BMW is readying a facelift for its flagship 7 Series
sedan. That much we saw when the last spy shots arrived on our desks earlier
this year. In this latest batch we have what we believe to be the range-topping
M760Li xDrive, which despite some rumors, will live on, at least for this
generation 7-Series. Sitting under the redesigned hood and lights, is a
resculpted “M” sport bumper, while our spies tell us that the kidney grilles
seemed to be active to improve the performance limo’s aerodynamics.
The massive 6.6-liter twin-turbo V12, which in its
current state, produces 601 horses and 590 lb-ft of torque for a 0-100 km/h in 3.7
seconds, isn’t expected to be tinkered with in terms of performance, but it could
benefit from emission improvements.
But the twelve-cylinder performance model (pictured
above) won’t constitute the bulk of the 7 Series sedans that BMW will sell.
This will. Captured in “standard” (non-M) specification while undergoing
testing, the other two prototypes give 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 at the very top of BMW’s growing lineup. The latter will
debut on June 15.
The mid-life facelift (or as BMW calls it, LCI) will
bring new tech features into the 7-Series, as well as an overall more
distinctive exterior design. Changes will include new headlights and taillights
that will probably get a thinner profile, the aforementioned new kidney grille
and redesigned front and rear bumpers.
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 cabin of BMW’s flagship sedan
will feature the latest version of the iDrive infotainment system, possibly
with a bigger touchscreen display, as well as the all-new configurable digital
instrument cluster that was previewed a few days ago. BMW will also update the
list of trim and upholstery options, further boosting the 7-Series’ appeal to
high-end customers.
We don’t know much about the changes in the engine
range department, but it’s safe to expect the facelifted 7-Series to use the
latest powertrains with the 8-Series. The range will include a redeveloped
4.4-liter V8 with 523 hp and 750 Nm of peak torque, with the
rest of the six-cylinder engine gasoline and diesel options to be updated for
lower emissions and better performance.
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. Also-rans like the Jaguar XJ and
Maserati Quattroporte, however, were launched in 2009 and 2013, respectively,
and have since grown a little long in the tooth. Expect the revised BMW 7 Series
to arrive sometime next year as either a 2019 or 2020 model.
