BMW Korea plans to introduce the facelifted 7 Series flagship sedan and the all-new fifth-generation X5 large SUV in Korea before the end of the year, stepping up its challenge to Mercedes-Benz and its updated S-Class.
The company has confirmed domestic launches this year for the 7 Series LCI—BMW terminology for a mid-cycle refresh, or “Life Cycle Impulse”—and the fully redesigned fifth-generation X5. BMW Korea has begun preparations for launch events and the start of pre-orders.
Given the several months typically required for South Korean government emissions and noise certification, BMW Korea is expected to unveil final specifications and pricing at official launch events, begin taking pre-orders, and start customer deliveries once certification is completed.
The updated 7 Series had initially been expected to arrive in Korea early next year. However, BMW Korea and its German headquarters are understood to have moved up the schedule after the facelifted Mercedes-Benz S-Class began rapidly gaining traction in the luxury flagship-sedan market.
Production of the facelifted 7 Series began in July at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing in Germany, with sales and deliveries already underway in Germany and other European markets. With production lines now operating, the earlier Korean launch is expected to depend on BMW headquarters bringing forward vehicle allocations and shipping capacity for Korea.
The main change to the updated 7 Series is the extensive adoption of design and technology elements from BMW's next-generation electrification and digital strategy, known as Neue Klasse. Exterior updates include the “Iconic Glow” grille and split headlamps. Inside, BMW has added a next-generation cockpit built around BMW Panoramic Vision, along with the company's latest operating system, to enhance the vehicle's digital interface and overall user experience.
The powertrain lineup is expected to include 48-volt mild-hybrid gasoline and diesel models—the 740i xDrive and 740d xDrive—as well as the all-electric i7, which receives battery-performance upgrades.
The fully redesigned fifth-generation X5 will also adopt BMW's next-generation Neue Klasse design language and advanced interface technologies. Its core lineup is expected to include mild-hybrid combustion-engine variants, plug-in hybrid models with an all-electric driving range increased to around 100 kilometers, and the iX5—the first all-electric model in X5 history.
The new X5 is expected to receive priority allocations this year in only a limited number of markets, including Germany and the United States. Korea's inclusion among the first-wave launch markets reflects the country's strategic importance to BMW, which continues to rank among the automaker's strongest global markets not only for sedans but also for SUVs.
“The decision to introduce both the 7 Series LCI and the all-new X5 within the year is a major strategic move by BMW Korea,” an import-car industry source said. “BMW is aiming to attract luxury-car buyers currently waiting for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The rivalry between the two brands—built around their flagship sedans and SUVs—will likely intensify toward the end of the year.”
