The new BMW 7 Series (G70/G71) it has an estimated arrival date for the end of 2022, but several test prototypes have already been “hunted” by photographers' lenses on the road this year.
The new generation of the model promises to keep the controversy around its appearance, as happened with the restyling of the current generation (G11/G12), but it also promises to be a technological prowess, as one would expect from the BMW flagship. .
Something that we will be able to confirm in early September, during the Motor Show in Munich, where BMW will unveil a show car that will give us a close preview of what to expect from the future production model.
Exterior design will be talked about
In these new spy photos, exclusively national, captured near the German circuit of Nürburgring, Germany, we can see the exterior and, for the first time, the interior of the new 7 Series
Outwardly, the controversy surrounding the style of their models that has dominated discussions about them seems to continue.
Note the placement of the headlamps at the front, lower than the norm, confirming that the next Series 7 will adopt a split optics solution (daytime running lights at the top and the main lights at the bottom). It won't be the only BMW to adopt this solution: the unprecedented X8 and the restyling of the X7 will adopt an identical solution. The headlamps flank the typical double kidney which, as in the current 7 Series, will be generously sized.
In profile, highlighting a “nose” that seems to evoke BMW models from other times: the famous shark nose, or shark's snout, where the most advanced point of the front is at its top. There are also new handles on the doors and the classic “Hofmeister kink” is perfectly noticeable on the rear window trim, unlike what we see in other more recent models of the brand, where it was “diluted” or simply disappeared.
The rear of this test prototype is the hardest to decipher under the camouflage, as it doesn't have the final optics yet (they are temporary test units).
iX-influenced interior
For the first time we were able to obtain images of the interior of the German luxury saloon. The two screens — dashboard and infotainment system — stand out horizontally, side by side, in a smooth curve. A solution first seen in the iX electric SUV and which is expected to be progressively adopted by all BMWs, including the new 7-Series.
We also have a glimpse of the center console which reveals a generous rotary control (iDrive) surrounded by several hotkeys for various functions. Also the steering wheel has a new design and seems to mix tactile surfaces with just two physical buttons. Although the interior is practically all covered, it is still possible to see a substantial “armchair” of the driver, covered in leather.
What engines will it have?
The future BMW 7 Series G70/G71 will bet much more on electrification than the current generation. However, it will continue to come equipped with internal combustion engines (petrol and diesel), but the focus will be on plug-in hybrid versions (already existing in the current generation) and on unprecedented 100% electric versions.
The electric BMW 7 Series will adopt the i7 designation, with the Munich brand going a different way from its arch-rivals Stuttgart. Mercedes-Benz has clearly separated its two tops of the range, with the S-Class and the electric EQS having distinct foundations, also leading to a distinct design between the two models.
BMW, on the other hand, will adopt a solution identical to the one we've already seen between the 4 Series Gran Coupe and the i4, which are essentially the same vehicle, with the powertrain being the big differentiator. That said, according to rumors, the i7 is expected to take on the role of top-end of the future Series 7, with the more powerful and higher-performance version reserved for it.
It is speculated that the future i7 M60, 100% electric, could even take the place of the M760i, today equipped with a noble V12. There is talk of a power of 650 hp and a battery of 120 kWh that should guarantee a range of 700 km. It won't be the only i7 available, with two more versions being planned, one rear-wheel drive (i7 eDrive40) and the other all-wheel drive (i7 eDrive50).