Facelifted BMW 7-Series launched in Malaysia, Indian launch shortly

BMW has launched a facelifted version of its flagship 7-Series premium sedan in Malaysia. The facelifted version of the car was unveiled globally in May 2012 and has mostly cosmetic changes both inside and outside. It is expected to arrive in the Indian market within the next few months.

Changes to the facelifted model on the outside includes new LED headlamps with corona rings, a slightly modified grille, revised front bumpers, indicators and chrome inserts in both in the front and back. Inside, there are new leather seats in the front, a Bang & Olufsen audio system as well as an optional rear seat entertainment package. BMW has now also fitted a fully digital instrument cluster.

The Malaysia-spec 7-Series will offered only in the long wheelbase version (just like India) and in three variants; the base model 730Li, 740Li and the ActiveHybrid 7L which features a 55bhp electric motor in addition to the 320bhp six-cylinder petrol mill and is their top-end model.

The India-spec 7-Series is expected to continue with the 3.0-litre diesel mill, 4.0-litre petrol, 4.8-litre petrol and the top-of-the line twin turbo 544bhp 6.0-litre V12 engine.  This new model will also feature the new BMW ECOPRO technology.

The Malaysian spec 7-Series will begin (730Li) at RM 648,800 (Rs 1.14 Crore) and the top-end ActiveHybrid 7L will cost RM 938,800 (Rs 1.6 Crore). We expect price of the Indian models to reduce as president of BMW India, Phillip Von Sahr, had announced during the launch of the facelifted X6 in November that they would begin assembling the 7-Series at their Chennai plant from this year onwards.