Spy photographers have caught several
mules for the next-generation BMW 7-Series and now they’ve snapped a
fully-fledged production prototype. Dressed in heavy camouflage, the redesigned
sedan has an evolutionary front fascia with a massive grille and vertical air
intakes. We can also see headlights which are mounted relatively low, but
they’re just temporary components used for testing purposes.
Continuing further back, there’s
streamlined bodywork and flush-mounted door handles which echo those used on
the upcoming i4. Other notable styling features include a pronounced shoulder
line and a greenhouse that appears a little more angular. At the rear, the
model has a new trunk with a flush-mounted button beneath the BMW logo. The
license plate bracket has also been moved to the rear bumper.
A closer inspection reveals the prototype
has been equipped with a number of different cameras and sensors. They’re
located on the front fenders and rear antenna fin. We can also see a camera or
sensor unit mounted ‘above’ the grille. However, it will presumably be hidden
behind grille elements on production model.
BMW has been tight-lipped about the
next-generation 7-Series, but the company has already confirmed the model will
offer four different powertrains including petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid and
fully electric options. The company referred to this as the “Power of Choice,”
as customers can stick to traditional petrol or diesel engines or go green by
getting a plug-in hybrid or electric powertrain. This prototype features the
latter as there are a number of “electric test vehicle” warning stickers.
Limited is known about the car at this
point but, back in 2017, BMW revealed upcoming “luxury class” EVs would have a
90 kWh or 120 kWh battery pack. They are targeted to give models a range of
approximately 550 km and 700 km, respectively.
