► New BMW 7-series/i7 facelift spotted
► Latest detail on 2026 model year LCI
► New grille, fresh details, latest tech
BMW is working on a facelift for its range-topping 7-series and i7 electric limo, and our spy photographers have snapped it again – this time pounding around the high-speed Nurburgring test track in Germany.
We’d earlier snapped prototypes of the revised Seven family in Spain hot-weather testing and the prototype remains heavily disguised now it’s returned to Germany, as Munich attempts to keep the wraps on its lumpen limo.
Our sources tell us that BMW is co-opting a little of the design language from the Neue Klasse cars into its range-topper, while keeping the distinction between the old- and new-era models. The idea is not to turn the Seven into a Neue Klasse clone, we hear.
It seems the split-headlight front end will remain the same as today’s rather angular Seven, while our paparazzo reports the likelihood of a full-width light bar at the rear, inline with the look of the Neue Klasse products.
It’s hard to see too much on the fast-charging prototype in these spy pictures, but the placement of the camouflage points to what is changing. And thankfully there’s a lot of camouflage over the snout of this prototype – surely the most controversial part of the 7-series.
To that end, expect a thoroughly redesigned grille: CAR understands the current 5-series will provide some pointers, as Munich looks to consolidate its design language before the Neue Klasse models begin to roll out.
Close scrutiny of the front end suggests the hyper-enlarged nostril grille of the current model look to shrink for the 2026 model year. The kidney grille might be toned down, but the neat split headlights should remain, albeit in a possibly lower position than before.
The side profile remains similar to today’s model. This remains a huge limousine, busting the five-metre barrier in order to maintain generous passenger accommodation in both rows. Expect the huge 30in TV screen and creature comforts to remain.
Look out for BMW’s new cutting-edge infotainment system. CAR understands the iDrive X control system and Panoramic Display stretching practically the width of the windscreen will bring the very latest tech to the pinnacle of its saloon car range.
7-series LCI: the background
BMW launched the seventh-generation 7-series in 2022, meaning the facelift (‘lifecycle impulse,’ or LCI in Munich-speak) is perfectly timed.
Expect to see the 2026 Seven later this year. All the pointers are on the domestic Munich motor show, ahead of sales in 2026.