2026 is a big year for BMW. The next-generation 3 Series and X5 will disappear from coverage in the next 12 months. We’ll also see the first-ever i3 sedan for global markets, no longer limited to China. Munich won’t ignore its flagship either, as the 7 Series is about to undergo a facelift. New spy shots of a camouflaged prototype give us a first glimpse of what to expect.
The 7 Series LCI captured near the Nürburgring appears to be a normal combustion engine version based on the license plate. BMW’s plug-in hybrid and electric test cars typically carry German license plates that end with an “E.” This “G70” appears to be concealing an Aventurine Red paint job and is likely a US-spec prototype. We make this assumption based on the orange page markings required in the United States.
If there is any doubt about whether the split headlights will remain, this is further confirmation that BMW will stick with the idiosyncratic layout. The same goes for the second-generation X7, which launches in 2027, but to our knowledge no other model will adopt this look. Well, with the exception of the ALPINA versions of both the large sedan and SUV.
We dare say that the front grille looks a little smaller, although parts of the kidneys are probably hidden by additional camouflage panels. What we can say for sure is that the horizontal slats above the license plate are new. Speaking of which: The license plate is now much higher than on the 7 Series before the facelift.
The rear probably won’t change that dramatically, but fresh taillight graphics are already peeking through the fairing. It is unlikely that the shape and size of the taillights will change as this would be too costly for an LCI. Bayern appear keen to limit costs after investing heavily in iDrive
BMW will reportedly begin production in July. So expect an official debut in spring or early summer. We’ve already reported on the possibility of a more powerful “B58” six-cylinder engine for the 735. Similar to the latest petrol models, the 7 Series will also do without the “i” suffix in its combustion engine variants.
BMW may introduce the returning ALPINA version in 2026, but it’s not expected to reach customers until later next year. It won’t be an all-V8 affair like its predecessor, as BMW is reportedly equipping it with the updated B58. In addition, an electric version called the i7 70 xDrive is said to be planned.
More images can be found at the source link below.
Photos: Stephanbarral / Instagram
