BMW 7 Series: Facelifted flagship sedan spied testing

The current-generation BMW 7 Series launched in 2022, though BMW has already begun testing a facelifted version of its flagship luxury sedan.

Photographers have captured a heavily camouflaged model testing in Spain, which could indicate a major visual overhaul is on the way.

The current version of the 7 Series is already an imposing machine, with its long body and large, boxy proportions housing a luxurious, well-appointed interior.

It’s been suggested the 7 Series facelift could hit showrooms in 2026, with updated interior tech expected to be a key feature underneath the fresh exterior appearance.

Underneath the wrap at the front is a grille that will adopt the revised look seen on models like the new 5 Series, though it’ll reportedly retain its split headlight design.

It’s expected the headlights will be better integrated in the revised front end, while they appear to sit lower than on the current model. The headlights in the spy photos are only placeholders, so it may not be representative of the final product.

At the rear, the taillights photographed are also placeholders for the time being. Given the degree of camouflage it’s possible the rear end will be treated to new taillights and a raft of other tweaks, but the exhaust pipes will remain as they are for petrol versions.

The interior is expected to be fitted with BMW’s latest infotainment system available in 2026, but details on the updated model are otherwise scarce.

The sole petrol version of the 7 Series is the 740i, which is powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six-cylinder engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system, with total system outputs of 280kW and 540Nm.

The 48V mild-hybrid system is able to produce up to 9kW and 200Nm and is primarily used as a starter motor, but it can also act as a generator to recuperate kinetic energy during coasting and braking at a rate of up to 15kW.

There are two dedicated electric 7 Series versions too. The i7 xDrive60 has a dual-motor setup producing 400kW and 745Nm, mated to a 106kWh battery pack with a claimed WLTP range of 625km.

The i7 M70 xDrive also has a dual-motor powertrain and a 106kWh battery pack, though outputs have been boosted to 485kW and 1100Nm with a claimed range of up to 560km.

Pricing starts at $272,900 before on-road costs for the 740i and extends to $344,900 before on-roads for the i7 M70 xDrive.

MORE: Everything BMW 7 Series
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