Spied - 2016 BMW 7 Series testing in Dubai

Youtube uploader TheEccentricM has captured a test prototype of the 2016 BMW 7 Series in Dubai. Codenamed G11, the new 7 Series would be unveiled towards the end of 2015, perhaps at the next Frankfurt Motor Show.

According to reports, BMW has managed to save weight by using aluminium and carbon fiber components throughout the 7 Series. Its almost certain that the roof, hood and bootlid would be made of carbon fiber. The 740i base model is reported to have a sub-1900kg kerb weight, which puts it in the 5 Series territory.

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BMW will offer a range of six-cylinder, V8 and V12 engines, as well as inline-six cylinder diesels on the G11. A plug-in hybrid version is also under works. ZF's new nine-speed automatic transmission that launched on the Mercedes E Class and the Jeep Cherokee, will come standard, while both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive (xDrive) variants would be available.

The G11 could be the first 7 Series that wears an 'M' badge. Perhaps classified as the 'M700i', the variant would be powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine producing 475 hp and 650 Nm. The flagship variant meanwhile would retain the '760Li' badge, drawing power from a V12 engine good for 570 hp and 901 Nm of torque.

The prototype is heavily camouflaged and wears body panels borrowed from the current 7 Series. From careful examination, we notice that the bootlid is different, while the hood and the grille appear to be placed at a lower height.