A new prototype of the next-generation BMW 7-Series set to arrive next year has been spied testing. As with other recent test mules, this example is wearing its production-spec body but can be differentiated with a few new features.
First of all and most obvious, this 2016 BMW 7-Series mule appears to feature the completed front kidney grille of the German firm’s range-topping model. It appears wider than the grille from other prototypes and now features chrome vertical slats rather than blacked out ones. Additionally, this prototype is rolling on a set of wheels we haven’t seen before.
Elsewhere, this BMW 7-Series prototype has been outfitted with its production-spec headlights and taillights. One final new visual change is the inclusion of two new rectangular exhaust tips.
Beyond the styling changes, we know that the 2016 BMW 7-Series will adopt a new chassis combining both aluminium and carbon fibre and could weigh 204 kg less than the outgoing platform. Additionally, recent rumours have suggested that the next-generation BMW 7-Series will adopt the German marque’s new range of inline six-cylinder engines as part of BMWs new modular engine architecture.
This new engine architecture includes three, four and six-cylinder powertrains both coming in petrol and diesel derivatives. These new engines are promising to not only be more refined than the current BMW engines on the market but will provide even more impressive performance capabilities.
