BMW has started testing the next-generation 7 Series (G11) and here we have the very first spy photos.

The prototype is heavily disguised, with temporary lights. The front door looks very short, while the rear door seems longer compared to the current model.

The facelift of the 7 Series was just revealed last year and as the development is in very early stages the new 7 Series is not expected to hit the market before 2015.

Last week I was invited to review the new prototype 7 series amongst some other vehicles that are still in development and I must say BMW is going to make the new generation 7 a beauty! Unfortunately they did not let us take in any electronic devices I can tell you is the interior is better than any previous generation 7, much classier, sitting in the rear passenger seat makes you want to hire a chauffeur to drive you around. As far as the exterior goes the rear has gone in a different direction, the rear diffuser and bumper were very nice no exposed exhaust tips, as far as the front end they had gone in the direction of making the headlights similar to the new 3-series.

Yes that is correct, the next generation 7 series to replace the F01/F02, the headlights were actually quite nice, much larger in comparison to the 3 series, it was tweaked just a bit.

The technology BMW developed for the i3 and i8 models ail benefit one particular future car, the next generation 7 Series full-size luxury sedan.

Before we look into the future for an in-depth analysis of the 7, let's turn our attention to November 2008, when the 5th generation F01/F02 went on sale. Here was a car that spelled the end for the ugly Bangle era design and made this car an executive once again. Aluminum block diesels and twin-turbo V8 made this the choice for people who wanted more driving thrills than the rival Mercedes S-Class could offer.

Even though a facelift for the 7 Series was introduced last year, Mercedes will step up its game, launching the new S-Class in Stuttgart shortly, and judging from the interior and exterior photos we have at our disposal, BMW is in for a fight.

Their new flagship sedan is scheduled to arrive in 2015, but the German automaker is already hard at work developing all the new technologies that will eventually trickle down to other Bimmers. The 6th generation 7 Series is being developed under the internal code-name G11 and is still in the early prototype phases.

Some of the body panels on this prototype, which was spotted testing on a frozen lake in Scandinavia, actually belong to the current 7 Series. But the car will be much different under the skin.

Lightness Is the 7 Series' Middle Name

Coincidentally, 2015 is also the year when European emissions watch dogs force the new EU6 standards. But the G11 7 Series should have no problem meeting them. BMW is a pioneer in using plastics for body panels, but the next luxury saloon will also have carbon fiber and lots of aluminum, used throughout the chassis. Judging from the way they've used it so far, carbon fiber will most likely be used for the roof and hood. Weight savings could be as high as 200 kg (440 lbs), though most will offer a little bit less than that.

BMW has had varying success with its ActiveHybrid models, but they will likely take things a step further than that, launching plug-in hybrid versions that can run around town on electricity alone. The success of the Tesla Model S shows rich clients are no longer put off by electric cars and enjoy the silence the afford.

A flagship of Modern Technology

Any German flagship model usually debuts blows anything that came before it right out of the water. The 6th generation 7 Series will be no exception, offering all the latest safety systems and more. Just like the next-gen X5, it will have active braking and a pedestrian airbag under the bonnet.

The instrument cluster will be fully digital, and most likely fully customizable as well. The 7 Series will also offer upgraded navigation, internet connectivity and will likely have live traffic updates to challenge the S-Class' TomTom-based systems.

The next generation of the BMW 7-Series has returned for a second round of spy shots.

If it won't be out towards the end of 2015, it means the Bavarian company will launch it in early 2016. BMW's flagship model is reportedly known as the G11 and will probably feature an evolutionary design. Don't judge the car's looks by these spy photos as some of the body panels are taken from the current 7-Series, including the rear bumper.

The front of the car shows a slightly lower hood and grille, while the trunk lid appears to be different as well. It is believed the next-gen 7-Series will benefit from a lightweight architecture encompassing carbon fiber and aluminum which could result in a loss of 204 kg (450 lbs). Aside from the weight drop, engines will be more fuel efficient while the array of Efficient Dynamics technologies will be expanded.

In terms of engine lineup, the 2015/2016 BMW 7-Series is rumored to come with a 4-cylinder engine producing 260 bhp (194 kW), a 6-cylinder mill with 340 bhp (254 kW) and a V8 generating 460 bhp (343 kW) - all turbocharged and with direct injection. Various reports are indicating an M770i xDrive variant will have a twin-turbo V8 4.0-liter churning around 475 bhp (354 kW) and 650 Nm (480 lb-ft) of torque. A plug-in hybrid variant is also in the pipeline, while the future of a V12-powered version is uncertain.

Some type of autonomous technology will be available for the next 7-Series since BMW teamed up with Continental for developing this type of tech. They are also collaborating with Harman for boosting in-car connectivity which means the new model will probably offer 3D maps with real-time traffic and weather updates, along with downloadable applications, Wi-Fi capabilities and better voice activation features.

Judging from the way they've used it so far, carbon fiber will most likely be used for the roof and hood. Weight savings could be as high as 200 kg (440 lbs), though most will offer a little bit less than that.