Recently, we brought you the scoop on the 2016 BMW 7 Series, snapped completely undisguised. Unfortunately, the nature of such spy-shots is that the photography can sometimes be a tad unflattering; with odd-lighting, low image quality and angles that can skew the overall proportions.

Even so, the next generation 7 Series (codenamed G11/G12) appears to stick with current design philosophy; which means the same sausage with a slightly different sauce. Bangers aside, I’ve decided to showcase the next ‘Seven’ dressed in M-Sport attire for that added visual mumbo.

Visionary Design:

Front-end treatment continues the evolution of BMW’s ‘twin kidney’ grille, albeit here those nostrils sit deeper and staunchly upright. LED fog lamps and satin chrome surrounds enclose the lower air intakes, whilst the laserlight headlamps wrap outwards over the front fenders.

Holistically, the design is inspired by BMW’s Vision Future Luxury Concept. Shared styling cues from this concept range from the sharp shoulder lines, chrome side vents, short overhangs and set-back greenhouse. Rear-end elements are also reminiscent of the out-going car and the smaller M6 Gran Coupe.

Luxury Accommodation:

On the inside, first impressions are slightly subdued with minimalist styling that’s typically BMW, yet very refined. BMW’s Individual program will take care of ultimate opulence, although at first glance, it looks like Mercedes-Benz’s S-Class still has the edge style-wise.

However, like the Mercedes, this is BMW’s technological tour de force where gizmos and gadgets will eventually filter down across the rest of the range. Items like; gesture-controlled navigation, wireless smartphone charging, B&W audio, panoramic glass roof and an self-parking system are just a few amongst many other goodies.

What Could Propel It:

Modular powertrain options will be available in petrol, diesel and hybrid format. The petrol range is tipped to start with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, then a six-cylinder turbo and V8 versions coupled to an 8-speed automatic. Great news is that the V12 will stay – although it’s rumored to be the 6.6-liter unit shared with the Rolls-Royce Wraith.

Expect the current 3.0-liter TwinPower, inline-six oil burner to carry over and two plug-in hybrid models to supplement the range. Word has it that the latter variant’s will offer a 9-speed automatic transmission and xDrive all-wheel-drive capabilities.
The Rivals:

The aforementioned Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the most recently updated of all the 7’s rivals; it’s BMW’s fiercest competitor, offering huge swathes of luxury and groundbreaking technology. Audi’s A8 is not far behind either, although a major redesign penned for 2016 should take care of the current A8’s staleness.

Jaguar’s XJ, Maserati Quattroporte and Porsche Panamera are also eager to steal BMW’s thunder – especially in the style stakes. Where the new 7 Series should excel is in driving dynamics; aside from clever adaptive suspension options, great emphasis has been on reducing weight, with greater use of materials like aluminum and carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP).

Expect official images and details later in the year for both regular and long-wheelbase versions; whilst the car itself should debut at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Let us know what you think of the next-generation 7 Series in the discussion area below.

By Josh Byrnes

Photo Renderings Copyright Carscoops / Josh Byrnes

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