BMW is within the midst of making ready a facelift for its flagship 7 Collection, and one such prototype has now been caught testing at excessive speeds on the German Autobahn. The sighting offers us one other look but on the luxurious sedan’s mid-cycle replace, which is shaping as much as be greater than only a gentle refresh. From break up headlights to a brand new inside design, the 7 Collection LCI (Life Cycle Impulse) is evolving with some daring modifications.
Entrance Design: Break up Headlights Return
Till just lately, each 7 Collection prototype noticed on public roads appeared to keep away from the controversial split-headlight setup. That turned out to be a intelligent disguise. Simply as BMW did when the present G70 debuted in 2022, engineers initially camouflaged the higher LED daytime working lights to trick observers. Now, new Autobahn spy photographs verify the divisive format is right here to remain. Rectangular cutouts within the camouflage reveal a skinny LED strip on the very high of the fascia, whereas the principle headlights sit decrease within the bumper. This association has already stirred loads of debate, and its adoption for the facelift signifies BMW is dedicated to the look. Given the shut ties between the 7 Collection and X7, it’s possible the SUV will even undertake this similar lighting signature.
Rear Updates: Gentle Bar and Neue Klasse Affect
The again finish of the Autobahn prototype reveals one other main replace: a full-width mild bar. Although the automobile was sporting non permanent clear taillights, the form and measurement of the bar are clearly seen. Curiously, the illuminated strip seems to attach throughout the trunk and be bisected by the BMW roundel, a design cue we first noticed on the 2023 Imaginative and prescient New Class Idea. This design evolution hints at BMW’s intent to unify its flagship with upcoming Neue Klasse fashions. The prototype noticed on the Autobahn has no pipes so it’s unclear whether or not this an ICE or EV 7 Collection.
Inside Tech: iDrive X Takes Over
What’s much more fascinating are the inside photographs accompanied this Autobahn sighting the place you’ll be able to see the Neue Klasse inspiration. The facelifted 7 Collection is predicted to ditch the acquainted dual-screen iDrive 8.5 setup. As an alternative comes iDrive Xanchored by a central touchscreen and BMW’s new Panoramic show that initiatives info throughout your complete width of the windshield. This tech rollout will observe the Neue Klasse iX3, which debuts iDrive X to the general public.
Reveal and Manufacturing Timeline
Manufacturing of the facelifted 7 Collection remains to be a ways away, scheduled to start in July 2026. That factors to an official unveiling by spring 2026, giving BMW time to fine-tune its luxurious flagship earlier than buyer deliveries start within the second half of the 12 months. After all, the brand new BMW 7 Collection will proceed to be bought in the US, alongside the i7 electrical limousine. (Images: Michal)
