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Latest sighting of facelifted luxury four-door shows that it’ll get taller kidney grilles

The facelifted BMW 7 Series will gain a larger pair of kidney grilles, taking influence from its upcoming SUV sibling, the X7, in order to closely align the two top models of the brand's range.

Due in 2019, the updated luxury saloon's new nostrils will be accompanied by sharper exterior styling that includes slimmer headlights and tail-lights.

This more modern look will mirror changes to be introduced beneath the skin, the most significant of which will come via the introduction of a more potent plug-in hybrid variant.

The flagship range’s current electrified model, the 740e iPerformance, will give way to a 745e iPerformance with a hybrid electric powertrain offering more punch and increased range.

Output for the 740e peaks at 322bhp and 369lb ft of torque, but the use of a more advanced motor powered by batteries of a higher energy density is expected to provide more power to the turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine, edging combined output towards 400bhp.

The new electrified technology will also provide the 745e with a greater electric-only range. The 740e is good for 29 miles, so it’s likely that the new hybrid will push that into the low 30s.

Alongside the enhanced plug-in variant, the rest of the 7 Series range will also receive improvements. Expect more power and improved fuel economy for the engines, which include six-cylinder petrols and a four-cylinder diesel, as well the V8 750i and V12 M760Li xDrive.

The X7, a future rival to the Range Rover, will rub shoulders with the 7 Series at the top of BMW’s range. The design link is likely a tactic to create familiarity between the two flagship models.

Both cars are pitched directly at high-flying luxury car buyers, of which a large portion comes from China. Buyers there typically prefer more aggressive car design, so this new look is possibly also evidence of a design shift to cater to tastes in the world’s biggest new car market.

Aside from the altered front end, the rest of the spotted test car appears to feature more discreet alterations, including a new front bumper design and slimmer lights at the back.

Inside, the existing cabin architecture will be updated with BMW’s latest infotainment technology. Major changes are not expected, although a digital instrument cluster is likely and should significantly enhance user experience, while also helping the 7 Series keep up with tech offered by rivals such as Audi.

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/n...s-x7-influence