The new BMW 7-Series, codenamed the G11, has been photographed completely undisguised. Due to be launched in Q3 2015, this pre-production vehicle clearly shows a prevalence of current BMW design DNA. Indeed, descriptions of “looks like someone sat on an X6” have been muttered, but to be fair, these are not the most flattering images.
Evident too are the influences of the Future Luxury concept BMW showed the world at last year’s Beijing Auto Show, and the production readiness of the car in the spy pics must mean we’ll be seeing it at a major motor show quite soon.
Based on a new modular platform called “35up” that will underpin most of the next gen. BMW models, including the next 3-Series, the chassis will use weight-saving carbon-fibre in its construction resulting a car that (it’s rumoured) will weigh less than the current 5-Series. There will also be a long-wheel base (G12) version.
Under the hood expect to see four-, six- and eight-cylinder petrol models, along with a six-cylinder diesel, two plug-in hybrids, and a V12 760i flagship.
Petrol engines:
730i – a four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbo, 191 kW
740i – six-cylinder turbo, 243 kW
750i – eight-cylinder turbo, 338 kW
760i – V12 6.6-litre (419kW – 441 kW) N74B66U1) shared with the Rolls-Royce Ghost and Wraith
Diesel engines:
730d – 200 kW
740d and 750d will follow
Petrol and diesel models are expected to feature an eight-speed auto and (in some markets) xDrive on select versions.
Plug-in hybrids:
730e – 202 kW
740e – 294 kW
The hybrids are expected to use a nine-speed automatic gearbox, an xDrive all-wheel drive system and offer a 60 km) electric range in the 730e and up to 100 km in the 740e.
