Is This The Face Of The 2020 BMW 7-Series?

BMW has been testing the facelifted 7-Series for months and an undisguised image of the car’s front fascia appears to have surfaced momentarily on Instagram.

The post has since been deleted, but BMW Blog managed to grab the image before it disappeared. As a result, we can see the model has a restyled front fascia which echoes the one seen on the Vision Future Luxury concept.

The front of the car is dominated by a massive twin kidney grille that appears similar to the one used the X7 crossover. It is flanked by a set of redesigned headlights that have a more conventional design.

Bigger changes occur further below as we can see a modestly revised front bumper and an all-new lower air intake. The latter features prominent air deflectors which are similar to the ones used on the Vision Future Luxury concept.

While we cannot confirm the authenticity of the image, it does bear a striking resemblance to an Alpina B7 prototype which was spied in October. That particular car had a similar front fascia and its air deflectors were covered by faux air intake decals. However, that model had a front splitter which is absent on this car.

Regardless, the styling changes will continue in the cabin as previous spy photos have shown the 7-Series will come equipped with an all-new digital instrument cluster. It should be nearly identical to the one used in the new X7 and 8-Series.

Besides the digital instrument cluster, we can expect an upgraded iDrive infotainment system running BMW Operating System 7.0. The updated system offers more customization and anticipates the needs of drivers.

Engine options remain unconfirmed, but choices could echo those found in the newer X7 and 8-Series. In the United States, the crossover can be equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder that produces 335 hp (250 kW / 340 PS) and 330 lb-ft (446 Nm) of torque. Customers can also opt for a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 developing 456 hp (340 kW / 462 PS) and 479 lb-ft (648 Nm) of torque.

We can also expect an assortment of diesel engines, an upgraded plug-in hybrid variant and an updated M760Li xDrive. Many of these models will likely be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March.