Prototypes for the 2016 BMW 7-Series have been caught by our spies during their latest round of testing. The test drivers however, appear less than pleased to see the photographers as they stopped to create a confrontation. Our German is a little rusty so the content of the conversation evades us, but the tone and body language certainly gives away their true feelings.

The model in question is the next generation of BMW's flagship model and rides on the brand new 35up platform. Reports have indicated it will shed up to 200kg of weight compared to its predecessor using lightweight materials including aluminum, magnesium and carbon fiber-reinforced plastic.

Exterior styling will draw its inspiration from the Vision Future Luxury concept but updates will by evolutionary rather than revolutionary.

Available engine units will include an inline-six 3.0 -liter and a new 4.0-liter V8 unit with the range topped off by a V8 4.4-liter twin-turbo tuned to pump more than 600 bhp (447 kW). A small 4-cylinder, 2.0-liter turbodiesel will also be introduced to the 7-series range for the first time.

The next generation BMW 7-series will be unveiled at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show before beginning sales early in 2016.

BMW is rumored to build three different variants of the new 7er. The standard short wheelbase (G11), a long wheelbase (G12) and an extra-long-wheelbase model.

The next generation G11/G12 BMW 7 Series will be unveiled at the 2015 Frankfurt Auto Show.

With the new 7 Series, BMW focused especially on weight reduction and the use of lightweight materials. The G11/G12 will use a combination of aluminum, magnesium, high-strength steel and carbonfiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP).

The latter is set to be used not only for the bonnet and roof but also in load-bearing areas in the floorpan and body.

Speaking about the new car recently, BMW boss Norbert Reithofer said “the new BMW 7 Series will set new luxury-class standards not only in terms of lightweight construction, but also in driving dynamics.”

The weight reductions are significant, over 200 kg or close to 400 lbs, making the new 7 Series weigh less than the current F10 535i. The curb weight is said to be 1650 kg (3637 lbs).

BMW is rumored to build three different variants of the new 7er. The standard short wheelbase (G11), a long wheelbase (G12) and an extra-long-wheelbase model.

The new extended model will be BMW’s response to the the long-wheelbase, ultra-luxury version of the next-generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class. This stretched and highly luxurious sedan will replace the Maybach 57 and Maybach 62. The S-Class Pullman will be visibly distinguished from the regular S-class.

With a BMW 7 Series Extra-Long, the Munich-based automaker could avoid a comparison between the stretched S-class with the vehicles in the luxury brand Rolls-Royce.

A major market for such vehicles is likely to be China, with the Middle East being a secondary market.

Underpinning the new car is a modular platform, “35up”, that forms part of a longitudinal engine matrix that is already used by the 3 and 4 Series and is set to be adopted by replacements for the 5 and 6 Series.

The 2016 BMW 7 Series will be offered with a range of turbocharged four, six, eight and 12-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, a standard nine-speed automatic transmission and the option of rear or four-wheel drive.

Diesels will include a 2.0-litre four in a new entry-level model and 3.0-litre in-line six.

The rumormill churns out that BMW is looking at creating a new M7 or M750i M Performance version.

BMW will unveil the G11/G12 7 Series at the 2015 Frankfurt Auto Show.

BMW boss Norbert Reithofer said “the new BMW 7 Series will set new luxury-class standards not only in terms of lightweight construction, but also in driving dynamics.”