Next BMW 7-series and new M8 spied lapping the ‘Ring

7-series

With chief rival Mercedes-Benz only expected to reveal the new W223 S-class in 2020 and with the equally fresh Audi A8 already out in Europe, the updated G11 7-series, which has been around since 2014, will take after BMW’s X range of models as evident by the same front-end clip as the new X5.

In addition to the new lights, restyled kidney grille, new bonnet and wider front air vents, the heavy masking at the rear points to an updated bumper, new taillights and a tweaked diffuser. No images of the interior have yet been revealed, but expect it to mirror that of the X5, forthcoming X7 and even the 8-series in terms of design and driver assistance systems.

A big change to the Seven could come underneath the bonnet, where the M850i’s 390kW/750Nm 4.4-litre bi-turbo V8 could debut as a likely rival for the Mercedes-AMG S63, while the 6.6-litre bi-turbo V12 that powers the M760Li xDrive will likely be carried over with a number of tweaks.

Next BMW 7-series and new M8 spied lapping the ‘Ring-Autodealer

The filing of an application for a number of monikers in Europe last year, including M7, has fuelled the rumour mill that the 7-series could finally spawn an M approved rival for the S65 and Audi S8, although nothing has yet been confirmed.

Standard models are however likely to feature the same range of six and eight-cylinder petrol and diesel engines as the X5 and X7, while a report by Autocar last month claims that the 740e iPerformance could be replaced by the 745e iPerformance whose 2.0-litre turbo-petrol will produce a combined system output of 400 horsepower or 298kW.

With the X7 set to be revealed in Los Angeles in November, the 7-series could very debut before or in early 2019.

First shown at the Nürburgring 24 hours last year and subsequently in Le Mans spec, GTE trim at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the M8 will directly take on rivals from Mercedes-AMG (S63 Coupe), Jaguar (F-Type R AWD) and even Nissan (GT-R) and Porsche (911 Turbo) and will be offered, like its M6 predecessor, in coupe and cabriolet bodystyles.

Captured by the Automotive Mike YouTube page, the camouflaged prototype will differentiate itself from the M850i by getting an M specific bodykit, M alloy wheels, a more pronounced boot spoiler, unique M interior touches and upgraded brakes as well as a likely drop in ride height for a sportier appearance.

As with the M5, the M8’s 4.4-litre turbo-petrol V8 will be carried over and produce the same 441kW/750Nm, although there is the possibility of a Competition model which will mirror the M5 Competition and up the former figure by 19kW.

The M8 is expected to make its world debut sometime next year.

BMW 7-series images from motor1.com