The past year has been full of speculation about the next-generation BMW 7 Series (factory designation G11/G12) and dozens of spy photos to fan the flames of the fans. So far it's a mystery how these latest uncamouflaged photos were taken.
These photos of a new 730d came from the Facebook page of a Swiss BMW enthusiast group posted on December 31st. We don’t know if this is a prototype or a preproduction model. The photos do give us a good look at the car’s left side and rear lines, and the interior. The photos also indicate that BMW LaserLight will be at least an option on the new 7.
This is not the only news floating around about the G11/G12 7 Series. We know that Bowers & Wilkins will supply the audio equipment. Sources say the information displays will be touchscreens and that the front seat passenger will have a new infotainment center separate from the driver. Wireless charging of cell phones inside the car has also been mentioned.
On of the more outlandish rumors—which doesn’t necessarily make it untrue—is that there will be an option for the engine cover to be leather instead of plastic.
A more reasonable speculation is that the new 7 will weigh about 375 pounds less than the old one due to more extensive use of aluminum and carbon fiber reinforced plastic.
BMW is demonstrating automated parking at this month’s Consumer Electronics Show, so naturally there is talk of the new 7 Series being able to park itself without a human being present.
All will eventually be revealed. The next 7 Series will be 2016 models, so BMW has all this year to tease us about the reveal. The most likely venue will be the Frankfurt Auto Show in September.
We eagerly wait to see how much lighter, stronger, and better performing BMW will make the new 7 Series, and how much technological innovation they will be ready to showcase in their next four-door flagship.—Scott Blazey
[Photos courtesy of BMW-Fans-Schweiz via Autoweek.]
