Report - New BMW 7 Series is based on the '35up' platform, debuts at the 2015 Frankfurt Show

New lightweight platform will be given carbon fiber body panels to hit record lows in weight.

BMW is working on a replacement for their flagship sedan, the 7 Series. The next generation 7 Series has been spied on test multiple times in Europe and in the Middle East (for hot weather testing).

A report on Auto News states that the car will be unveiled at next year's Frankfurt Motor Show, which is scheduled to take place in September.

The new 7 Series will be based on the German carmaker's all-new '35up' lightweight scalable platform that is made of carbon fiber and aluminium. The roof, hood and bootlid of the 7 Series will be made from carbon fiber entirely, the report states. Also, the 35up platform, which would be a rear-wheel drive one, would underpin successors of the 3, 5 and 6 Series.

The new 7 Series will borrow design inspiration from the Vision Future Luxury Concept that was shown at the Beijing Motor Show this year. The concept previewed a modern and stylish luxury sedan with coach doors (suicide doors). Power for the sedan will come from six-, eight- and even twelve-cylinder engines firing both petrol and diesel (except the V12 petrol).

BMW India assembles the 7 Series at the Chennai plant from CKD kits. This should continue when the next generation model launches in 2016.

Competitors: Mercedes S Class, Audi A8, Jaguar XJ

Expected Price: INR 1 crore upwards, ex-Showroom

Launching in: Late 2015 or early 2016

[Source - Auto News]