BMW Brings Updated 7 Series and China-Specific Electric Long-Wheelbase Models to Auto China 2026

BMW chose April 22 for a double presentation of its revised flagship sedan, holding one launch in Beijing and another inside Grand Central Terminal in New York City. The same car then moved straight into Auto China 2026, where the German manufacturer placed the refreshed 2027 BMW 7 Series beside two long-wheelbase electric models developed for China.

Production timing already favors the updated luxury sedan. BMW confirmed series output for the 2027 BMW 7 Series, and the i7 starts first, with global market arrival planned for July. The all-new i3 Sedan follows later, with production scheduled for August 2026. During the Beijing event, BMW also displayed the iX3 Long Wheelbase and the next-generation BMW i3 Long Wheelbase sedan on the same stage.

The company framed the local debut as a wider regional move. BMW stated, “BMW begins a new chapter in China,” while explaining the Beijing presentation runs from April 24 through May 3 and includes two long-wheelbase vehicles reserved for local buyers. One of those had already appeared earlier, the China-spec 2027 iX3 Long Wheelbase shown last month with pull-up exterior door handles chosen for safety compliance.

BMW also attached a broader statement to the three-car display. “We are reaching another important milestone in BMW’s Next Generation project.” Oliver Zipse added more context, saying, “This represents a significant leap forward in cutting-edge technology, driving experience, and design language. Through these new models exclusively for China, we are combining BMW’s globally leading technology platform with localized solutions developed around the needs and preferences of Chinese customers to create a truly superior luxury experience.”

Both electric newcomers adopt Neue Klasse design markers. The double-kidney grille now includes three-dimensional illumination. Headlights shift away from the earlier angel-eyes theme into what BMW calls digital angel wings. A concave shark nose remains visible at the front. BMW notes only small visual differences from global versions at first glance.

China-specific work appears deeper inside the cabin. Both long-wheelbase models receive wheelbases exceeding three meters, hidden exterior door handles, and an intelligent cockpit linked to Chinese artificial intelligence systems. BMW iDrive includes a three-dimensional head-up display, a panoramic view display, and a center-mounted touchscreen running BMW OS X with local digital ecosystem support.

Navigation uses BMW-customized Gaode Maps. Voice control relies on Alibaba’s large-language technology and DeepSeek reasoning support. The My BMW App works through Huawei HarmonyOS NEXT. Driving assistance reaches Level 2 through Momenta software, tuned for urban roads, highways, and parking use across China.

Range figures follow CLTC testing. BMW lists more than 900 km for the long-wheelbase iX3 and over 1,000 km for the long-wheelbase i3. Both use sixth-generation BMW eDrive hardware and an 800-volt system. A ten-minute charge at up to 400 kW adds about 400 km.

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