BMW 7 Series, i7 Facelift Launch and Kia’s New CNG-Hybrid Push Bring Fresh Choices for Indian Buyers

India’s premium car market had a busy update today, September 11, 2026. BMW launched the facelifted 7 Series and i7 in India, while Kia opened bookings for three new alternative-fuel models – Carens CNG, Carens Clavis CNG, and Carnival Limousine Hybrid.

Both moves target very different buyers. BMW is speaking to luxury sedan customers who want comfort, technology, and strong performance. Kia, on the other hand, is widening its MPV range for families, fleet users, and premium buyers looking at CNG or hybrid options.

BMW 7 Series Facelift – Price and Features

The facelifted BMW 7 Series has been launched in India in the 740 xDrive variant at Rs. 1.95 crore ex-showroom. It uses a 3.0-litre six-cylinder twin-turbo petrol engine that makes 400 PS and 580 Nm. The sedan gets an 8-speed automatic gearbox and can do 0 to 100 kmph in a claimed 5.4 seconds.

The design changes are subtle but noticeable. The new 7 Series gets revised bumpers, slimmer lighting elements, an illuminated kidney grille, new alloy wheels, and updated tail-lamps. Inside, the cabin feels more futuristic with a 17.9-inch touchscreen, a 14.6-inch passenger display, a slim information screen near the windscreen, and a four-spoke steering wheel.

For rear-seat buyers, the biggest attraction is still the comfort package. BMW has added features like powered doors, four-zone climate control, electrically adjustable seats, a panoramic sunroof, a 31.3-inch 8K theatre screen, and a high-end Bowers & Wilkins sound system.

BMW i7 Facelift – Price, Range and Features

The electric BMW i7 facelift has also arrived in India. The i7 50 xDrive is priced at Rs. 1.95 crore ex-showroom, while the high-performance i7 M70 xDrive costs Rs. 2.65 crore ex-showroom.

Both versions use a 112.5 kWh battery pack. The i7 50 xDrive offers a claimed WLTP range of 728 km, while the i7 M70 xDrive offers up to 686 km. The i7 M70 is the quicker one, with 689 PS and 1,015 Nm, and a claimed 0 to 100 kmph time of 3.8 seconds.

The i7 also supports 250 kW DC fast charging, which can charge the battery from 10 percent to 80 percent in around 28 minutes. This makes it more practical for luxury EV buyers who want long range without giving up limousine-like comfort.

Kia Carens CNG – What Buyers Can Expect

Kia has opened pre-bookings for the Carens CNG through its authorized dealer network. Prices have not been announced yet, but reports suggest an expected starting price of around Rs. 11.80 lakh ex-showroom.

The Carens CNG will use a 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox and a factory-fitted 60-litre CNG tank. It will be offered in the Premium O variant, with a commercial M-Drive version also planned for fleet buyers.

Kia has made CNG-specific changes such as revised suspension tuning, a fuel-change switch, CNG distance-to-empty information on a 4.2-inch display, 16-inch wheels, and 16-inch disc brakes. For a family buyer, the appeal is simple – lower running cost with three-row practicality.

Kia Carens Clavis CNG – More Premium CNG MPV Option

The Carens Clavis CNG will sit slightly above the regular Carens CNG. It will also use the same 1.5-litre petrol-CNG setup with a 6-speed manual gearbox and factory-fitted CNG kit.

The model will be offered in HTE and HTE O trims, while a commercial HTM version is also expected. Prices are not official yet, but early reports place it around Rs. 12 lakh to Rs. 13 lakh ex-showroom.

Its key rivals will be the Maruti Suzuki XL6 CNG and Toyota Rumion CNG, while the regular Carens CNG will compete more directly with the Maruti Ertiga CNG.

Kia Carnival Limousine Hybrid – Premium MPV Gets Electrified

Kia has also opened bookings for the Carnival Limousine Hybrid. Official prices are still awaited, but reports expect it to be priced around Rs. 60 lakh ex-showroom.

The Carnival Hybrid will be offered in the Limousine Plus trim with a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol hybrid engine and a 6-speed automatic gearbox. It gets premium touches such as 18-inch dual-tone aero alloy wheels, active air flaps, virtual engine sound, air purifier with AQI display, ambient lighting, leatherette door trims, and second-row seatback tables with wireless charging.

Competitors and Market View

The BMW 7 Series competes mainly with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, while the i7 takes on the Mercedes-Benz EQS and Porsche Taycan.

For Kia, the Carens CNG and Clavis CNG will challenge Maruti Suzuki Ertiga CNG, Maruti Suzuki XL6 CNG, and Toyota Rumion CNG. The Carnival Hybrid sits in a more niche premium MPV space, where it may attract buyers who want luxury seating with better city efficiency than a diesel-only option.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

BMW and Kia are moving in two different directions, but both are reacting to what Indian buyers now want – more technology, more fuel choices, and better comfort.

Key takeaways –

• BMW 7 Series facelift is priced at Rs. 1.95 crore ex-showroom.
• BMW i7 facelift starts at Rs. 1.95 crore, while the i7 M70 costs Rs. 2.65 crore.
• Kia has opened bookings for Carens CNG, Carens Clavis CNG, and Carnival Limousine Hybrid.
• Kia has not officially announced prices for the three new models yet.
• Carens CNG and Clavis CNG target value-conscious MPV buyers, while Carnival Hybrid targets premium family and chauffeur-driven users.

Facts Input and Image Credit- BMW, BMW, Kia