In 2022, BMW revealed The Final V12 7 Series, a special edition to say goodbye to its monstrous 6.6-liter twin-turbo engine, and although BMW-owned Rolls-Royce will continue to offer 12-cylinder power, the German automaker is not going back on the decision for Bavarian machinery. Instead, the next 7 Series will get a revised version of the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 that powers the M5, X5 M, X6 M, and a few other Bimmers. According to a reliable insider, user ynguldyn on the BimmerPost forum, an updated version of the engine, called S68TÜ1, will debut in the G65 BMW X5 M60 before finding its way to other top-tier BMW models, including the 7 Series.
Hybrid Power for the New 7 Series
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The revised S68 (TU stands for Technical Update) is reportedly to be offered as an option in the range-topping M760, and all versions of the engine are combined with electrification. In the 7er, it will likely be a 48-volt mild-hybrid setup. The reported figure of 536 horsepower is likely only a starting point for this new powertrain, as the old M760i’s twin-turbo V12 developed 601 hp. The current G05 X5 M60i’s S68 engine develops 523 hp with mild-hybrid assist, so the 536-hp figure would be a meaningful bump, while the next 7 Series will surely produce more in top trim to cover up the loss of the V12. America is especially fond of the V8, hence its continued existence and this new technical update.
Getting rid of the expensive and maintenance-intensive but silky smooth V12 would surely have been disappointing for 7 Series buyers, but dropping the V8? That would have been a pill too bitter to swallow, especially since archrival Mercedes is running back to the eight-cylinder configuration.
Thanks to a recent accidental leak on the BMW USA online shop, we know that the facelifted 7 Series will arrive in 740ixDrive form before the end of this year as one of several new Bimmers for the 2027 model year. Perhaps this trim will have that 536-hp figure before a new M760 arrives for the 2028 model year.
Subtle Styling Changes, Major Interior Update Coming to New BMW 7 Series
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Spy shots captured over the past few months show that the revised 7 Series will feature a sprinkling of changes to its bodywork, including new kidney grilles with horizontal bars instead of vertical ones. We’ve also spotted quad-exit exhaust tips. These styling features are currently a calling card of M and M Performance vehicles, and with a more powerful M engine coming to the 7 Series, they make more sense for the top model. We can also expect subtly revised headlights and bumpers, while the cabin will gain BMW Operating System X infotainment with Panoramic iDrive. Our spies report that production begins in July of this year, indicating a reveal will take place in the spring.
About the author
Sebastian Cenizo
Senior Editor, Autoblog