For the 2020 model year, the BMW 7 Series received a mid-cycle facelift. Compared to the outgoing model, the flagship sedan was updated with refreshed styling including a larger grille, New plug-in hybrid drive technology. While the facelift model has only been on sale since the 2020 model year, development for the next-generation BMW 7 Series is already underway.

Our spies spotted two prototype test mules of the new flagship sedan loaded on a trailer in preparation for testing. One appears to be the regular combustion model, while the "hybrid test vehicle" suggests the second model is electrified. The test mule is based on the current 7 Series, but camouflaged areas could give us some clues about the next-generation sedan's design changes.

At the front, the headlights are covered up, but these are fake provision units often seen on prototypes and test mules. Nevertheless, the next-generation BMW 7 Series could still feature upgraded headlight technology. It's a similar story at the back, as the taillights are also covered up which could hint at some design revisions.

Inside, the cabin looks identical to the current 7 Series, but part of the center console is covered up, which suggests the new model will have an updated infotainment system. Also expect some big changes under the hood. The current BMW 7 Series is offered with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 gasoline engine in the 740i model, a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 in the 750i, and a 6.6-liter twin-turbo V12 in the range-topping M760i, which produces 600 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque in the latter.

However, the future of BMW's V12 is uncertain as rumors have suggested the next-generation 7 Series will drop the 12-cylinder powerplant. "Beyond what we have, I don't believe we will see a new twelve-cylinder model in the foreseeable future," Markus Flasch, CEO of BMW's M Division, said in a recent interview.

Recent spy shots have also suggested BMW is developing a fully electric 7 Series, which could be called the i7, to battle the Mercedes EQS. Production of the current BMW 7 Series is expected to end in 2022, so the next-generation model will likely be revealed either in 2022 or 2023.