BMW i7 First Drive, China’s Next Model Wave and a Five-Door E36 Surprise

21 octobre 2026

2027 BMW i7 M70 facelift, photographed by Alexander Migl — 2027 BMW i7 M70 facelift shown; the road test discussed below concerns the 60 xDrive. Photo: Alexander Migl / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Image unedited; resized for display.

The latest BMW i7 has reached reviewers, BMW has detailed its next wave of cars for China, and a remarkable five-door E36 Compact has emerged from the archives. Here is what BMW enthusiasts should know on 18 October 2026.

The quick read

A new i7 60 xDrive road test explores the updated flagship’s comfort and charging technology.
BMW confirms a major China model programme and adds official context to the i3 50L endurance run.
BMW Classic’s unusual E36 is a historic one-off.

The updated i7 reaches the road-test stage

First-hand review published 17 October 2026. BMWBLOG’s California drive praises the updated i7 60 xDrive’s ride comfort and rear-seat experience. Its test recorded 0–60 mph in 4.6 seconds without rollout, matching BMW’s claim. Those are the reviewer’s observations from a particular car and route. [1]

The useful technology distinction is that the G70 facelift combines Gen6 battery cells with its existing 400-volt architecture. Adopting newer cells does not automatically give it the charging hardware of every Neue Klasse car.

What the specification means for buyers

BMW’s US release, originally published on 22 April, lists 112.5 kWh usable battery capacity, peak DC charging of 250 kW and a 10–80% charge in 28 minutes under suitable conditions. The i7 60 xDrive starts at $124,700 plus $1,550 destination in that market. These are established US specifications being revisited in fresh driving coverage, rather than new UK prices. [2]

For owners comparing cars, charging time depends on more than the peak number: battery temperature, starting charge and the charger’s available output also matter. Check the specification offered in your country.

BMW confirms its China model programme

Official catch-up: event and English release dated 15 October; China webpage dated 16 October. BMW’s plan covers nearly 20 new and updated models featuring Neue Klasse technology for China’s 2027 rollout. It also targets more than 95% local production among vehicles sold there by 2030, with further exports to Southeast Asia under evaluation. [3]

This includes updates as well as new models. The announcement does not establish a final UK model list or prove that Chinese and UK lighting, bodywork or electronics interchange.

Follow-up: official confirmation of the i3 50L test

BMW’s release confirms the China-specific i3 50L completed a 1,213 km drive without recharging. That strengthens the source behind our earlier report. BMW also specifies that this was an internal test under particular conditions; official range remains subject to the applicable CLTC certification. It does not establish everyday UK range. [3]

The five-door E36 Compact BMW never sold

Heritage report published 17 October. BMWBLOG reports that BMW Classic has shown a five-door 316i Compact one-off. It began in Boston Green and now wears red paint. The reason it never reached production remains unconfirmed; the publication’s cost explanation is speculation. [4]

It is a fascinating glimpse at an alternative direction for the Compact, rather than a new production model or an available conversion kit.

What this means for modifications

VMSS follows BMW developments to inform the aftermarket parts, bodykits and lighting modifications we design, manufacture and supply. The practical lesson from this week’s coverage is to identify the generation, facelift, market and original equipment before comparing parts. A shared model name or a common technology label is not enough to establish fitment.