Those wanting to arrive in style at the next posh party might want to hitch a lift in the latest 7 Series from BMW. This luxury motor has just had a refresh, which features a more dominating appearance on the outside, lashings of luxury inside and enough tech to end the boredom on even the longest of journeys.

This latest upgrade also brings BMW’s iconic Neue Klasse design language to the range – something more cars will be treated to in the future. The Neue Klasse makeover started with the launch of BMW’s iX3 and was recently added to the new i3 as well.

Now the 7 Series has joined the party with changes to the exterior, including a reprofiled and futuristic kidney grille, along with ultra-slim daytime running lights. A more sculpted rear and redesigned taillights spanning the entire width of the vehicle have also been added.

Don’t fancy an off-the-shelf finish? Don’t panic, as those buying a new 7 Series can now customise their car thanks to over 500 colour combinations BMW is offering. There’s even the option of a “Dual-Finish” where BMW’s technicians pair a matt finish on the lower body with a hand-applied metallic finish on the upper section. A hand-drawn Coach Line adds to the feeling of ultimate luxury.

For some added wow factor, when it pulls up to pick you up, it can beam a Ceremonial Light Carpet onto the ground. This technology uses over 194,000 LED pixels embedded in the door sills to project dynamic light patterns around the car. All of the doors can also open automatically, making it feel like you always have a valet on hand.

It clearly looks good on the outside, but things get even better when you hop inside.

The latest 7 Series offers an abundance of luxury, including a fully reclining rear airline-style seat and ambient lighting to suit your mood.

There’s a Sky Lounge panoramic glass roof which glows thanks to more than 40 LEDs lights embedded in the glass.

Seats can be heated and cooled, plus there’s the option to get a quick massage to ease the stress after a long day. When it’s time for some entertainment, a massive 31.3-inch Theatre Screen touchscreen, with 8K resolution, drops down from the roof. This is paired with a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System for the ultimate cinema experience.

To make sure a movie isn’t ruined by road noise, the new 7 Series gets some clever interior acoustics and tyres with internal foam absorbers for integrated soundproofing.

It’s not just those in the rear that get plenty of tech. For the first time in a BMW, front passengers now get their own dedicated 14.6-inch display. This offers numerous features and controls, along with being able to show entertainment and play games. Other manufacturers, including Mercedes, have offered passenger screens for a while, and not all have felt very useful. It will be interesting to see if BMW can improve this technology and make it worthwhile.

Those driving are also treated to the latest Panoramic iDrive screen, which spreads from pillar to pillar across the bottom of the windscreen.

This display offers information such as speed, distance and navigation and can be customised to suit the driver’s needs.

BMW’s alien-like assistant also pops up on this screen to offer help and features intelligent voice control with the enhanced BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant featuring Amazon Alexa+ AI technology.

A smart new steering multifunction wheel with clever haptic feedback and a “floating” free-cut Central Display finish the look.

The new BMW 7 Series will be offered in the UK with a choice of two powertrain options: battery electric and plug-in hybrid. The all-electric models will launch first and plug-in hybrid derivatives will start production in November 2026.

BMW says that those opting for the i7 EV model can expect a range of over 450 miles on a single charge

Pricing is expected soon but don’t expect much change from £100,000.

Britons streaming TV via illegal fire sticks have been put on notice that they will be caught – as police plan to scrutinise their bank statements.

Authorities believe approximately four million households are accessing the latest programmes and watching live sport illegally through “dodgy fire sticks”. These compact devices plug into the back or side of televisions – and can be modified to unlock hundreds of premium channels, subscription services, the latest films and live Premier League football.

However, police are confident they will pursue a number of those households with the latest crackdown, which centres on the examination of bank statements.

Acting Detective Chief Inspector Alethea Fowler, of the Tarian Regional Organised Crime Unit in southern Wales, said: “Criminals rarely stop at just one income stream, and by purchasing illicit goods – such as an illegal streaming service fire stick – you are enabling further forms of criminality, often involving exploitation and harm.”

Last month, online bank Revolut was instructed to hand over the names and addresses of more than 300 “dodgy box” users to Sky by the Irish High Court after funds were transferred to illegal streaming service provider David Dunbar, of County Wexford in the Republic of Ireland.

Police are reportedly compiling lists of users and their addresses, according to the Daily Mail. They have cautioned that they are aware the device – while legitimate in itself – can be tampered with or cloned by unscrupulous individuals or criminals who sell the devices on.

Authorities warn that those possessing such devices could face fines running into thousands of pounds or potentially serve custodial sentences. The nationwide operation, designated Operation Eider, may result in unannounced visits to homes by officers armed with search warrants.

The clampdown is orchestrated by the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT), an anti-piracy body backed by the film and video sector, with police forces throughout the UK participating. Officers can now impose stricter penalties on individuals discovered using these unlawful gadgets.

Kieron Sharp, chairman of FACT, said: “We have a wide range of enforcement options – from issuing cease and desist notices to ‘knock and talk’ visits – through to full criminal prosecutions where appropriate. We will take robust action against those involved – not only targeting sellers and distributors, but also those facilitating and profiting from the illegal activity.”

Television viewers enticed to purchase an illegal device believing it will save them money may, consequently, discover themselves considerably out of pocket – while facing the prospect of imprisonment. The harshest penalties will be reserved for “supplying and distributing TV fire sticks and concealing bank transfers linked to criminal activity”.

A rival to Sky’s Stream box is now available via eBay, and it has one advantage as all content beamed to the device is free to view. That means there’s no need for a monthly subscription or an expensive long-term contract. The PLEIO box actually launched late last year and quickly sold out when Amazon originally began stocking it.

Now, it seems the team behind the device, Netgem, has fixed its initial inventory issues and is confident it can begin selling it on eBay as well.

The puck-shaped £99 gadget plugs into existing TVs and offers full access to the online Freely platform. This means owners can watch over 50 live channels plus view hours of on-demand content using a broadband connection rather than an aerial.

Freely also features a full TV guide, content recommendations and even the ability to pause and rewind live telly. Along with things to watch, the PLEIO puck has another trick up its sleeve.

Those owning one get access to over 250 console-quality games, and the device even ships with its own PS5-style controller. That boost is part of a PLEIO Extra subscription, which is available for free for 12 months. Once that period ends, it then costs £9.99 per month to continue using.

Other extras included with this device include 4K streaming and a bundled voice remote for easy access to channels and features.

It’s been available at Amazon for a few months, but now you can grab it on eBay as well. It’s priced at £99.

So, how does PLEOI stack up against Sky Stream?

The main difference between these devices is the content. Yes, Freely is free, but it does not offer the same level of channels as Sky.

Those opting for a Stream box get access to Sky Sports and Cinema, and plans also bundle services such as Netflix, Disney+ and HBO Max.

Of course, getting those premium services does mean paying a monthly fee with Sky Stream starting from £15 per month.

Those simply wanting TV access via broadband will find plenty to watch via Freely and PLEIO device. However, homes that love sports and extra entertainment will probably be best sticking with Sky.