2020 BMW 7 Series Debuts With Massive Grille, New V8 Engine

After several spy photo sessions, a number of leaks, and a single teaser, the facelifted BMW 7 Series is making its official debut with major styling tweaks and a couple of important tech upgrades. First and foremost, the luxury limo's fascia has been given an even larger kidney grille for a "more powerful visual presence." As standard, the active grille's bars of the U.S. model are finished in aluminum satin, unless you purchase the range-topping M760Li xDrive model which features Cerium Grey finish.

The 40 percent larger grille is flanked by a set of redesigned headlights which use adaptive LED technology as standard, while optionally available will be lasers. Above the fascia, the hood has also been given a slightly reshaped design, and the fenders are now a tad more muscular.

The highlight of the design changes at the back is the slim light strip that extends across the full width of the tailgate connecting the taillights. Speaking of them, the new clusters are 1.4 inches slimmer than on the outgoing model and have a new design.

Hop inside the cabin and you'll find BMW's latest generation digital instrument cluster also featured in the 8 Series and X5. The Bavarian manufacturer also promises new leather and trim options, as well as improved acoustic comfort. Standard equipment for the model now includes wireless charging located immediately in front of the cup holders for easier access.

While the V12-powered top-of-the-range M760 remains the star of the show with its 600 horsepower (447 kilowatts) and 627 pound-feet (850 Newton-meters) of torque, BMW is proud to introduce a comprehensively re-engineered version of the 4.4-liter V8. It now generates 523 hp (390 kW), 80 hp (60 kW) more than before, and up to 553 lb-ft (750 Nm) of torque, 74 lb-ft (100 Nm) more than on the outgoing model. In the 750i xDrive, the new V8 ensures the sedan reaches 62 miles per hour (100 kilometers per hour) from a standstill in just 3.9 seconds.

At launch, the new 7 will also be offered in a plug-in hybrid version which combines a specially adapted six-cylinder inline engine with 280 hp (209 kW) with an electric motor rated at 113 hp (84 kW). The system stores electric energy in a new lithium-ion battery, but BMW is not ready to disclose the all-electric range yet. The combined peak power of the system is 389 hp (290 kW) which is enough for a 0-62 mph (0-100 kph) sprint in 4.9 seconds.

The German automaker has also revised the eight-speed automatic which is the standard gearbox on all models for the 2020 model year. It should now deliver quicker and smoother gear shifts, and comes as standard with a Launch Control function. The PHEV powertrain uses a hybrid-specific variant the Sport Steptronic transmission with an improved separating clutch that acts as the link to the engine.

When it arrives at showrooms in April this year, the 2020 7 Series will be available in five different specifications, four all-wheel-drive models and one RWD. Prices will be announced closer to the on-sale date.