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BMW X7 Nishiki Lounge: Japan’s Most Exclusive Two-Tone SUV

BMW has been dabbling in SUVs since 1999, but until this year, the brand had never ventured into the territory of a two-tone “luxobarge.” Enter the X7 Nishiki Lounge, a Japan-exclusive special edition that transforms the Bavarian giant into something resembling a moving art installation. With a price premium of 5.5 million yen ($36,000) over the standard X7, the Nishiki Lounge is more than just an SUV—it’s a statement.

The example unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show pairs a shimmering Space Silver upper section with a deep Velvet Blue lower half. BMW Japan also offers Oxide Grey or Black Sapphire for the top, while the lower panels can be finished in several Individual shades, letting buyers mix and match like a high-end shoemaker crafting bespoke loafers.

Interestingly, BMW’s Spartanburg factory in South Carolina doesn’t handle the two-tone magic. Instead, every Nishiki Lounge is resprayed in Japan, with the process fully covered under warranty. Buyers can opt for the xDrive40d diesel or the more spirited M60i, and production is limited to just five units—so spotting one in the wild will be a rare treat. Pricing begins at 14,380,000 yen ($94,000) for the diesel and 18,200,000 yen ($120,000) for the M Performance model, before tacking on the cost of the bespoke paintwork.

Inside, BMW Japan has applied the same level of craftsmanship. The cabin departs from the standard G07 interior, featuring 12 traditional Japanese patterns in the trim, with foil accents decorating the dashboard, center console, and doors. The level of detail rivals that of a Rolls-Royce Cullinan, down to the redesigned floor mats created by a local textile artisan.

While it’s unclear if the Nishiki Lounge is a one-off experiment or a preview of a broader personalization program, the timing is telling. BMW’s second-generation X7 (G67) arrives in 2027, accompanied by an even more opulent ALPINA-badged G69, promising luxury levels that could nudge buyers closer to Rolls-Royce territory—without the Cullinan sticker shock.

BMW has long proven its prowess with bespoke sedans like the Speedtop and Skytop, and the Nishiki Lounge demonstrates that those lessons can translate to SUVs. With demand for high-end, highly personalized SUVs showing no signs of slowing, this rare X7 is a sign of the direction the brand is heading: turning its largest SUV into a rolling lounge, fully equipped to satisfy even the most discerning clientele.

If you’ve ever dreamed of an X7 that feels less like an SUV and more like a private art gallery on wheels, the Nishiki Lounge is BMW’s first—and extremely exclusive—answer.

Source: BMW

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BMW South Korea Unveils Ultra-Exclusive Individual Manufaktur Sedans

If you’re the type who thrills at limited-run, bespoke vehicles, BMW South Korea has once again raised the bar. The automaker’s local arm has long used its online shop to launch special editions, but every so often, a quartet of cars emerges that goes far beyond a simple trim upgrade. Enter four sedans—each one meticulously crafted under BMW’s Individual Manufaktur program.

M3 Competition xDrive: Sapphire Blue and Singular Flair

Leading the charge is the M3 Competition xDrive, dressed in a striking Individual Sapphire Blue finish. While the 825 M silver wheels catch the eye, it’s the subtle touches that make this Korea-only edition truly stand out: Individual Manufaktur logos grace the B-pillars and side skirts, signaling its exclusivity.

Inside, the cabin is a masterclass in contrast and craftsmanship. White Merino leather with blue stitching envelops the seats, while the front headrests proudly display the Individual Manufaktur emblem. Just three of these all-wheel-drive sports sedans will be made, each priced at a cool 161.5 million won—roughly $112,500.

5 Series 550e xDrive: White Reimagined

Next in line is the 5 Series plug-in hybrid, the 550e xDrive. At first glance, its finish might seem standard, but BMW claims the color is “clearer and deeper,” achieved through a painstaking process of painting, sanding, priming, and repainting three times. The Individual Manufaktur branding continues on the B-pillars and lower rear doors.

Inside, the cabin balances elegance and sportiness with white leather, an anthracite Alcantara headliner, and carbon fiber trim. The front headrests once again feature the bespoke logo. Production is limited to three units, each priced at 140.2 million won—about $98,000.

7 Series 740i and 750e: Flagship Bespoke

Finally, BMW’s flagship 7 Series gets the Individual Manufaktur treatment in both 740i and 750e forms. Both models flaunt a deeper black exterior with Shadowline accents and 21-inch Individual wheels. Here, the bespoke logo migrates to the Hofmeister kink and side skirts, further elevating exclusivity.

The interior is equally impressive: GranLusso Merino leather in a blue-and-white scheme with silver stitching, carbon fiber trim, and engraved Individual Manufaktur logos create a truly luxurious atmosphere. Only one of each model will be built, with prices set at 209 million won ($145,500) for the 740i and 229 million won ($160,000) for the 750e. Interestingly, exterior images suggest the 7 Series may even wear a fully electric i7 guise.

Ordering Opens October 29

All four Individual Manufaktur sedans will be available for online order starting October 29 at 3 PM local time—a reminder that in South Korea, BMW knows how to make scarcity and craftsmanship feel irresistible.

Source: BMW

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2026 BMW 7-Series: Calm Before the Facelift

The 2026 BMW 7-Series is in a holding pattern. With a mid-cycle refresh (or “LCI” in BMW-speak) scheduled for next year, this latest iteration doesn’t rock the boat. The big sedan carries over nearly untouched from last year — which itself was a mild continuation of the model that debuted three years ago. Think of it as the calm before Munich’s facelift storm.

That’s not to say there’s nothing new to talk about. The plug-in-hybrid 750e, which joined the lineup shortly after the G70 chassis launched, remains the big news for efficiency-minded luxury buyers. Beyond that, BMW is keeping its flagship sedan steady while it preps a more substantial update for 2027. If you happen to prefer the current look (and those split headlights still spark debate), now’s the time to buy. Production of this version runs through July 2026, when the facelift takes over.

Familiar Power, Familiar Refinement

BMW keeps the 7’s powertrain menu simple: a turbocharged inline-six or a twin-turbo V-8, both paired with ZF’s eight-speed automatic. The 740i and 740i xDrive feature the silky B58 3.0-liter straight-six, now rated at 375 horsepower — enough to move this sizable sedan with quiet authority.

Step up to the plug-in-hybrid 750e xDrive, and total system output jumps to 483 horses thanks to the combination of gas and electric power. It’s the sweet spot for many buyers, offering real electric range (35 miles) and a combined 70 MPGe rating without turning the 7-Series into an appliance. Even running on gas alone, it manages a respectable 24 mpg.

Then there’s the big dog: the 760i xDrive, with BMW M’s new S68 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8. It makes 536 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, sending the big sedan to 60 mph in a claimed 4.1 seconds. Sure, the old V-12 M760i was quicker, but we doubt anyone will feel shortchanged from behind the wheel—or stretched out in the right-rear seat.

If fuel economy matters to you, skip the V-8. The 740i rear-drive returns an EPA-estimated 25 mpg city and 31 highway, which dips slightly with xDrive. The 760i’s 18/25/20 mpg rating is the price of speed and twelve-cylinder nostalgia.

A Cabin That Still Defines the Class

Few interiors make as strong a first impression as the 7-Series’. Even the base car feels indulgent, trimmed in soft-touch materials and filled with ambient light. BMW’s synthetic “Veganza” upholstery is standard, but those who insist on leather can shell out anywhere from $1,850 (Extended Merino) to a wallet-thinning $7,300 (Full Merino).

As usual, the options list is long and temptingly luxurious. The massaging seats ($1,000) and ventilation ($500) are must-haves for frequent road trippers. The 7’s 19-cubic-foot trunk beats both the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Audi A8, though some of that space comes at the expense of cabin stretch-out room.

Tech remains a BMW strong suit. Every 7 comes with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 12.3-inch digital cluster, and a 14.9-inch central display running iDrive 8.5. The Premium Package ($1,750) brings extra driver-assist tech, along with an illuminated kidney grille—because subtlety is overrated. And for those chauffeured types, the available 31-inch rear Theater Screen is pure overkill in the best way.

Safe by Default

The 7-Series ships with a full suite of standard safety features—blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and multiple camera views. Spend a little more, and the car nearly drives itself. The $2,500 Driving Assistance Professional package adds hands-free highway driving and automatic lane changes, while the Premium Package adds adaptive cruise control and self-parking tech. It’s impressive, if not exactly groundbreaking for this price class.

The Price of Patience

Prices are up slightly this year: the 740i starts at $99,300, with xDrive adding $3,000. The 750e PHEV sits at $110,000, and the 760i V-8 at $124,700. Still, the 7-Series undercuts the Mercedes S-Class by roughly twenty grand. The Genesis G90 remains the budget play here, starting lower than the base BMW.

If you’re considering the 7-Series, the smart money says wait. The upcoming LCI is expected to deliver more meaningful updates—possibly new lighting elements, minor design revisions, and maybe even a reshaped iDrive controller. It won’t be a full Neue Klasse overhaul, but it’ll make the 7 look and feel fresher.

Until then, the 2026 7-Series remains a deeply polished, quietly confident luxury sedan that continues to do everything right—just not differently.

Source: BMWBlog