Anybody starting to think about the 2026 Facelift

[TheBingoBalls]

Originally Posted by A_

It looks like we will have to wait until July 2027 for the Alpina models.

So it looks like ALPINA really becomes just another trim level to be applied across a model range vs. one "bespoke" model.

We'll see what the new ALPINA is under full BMW control, but I don't see how ALPINA can be ALPINA when you allow it to be applied to the 40, 60 and i7 models. It essentially becomes M Sport/M Performance but on the luxury side which isn't necessarily a bad thing if you still get the traditional ALPINA experience.

[Lovin7er]

Forgetting about the ALPINA model for a second, I’m really worried about the pictures I’m seeing of the front dash. I thought the biggest change would be the front face plate, but I’m now seeing it’s going to be the inside dash which, from the pictures, I’m not the biggest fan of.

[A_]

Originally Posted by TheBingoBalls

So it looks like ALPINA really becomes just another trim level to be applied across a model range vs. one "bespoke" model.

We'll see what the new ALPINA is under full BMW control, but I don't see how ALPINA can be ALPINA when you allow it to be applied to the 40, 60 and i7 models. It essentially becomes M Sport/M Performance but on the luxury side which isn't necessarily a bad thing if you still get the traditional ALPINA experience.

If the Alpina B7 gets a new code instead of G70, i.e., G72, it may mean that the changes will be much greater than additional interior options, i.e., a new type of rims, but also more power than in the basic 7 Series models.

Originally Posted by Lovin7er

Forgetting about the ALPINA model for a second, I’m really worried about the pictures I’m seeing of the front dash. I thought the biggest change would be the front face plate, but I’m now seeing it’s going to be the inside dash which, from the pictures, I’m not the biggest fan of.

I doubt that the dashboard of the 7 Series will be as tacky and cheap as in the new 2026 iX3 model. I just don't believe it.

[BMW5and7]

Originally Posted by A_

I doubt that the dashboard of the 7 Series will be as tacky and cheap as in the new 2026 iX3 model. I just don't believe it.

Unfortuntely, this is going to be mostly likely the case. If so, I don't mind keeping my current G70 for longer than normal.

This car has everything I need, and it gets 10/10 on comfort, materials, quality and drive dynamics. No other car on the market is even close to it in the sub 200K range. If the facelift adopts the new iX3 system or dashboard design, I will simply skip.

[A_]

Originally Posted by BMW5and7

Unfortuntely, this is going to be mostly likely the case. If so, I don't mind keeping my current G70 for longer than normal.

This car has everything I need, and it gets 10/10 on comfort, materials, quality and drive dynamics. No other car on the market is even close to it in the sub 200K range. If the facelift adopts the new iX3 system or dashboard design, I will simply skip.

Time will tell

[SW17LS]

I am very confident BMW will get the LCI model right

[JK479]

Originally Posted by SW17LS

I am very confident BMW will get the LCI model right

Curious how they will give it the Neue Klasse treatment given they have stated all LCI’s will have substantial makeovers that are more than LCI. Usually the 7 series sets the design precedent. Will that still be the case?

[BMW5and7]

Originally Posted by JK479

Curious how they will give it the Neue Klasse treatment given they have stated all LCI’s will have substantial makeovers that are more than LCI. Usually the 7 series sets the design precedent. Will that still be the case?

Doubt it. The 7 is already perfect all around. Neur Klasse will just take away from it if anything. It it’s not broken, why fix it? But as always, changes will come regardless.

[A_]

The Neue Klasse will only include cheaper models from the BMW range. That's what I think Definitely not the 7 and X7 series.

[Wolfman64]

The Neue Klasse will come to all cars in some ways, not necessarily with all design styling.

Likely with interior UI elements in the dash and the associated processor consolidation (much needed).
That said I can’t wait to see a less controversial front end on that car 😏

[SW17LS]

Originally Posted by BMW5and7

Doubt it. The 7 is already perfect all around. Neur Klasse will just take away from it if anything. It it’s not broken, why fix it? But as always, changes will come regardless.

Can't agree that its perfect all the way around, the polarizing styling is an issue that holds it back from being as popular as it could be

[BMW5and7]

Originally Posted by SW17LS

Can't agree that its perfect all the way around, the polarizing styling is an issue that holds it back from being as popular as it could be

People and owners (or non-owners) clearly like it enough to surpass the sales numbers of other competitors’ options; so it’s more popular already than most options… it may take some time for it to grow on some individuals, including me, and also as you’ve mentioned several times, you also liked the design and gradually came to like it. I have no issues with the MSport design in black colors. In fact it’s the most attractive option, but straight ugly on white and grey. From what I can tell, that’s just me, as most people like it. The 1sy year just like every new luxury german car sparked some controversy, but not any more. To me it’s perfect in every way.

[BMW5and7]

Originally Posted by A_

The Neue Klasse will only include cheaper models from the BMW range. That's what I think Definitely not the 7 and X7 series.

I hope so…

[SW17LS]

Originally Posted by BMW5and7

People and owners (or non-owners) clearly like it enough to surpass the sales numbers of other competitors’ options; so it’s more popular already than most options… it may take some time for it to grow on some individuals, including me, and also as you’ve mentioned several times, you also liked the design and gradually came to like it. I have no issues with the MSport design in black colors. In fact it’s the most attractive option, but straight ugly on white and grey. From what I can tell, that’s just me, as most people like it. The 1sy year just like every new luxury german car sparked some controversy, but not any more. To me it’s perfect in every way.

Think about how successful it would be though if it was less polarizing...I like it too but the styling was a big reason why I got the S580 instead.

When you have to choose dark colors or it only looks good in certain colors, thats an issue. It shouldn't be "straight ugly" in any colors.

[Wolfman64]

Originally Posted by BMW5and7

People and owners (or non-owners) clearly like it enough to surpass the sales numbers of other competitors’ options; so it’s more popular already than most options… it may take some time for it to grow on some individuals, including me, and also as you’ve mentioned several times, you also liked the design and gradually came to like it. I have no issues with the MSport design in black colors. In fact it’s the most attractive option, but straight ugly on white and grey. From what I can tell, that’s just me, as most people like it. The 1sy year just like every new luxury german car sparked some controversy, but not any more. To me it’s perfect in every way.

A very rarified view of the 7 series

This car has been controversial for a reason and had to be heavily discounted to sell (used to be the recipient of BMW’s highest discounts of any model).

I am happy you love but even as you state, the colors you mention help hide design aspects of the car.

Overall it fits in line with many BMW designs. Competent cars that improve with their facelifts…

[BMW5and7]

Originally Posted by Wolfman64

A very rarified view of the 7 series

This car has been controversial for a reason and had to be heavily discounted to sell (used to be the recipient of BMW’s highest discounts of any model).

I am happy you love but even as you state, the colors you mention help hide design aspects of the car.

Overall it fits in line with many BMW designs. Competent cars that improve with their facelifts…

Yes, I usually have my own preferences when it comes to color and designs, which may not necessarily align with everyone else’s…However, the sales figures are still impressive relatively speaking, and that’s a fact, especially when compared to other luxury sedans like the W223. Could a different design improve the numbers? We can’t say for sure. It’s possible that the sales numbers are better now than those of other cars because of the design itself, but it’s also possible that that’s not the case. If time goes back and I were a decision maker within BMW and had the knowledge we have today, I would change literally nothing about it.

Regarding the colors, I think I mainly dislike the contrast between the gloss black and the car paint in the front. In darker colors, it looks like one color all together. The design looks great, but it’s just the two-color appearance with the lighter color.

The same is true for the new 5-series; it’s a new style and design, but I like it so much that I am considering an M5 soon. I wouldn’t be surprised if it becomes more desirable than the previous generation in the next few years, but that will take time, certainly not the case today.

[JK479]

Originally Posted by BMW5and7

Doubt it. The 7 is already perfect all around. Neur Klasse will just take away from it if anything. It it’s not broken, why fix it? But as always, changes will come regardless.

I feel the headlight design could improve- I’m still not sold on the split light feature.

Seems though the x7 is keeping the split design. Seems so derivative but then again what is cutting edge and what is style are two different things.

[Wolfman64]

I grant that BMW has the balls to alienate part of their customer base with controversial new designs.
Some grow on them but some have to be changed.

The bucktooth 4 series design has become an absolute hit, especially in M trim.

I remember the drama on the forum at the time.
Not sure the 7 series will follow that.

Re the M5 I think the car looks great, especially in frozen colors and Touring trim.

The controversy here isn’t the design, it’s the weight and lack of power.
A PHEV that is barely quicker (or slower) than its predecessor, something that is new to M-cars and an absolute porker.

Makes their EV’s look like a feather weight.

[BMW5and7]

Originally Posted by JK479

I feel the headlight design could improve- I’m still not sold on the split light feature.

Seems though the x7 is keeping the split design. Seems so derivative but then again what is cutting edge and what is style are two different things.

The X7 will keep the split design in the new generation, and the 7 series G70 will also keep it in the LCI. I don’t dislike the splitheadlight design (I actually believe the splitheadlight design in the RR is one of the most visually appealing front-end designs ever), but I find the splitheadlights in the X7 to be not as elegant as the pre-LCI models. So it is not the concept of split-headlights, but the implementation. I like the splitheadlights in the G70, but honestly, there’s no way to design a more aesthetically appealing car than the G16 7-series (2020 to 2022).

[SW17LS]

Originally Posted by BMW5and7

Yes, I usually have my own preferences when it comes to color and designs, which may not necessarily align with everyone else’s…However, the sales figures are still impressive relatively speaking, and that’s a fact, especially when compared to other luxury sedans like the W223. Could a different design improve the numbers? We can’t say for sure. It’s possible that the sales numbers are better now than those of other cars because of the design itself, but it’s also possible that that’s not the case. If time goes back and I were a decision maker within BMW and had the knowledge we have today, I would change literally nothing about it.

Regarding the colors, I think I mainly dislike the contrast between the gloss black and the car paint in the front. In darker colors, it looks like one color all together. The design looks great, but it’s just the two-color appearance with the lighter color.

The same is true for the new 5-series; it’s a new style and design, but I like it so much that I am considering an M5 soon. I wouldn’t be surprised if it becomes more desirable than the previous generation in the next few years, but that will take time, certainly not the case today.

New 5 Series is nowhere near as polarizing as the 7 Series. Based on the reaction we have seen online and the number of people on MB and other luxury car forums that deride the looks of the 7, I'm pretty confident that the polarizing design holds it back more than it helps it. Its a testament to what a great car it is that its as successful with that big drawback.

Wolfman is also right about the leases. An i7 with the same MSRP as my S580 was nearly $700 less per month. A 760 with the same MSRP was nearly $400 less per month, and I STILL chose the S580 largely because of the styling. It wasn't that *I* didn't like the styling, because I do love how it looks in a dark color, its that I didn't want to drive something so many people thought was ugly.

I have high hopes for the LCI, if they tweak the styling which I have no doubt they will, it will very likely be my next car.

[BMW5and7]

Originally Posted by SW17LS

New 5 Series is nowhere near as polarizing as the 7 Series. Based on the reaction we have seen online and the number of people on MB and other luxury car forums that deride the looks of the 7, I'm pretty confident that the polarizing design holds it back more than it helps it. Its a testament to what a great car it is that its as successful with that big drawback. Wolfman is also right about the leases. An i7 with the same MSRP as my S580 was nearly $700 less per month. A 760 with the same MSRP was nearly $400 less per month, and I STILL chose the S580 largely because of the styling. It wasn't that *I* didn't like the styling, because I do love how it looks in a dark color, its that I didn't want to drive something so many people thought was ugly.

Friendly reality check: you’ve argued both sides of this topic depending on the week. Totally fine to change your mind, but …just own it. What you’re saying now about the 7 series conflicts with what you posted earlier.

It actually reminds me of the windshield + acoustic properties thread, when someone screenshot your earlier post that said the complete opposite. Not the first time that you’ve shown this pattern of switching positions to align with your current choice (which again is totally fine, free speech), but let’s keep the record straight. Before you received your W223, your view on the “consumers” acceptance, lease math, and the market success were very different. In fact, there were several posts of you even arguing with the same user/colleague you agreed with above, but taking an opposite opinion. Also, for leases, from what I recall, your S was a demo and despite that the payment wasn’t dramatically lower either. All of this is still visible with a 90-second forum search.
No need to respond…but these are your own quotes; I’m just reminding you of what you wrote versus what you’re posting here:

“Just for grins I did a 760, identical MSRP the payment is $1,858, so $180 more than the S Class… Very unusual that the S Class would be cheaper to lease.”

“i7 has 54% residual and $9,900 in lease credit… 10% off is the best deal on an i7… $137,500 i7 comes out to $1,550 per month 36/10 with first month due at signing.”

“$138,910 S580 comes out to $1,685.49 with first month at signing.”

“So with the new numbers the i7 does a little better, but still not a huge amount. If I could get the BMW loyalty it would be considerably better but I can't. If you look at the performance of the 7 relative to the S Class though historically thats the point, the 7 is doing much better compared to the S Class than it really ever has before despite having relative parity in lease cost...
so clearly this car is landing with consumers more than the online hatred would suggest. Its gone from the S outselling it 2-3:1 to the 7 slightly outselling it. Thats a huge development.
The discussion about leases etc was extended by you with your incorrect assertion that the 7 was much cheaper to lease. The S Class is feeling competition it hasn't felt in a long time, which is driving why they are trying to interject some more personality into this refresh”

”This generation 7 series is the only one that has ever outsold the S Class. In real life peoples reactions to the styling is much more positive.”

“The new 7 is a big success here in the US, like it or not.”

Anyway, by your own math, the i7 vs S at similar MSRP was $100-300 month apart, not “nearly $700.” , and for the 760, the 7 was even more expensive. And you called the new 7 a “big success,” which doesn’t square with the idea that its styling is holding it back, exactly as you stated also before regarding “online hatred’s suggestions”. Consistency matters, regardless of what anyone ultimately buys I guess.

[A_]

Originally Posted by BMW5and7

I hope so…

Externally, changes to the 7 Series will be minimal due to very good sales. People like this car. Haters can't do anything about it. In fact, people on the street pay a lot of attention to the 7 Series. It stands out from other cars. It has the presence of a Rolls-Royce and the dimensions of a Ghost. The only major changes will be to the interior, specifically the dashboard. Time will tell, but I don't think they will ruin this design.