top speed of 210 kmph.
At the top of the range sits the i7 M70 xDrive, which continues with all-wheel drive and gets the same larger 112.4 kWh battery. It belts out a maximum 680 bhp on tap and up to 1,100 Nm (1,015 Nm standard) of torque with the boost function. This setup enables the performance derivative to accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in a claimed 3.8 seconds before clocking 250 kmph top speed. The M70's WLTP range has also increased to 686 km.
Both i7 variants support DC fast charging at up to 250kW, juicing up the battery from 10 to 80 per cent in 28 minutes, which essentially translates to adding 235 km of range in 10 minutes (claimed). Both electric variants of the i7 are offered with a BMW Wallbox charger as standard.
BMW 7 Series, i7 Facelift: Exterior
The large kidney grille stays put, although its internal pattern now sports horizontal slats instead of the vertical treatment seen on the outgoing model. The split-headlamp setup has also been retained, but the lighting elements have been rearranged. Slim daytime running lights sit higher up, while the main headlamp units are positioned vertically in recessed sections of the bumper.
There is less to talk about along the sides. The flush-fitting illuminated door handles remain, while BMW has introduced new alloy wheel designs. The rear gets horizontally stretched lighting elements that stop short of forming a full-width light bar. This gives the front and rear lighting signatures a similar horizontal theme.
BMW is also expanding the choice of two-tone finishes, including an option with a matte lower section and metallic upper half separated by a hand-applied coach line.
The larger changes are inside, where BMW has introduced its Panoramic iDrive system along with the latest operating software. The dashboard now houses a 17.9-inch central touchscreen and a separate 14.6-inch display for the front passenger. The system brings navigation, media and voice functions together. Despite the additional screens, BMW hasn't stripped away the physical controls. The updated cabin continues to offer conventional controls for several functions.
The front seats continue to get electric adjustment, heating, ventilation, massage and lumbar support, while the armrests are also heated as standard. As expected, the front passenger seat can move fully forward, creating additional legroom for the passenger sitting behind it.
BMW 7 Series, i7 Facelift: Theatre Screen and Rear-Seat Features
The 31.3-inch BMW Theatre Screen remains one of the star features at the rear. The massive 8K display folds down from the roof and supports HDMI input, allowing passengers to connect to their own devices. A built-in camera also enables video conferencing. Complementing the screen is the Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system with Dolby Atmos.
As before, there are screens on the rear doors as well. These can be used to adjust the position and viewing angle of the BMW Theatre Screen, along with controlling other functions inside the cabin.
