Next-Gen BMW 7-Series On The Way

It won't be long before the next generation BMW 7-Series will be revealed.

BMW quite literally turned the luxury sedan market on its head with the distinctive and controversially styled 7-Series when it arrived in 2002, but despite all the hubbub from traditionalists it has turned out to be a great success for the German luxury brand. Sales have never been stronger, and to that end many luxury manufacturers have paid attention to this dynamic executive sedan.

Insiders suggest that the next 7-Series won't be as visually bold as the current car, taking a slightly more conventional look that will serve as a refined evolution of the current model. The interior will also be reworked and is to feature a new generation of iDrive interface.

The 7's column shift will move back between the seats, but the electronic linkage mechanism itself won't be changed. The lever from the 5, 6, X5 and

X6 will be fitted here, instead. What will be different, however, is that the 7 will be the first car to debut ZF's new eight-speed automatic transmission.

Another giant addition that could possibly be on the horizon is an all wheel drive version. BMW could very well equip the new 7 with the same type of xDrive system as fitted to its new X6, which is capable of varying torque between the left and right rear wheels to improve handling characteristics and increase agility. No word on which engines will be offered, but don't be surprised if BMW's twin-turbocharged lineup makes an entrance.

Reportedly, the car will make its international debut this September in Paris, and should be on the road by 2009.