BMW is readying a facelift for its flagship 7 Series
sedan. That prototype was believed to be the top-of-the-line M760i
version. But the twelve-cylinder performance model won’t constitute the bulk of
the 7 Series sedans that BMW will sell.
Captured in “standard” (non-M) specification while
undergoing testing, this pre-production prototype gives us at least an idea of
what the Bavarian manufacturer has in store for its big saloon.
More of a facelift than a comprehensive replacement,
the revised 7 looks poised to gain a larger grille like that seen on the X7
concept. The production version of that crossover will sit alongside this sedan
and the 8 Series coupe/convertible at the very top of BMW’s growing lineup.
Similar enhancements are evidently being applied to
the rear end. Expect BMW to apply more revisions inside – especially to its
infotainment and driver-assistance systems – all to help it secure a larger
slice of that big luxurious pie.
The German automaker introduced the current 7 Series
(internally designated as G11) in 2015, only shortly after Mercedes launched
its current segment-leading S-Class sedan (which itself underwent a similar update
just last year). This round of revisions ought to help Munich fend
off advances from rivals like the Audi A8 and Lexus LS, both of which have
recently launched in all-new iterations.
Expect the revised BMW 7 Series to arrive sometime
next year as either a 2019 or 2020 model.
