As BMW prepares the mid-cycle refresh of its G70 7 Series flagship, prototypes of the updated model have started surfacing on the streets of Germany. Naturally, we couldn’t resist the challenge of creating a speculative render based on the available spy shots — even if the camouflage on this one is unusually good. BMW’s disguise strategy is working overtime, and as a result, our confidence level in this render is lower than usual. Still, there are just enough clues hidden in plain sight to make a compelling case for what the 2027 BMW 7 Series might look like.
A New Face With Familiar Tricks
Let’s start with the front, where the transformation is most apparent. The current 7 Series has always worn its split headlight design proudly — or so we thought. Up until recently, all LCI (Life Cycle Impulse) prototypes captured by spy photographers seemed to ditch the split setup entirely. But that turns out to have been a clever decoy.
Just as BMW did during testing for the original G70 prior to its 2022 debut, the brand concealed the upper DRL elements using decoy panels. Now, new spy photos confirm what some feared: the split lights are sticking around. And in this updated form, the LED daytime running lights have evolved — gone are the dual-horizontal units, replaced by vertically stacked light signatures now cleverly tucked into the outer edges of the front fascia.
Below, a wide trapezoidal lower intake with a vertical bisecting element mirrors the aggressive look of the new M5. This detail adds tension and structure to the face while balancing the visual weight of the kidneys.
The kidney grilles themselves undergo a transformation — taller, more angular, and with horizontal slats suggesting an M Performance trim. But perhaps the biggest visual flourish is the full Iconic Glow surround, which illuminates the perimeter of the grille as seen on the BMW XM and G45 X3. It’s subtle theater — perfect for a luxury sedan that wants to stand out even in silence.
Rear Tweaks: Minimal but Meaningful
The rear design is more restrained, but that doesn’t mean it’s without intrigue. Recent spy shots captured a test mule in motion, but even at speed, the lighting elements told a story. While the prototype appeared to feature clear taillight covers — likely a temporary solution — their overall shape, width, and placement are likely final. And here’s where things get interesting: a closer look reveals what appears to be a slim LED light bar running across the trunk. It’s faint, but it’s there. And like the Vision Neue Klasse concept from 2023, the LED strip seems to be bisected by the BMW roundel. Coincidence? We doubt it.
The taillights themselves show triangular extensions at their outer edges, suggesting they may not form a continuous bar. This lends further credibility to the idea that BMW is adopting more Neue Klasse-inspired design language across its lineup, especially for halo products like the 7 Series.
Further down, the rear bumper is accented by a large black dual-part diffuser with integrated vertical reflectors. On M Performance models — especially those with electric drivetrains — this diffuser adds visual flair and aerodynamic function, all while preserving the elegant stance that defines the 7 Series.
iDrive X and a Digital Revolution Inside
While our render focuses on exterior design, there’s reason to believe the cabin is undergoing a substantial transformation as well. Although the spy car’s interior was hidden, the silhouette and angle of the dashboard suggest that iDrive 8 — with its dual-screen layout — is being phased out in favor of something more radical.
From what we can tell, the facelifted 7 Series will adopt the new iDrive X system, with a freestanding central display and BMW’s new Panoramic Vision projection — a wide, pillar-to-pillar display element that runs just above the dashboard at the base of the windshield. This setup was first previewed in the Vision Neue Klasse and will debut in production form on the Neue Klasse iX3 SUV later this year.
While the 7 Series remains BMW’s flagship, it won’t be the first to debut this next-generation infotainment system. That honor belongs to the iX3, which premieres in September at the IAA Mobility Show in Munich. Still, the 7 Series will likely be the first luxury sedan in BMW’s portfolio to receive it — pushing tech boundaries once again in a class that values digital refinement as much as physical comfort.
When Will We See It?
So, when does the camouflage come off for good? According to sources familiar with BMW’s product timeline, production of the facelifted 7 Series is set to begin in July 2026. That means we’re still about a year away from seeing final, undisguised cars on the road.
FAQ: 2027 BMW 7 Series Facelift
The official reveal of the facelifted BMW 7 Series is expected in Summer 2026. Production is rumored to begin in July 2026, which aligns with a second-quarter global debut.
Yes. Although early prototypes appeared to abandon the split headlight layout, new spy shots confirm BMW is retaining it — now with vertically stacked daytime running lights more integrated into the front fascia.
The facelifted 7 Series is expected to debut iDrive X with a central touchscreen and Panoramic Vision projection display across the base of the windshield. This next-gen system moves away from the current dual-screen iDrive 8 setup.
Spy photos suggest a slim LED light bar may run across the trunk, possibly interrupted by the BMW roundel — a design cue seen on the Vision Neue Klasse concept. However, the final taillight graphics may still change.
While BMW will continue offering both ICE and electric variants of the 7 Series, the facelifted models — particularly the M Performance trims — are expected to emphasize electrification and aerodynamic enhancements.