Spied - India-bound 2016 BMW 7 Series LWB continues testing

Could be revealed at next year's Frankfurt Motor Show.

The next generation 2016 BMW 7 Series was spotted on test in Europe by Autogespot. The test mule seen here is the long wheelbase variant, which is clearly indicated by the abnormally long rear door.

BMW previewed the design of the new 7-er by way of the Vision Future Luxury Concept at the Beijing Motor Show this year. Design aside, the luxury sedan is reported to have shed considerable weight thanks to extensive use of high-strength aluminium and carbon fiber in its construction. Reports say that the car has gone on a 200 kg weight loss program.

Power for the flagship sedan will come even from a four-cylinder engine, apart from six-, eight- and twelve-cylinder motors. The base four-cylinder variant is rumored to use a 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine, and will be badged 740i. As for the six-cylinder engines, the new 7-er will be the first model to feature the BMW's new modular engine architecture. These engines are reported to set benchmarks in refinement and performance.

Also read: India-bound 2015 BMW X6 shown at the Paris Motor Show

BMW is likely to reveal the new 7 Series at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA 2015) that starts in early September. European sales could begin not prior to 2016. An extra long wheelbase variant is also reported as being in the variant walk for the flagship spot.

Competitors: Mercedes S Class, Audi A8, Jaguar XJ
Expected Price: INR 1 crore upwards, ex-Showroom
Launch date: Early 2016 in Europe

[Spy images from Autogespot]