Even flagships occasionally need to be docked and updated. BMW’s 7 Series is no exception. We caught the upcoming 2016 version of the big Bimmer wearing mind-bending camo over its upcoming changes.
That didn’t stop us from seeing the car’s new headlights, front bumper, side mirrors, exhaust outlets, and tail lamp casings. However, there were several parts upon which we couldn’t spot, such as the vehicle’s platform, which will be significantly updated. The 2016 model, which should come out in late 2015 or during the early part of the following year, will incorporate some of the lessons BMW’s engineers have learned in producing the i3 and i8. For instance, we expect the next-generation 7 to have a carbon fiber hood, roof, and trunk lid, as well as conventional aluminum and steel components. Handling, braking, acceleration, and fuel economy should improve as a result of such materials usage.
We have reason to believe BMW will continue to offer a V12 in its next top-tier sedan. Six- and eight-cylinder engines should be reappearing, too. All power plants will be direct-injected and turbocharged. The German automaker will introduce a plug-in hybrid 7, which may or may not pack technology borrowed from Toyota. An M Performance variant with a twin-turbo V8 will cater to you speed freaks, although we suggest you don’t hold your breath for an M7.
BMW’s partnerships with Continental and Harman should lead to increased autonomous car technology and connectivity, respectively. The 2016 7 Series will more than likely have a multitude of traffic warning systems in addition to self-parking and autonomous driving capabilities. It should also be equipped with full WiFi, downloadable apps, real-time traffic and weather updates coupled with 3D maps, and increased voice activation.
With all of those helpful bells and whistles on board, you should be able to sail off into traffic with greater peace of mind. Just look out for pirates who want to highjack your German land yacht.
Derek Shiekhi's father raised him on cars. As a boy, Derek accompanied his dad as he bought classics such as post-WWII GM trucks and early Ford Mustang convertibles.
After loving cars for years and getting a bachelor's degree in Business Management, Derek decided to get an associate degree in journalism. His networking put him in contact with the editor of the Austin-American Statesman newspaper, who hired him to write freelance about automotive culture and events in Austin, Texas in 2013. One particular story led to him getting a certificate for learning the foundations of road racing.
While watching TV with his parents one fateful evening, he saw a commercial that changed his life. In it, Jeep touted the Wrangler as the Texas Auto Writers Association's "SUV of Texas." Derek knew he had to join the organization if he was going to advance as an automotive writer. He joined the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) in 2014 and was fortunate to meet several nice people who connected him to the representatives of several automakers and the people who could give him access to press vehicles (the first one he ever got the keys to was a Lexus LX 570). He's now a regular at TAWA's two main events: the Texas Auto Roundup in the spring and the Texas Truck Rodeo in the fall.
Over the past several years, Derek has learned how to drive off-road in various four-wheel-drive SUVs (he even camped out for two nights in a Land Rover), and driven around various tracks in hot hatches, muscle cars, and exotics. Several of his pieces, including his article about the 2015 Ford F-150 being crowned TAWA's 2014 "Truck of Texas" and his review of the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider, have won awards in TAWA's annual Excellence in Craft Competition. Last year, his JK Forum profile of Wagonmaster, a business that restores Jeep Wagoneers, won prizes in TAWA’s signature writing contest and its pickup- and SUV-focused Texas Truck Invitational.
