2023 BMW 7 Series Spy Shots and Video: Redesigning the Flagship Sedan

BMW is working on a redesign of the 7 Series, and a new prototype has been spotted. The seventh-generation flagship is expected to debut later this year as a 2023 model.

Previously, we brought you spy shots of a new battery-electric car called the i7. The latest prototype is a variant with an internal combustion engine, one of which is a plug-in hybrid.

The prototype is heavily camouflaged, especially in the fine details of the lights, grille, and C-pillars. Interestingly, the headlights feature a split design, a look that was previewed on the recently unveiled BMW Concept XM. Some shots also show the production-spec wheels and tailpipe design.

Several shots also show rear-facing cameras mounted on each front fender, and more cameras and sensors can be seen on the front grille. These are likely to support planned driver assistance features, as well as self-driving systems rated Level 3 on the SAE scale for autonomous vehicles.

Level 3 means a car that can operate itself under set conditions, allowing the driver to take his hands off the steering wheel and even temporarily look away from the road. However, the driver still needs to be prepared to instantly regain control.

You will also notice that the upper part of the grille is completely masked and sits higher than the headlights, as on the current 7 Series. The large grille motif is popular in the important Chinese market.

Underpinning the redesigned 7 Series is an updated version of the current generation CLAR platform, designed to support multiple powertrains, including a battery-electric powertrain as seen in the i7 (this platform is also used in the new i4 (this platform is also used in the new i4). Another important change is the addition of all-wheel steering, introduced by the rival Mercedes-Benz S-Class for the 2021 model year.

This means that in addition to plug-in hybrid and battery-electric powertrains, a mild hybrid is likely to be offered in the lineup. While a mild-hybrid version of the V-8 engine is a certainty, a V-12 engine will no longer exist; BMW will bid farewell to the V-12 with a special edition of the current 7 Series to be unveiled soon.

The interior of the redesigned 7 Series will have a new concept: the interior of the 2022 BMW iX battery-electric SUV will feature a digital instrument cluster and a floating screen for the infotainment hub. may hint at some of the elements we can expect. Stay tuned.