2020 BMW 7 Series Sports Massive Grille, Hybrid Option

BMW AG’s freshened 7 Series fullsize sedan features a new front end, updated powertrain options—including a plug-in hybrid variant—and a host of driver-assist technologies.

Due this spring, the 2020 7 Series adds styling cues from the X7 SUV. The front of the car stands nearly two inches taller at its high-point than the outgoing 7 Series, and the new model’s kidney grille is 40% larger.

The mid-cycle facelift also tweaks the front bumper, hood, front fenders and rear bumper trim. Other changes include thin LED headlights, lower front bumper air intakes, a more chiseled rear fascia and futuristic-looking LED taillamps that are connected via a narrow light strip.

Engine choices comprise a mix of six, eight- and 12-cylinder units. The top-end M760i’s 6.0-liter twin-turbo V-12 makes 600 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. The 750i xDrive package boasts a new 4.4-liter turbocharged V-8 with 523 hp—up 80 ponies from the outgoing V-8—and 553 lb-ft of torque capable of propelling the sedan from zero to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds.

There’s also a new plug-in hybrid variant that generates a combined 389 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid drivetrain is teamed with a 12-kWh lithium-ion battery. BMW didn’t disclose the system’s electric-only driving range.

The interior is highlighted by BMW’s 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.3-inch iDrive 7 infotainment system. The so-called “intelligent personal assistant” uses artificial intelligence to interact with occupants and learn their personal preferences for various vehicle settings.

Among the standard safety features are front collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, cross-traffic warnings and parking assist with a surround-view camera.

An optional driver-assist package includes semi-autonomous steering, throttle and braking control at speed as great as 37 mph. Other options are an air suspension, adjustable dampers, Harman Kardon audio system, panoramic sunroof, a wi-fi hotspot, and Apple CarPlay compatibility.