> BMW back to its elegant lines

The current BMW 7-series has been on the market since 2002 with a facelift in 2005. We have seen spy-shots of a mule of the new car about half a year ago, now here are the first shots of a real prototype of the next generation 7-series, the company’s top-of-the-line model.

The test car is featuring a completely new front end similar to the 6-Series styling. It’s clear the current model’s extravagant design will be toned down for the new one in order to avoid the harsh critics received upon the introduction of the current 7-series in 2002. The position of the headlights and turn signals show that the next 7-series will have low mounted wrap-around headlights and a wide grille as well as a sleeker body and a more elegant overall appearance.

The new 7-series is not expected to be released before the end of 2007.

We haven't seen the 2009 BMW 7 Series, but we know people who have a good idea of what it's going to look like. They put together these renderings based on their insider knowledge to give us a peek at what we can expect from BMW's next flagship sedan.

Clear from these pictures, the radical design of the current model has been toned down for the 2009 7 Series. The 2006 7 Series already softened some of the harder edges that offended so many BMW loyalists, but this design will go even further.

The most obvious difference between this conceptual 2009 7 Series and the current version is the shape of the rear end. Forget the old Bangle Butt, as it was so callously called, this 7's tail section will have a much smoother design that better integrates into the car's overall lines. Although the face of the '09 7 Series does not look dramatically different from that of the '06 model, it appears that BMW will likely replace the current semi-rectangular headlamps with a more elliptically shaped set. The taillamps also appear to have been altered in keeping with the vehicle's slimmed-down rear end.

As conservative as the '09 7 Series appears on the surface, this next-generation version of the vehicle is expected to house the sort of progressive features beneath its skin that BMW loves. The cabin will likely feature a wider range of electronic systems with a more user-friendly layout than that of the 2006 7 Series. The clunky iDrive system will stay, but it will get yet another revision for better usability.

Expect a greater use of active safety features, incorporating everything from cameras to radars in the name of accident avoidance, as well.

Since BMW has officially partnered with DaimlerChrysler and GM on development of a hybrid drive system, don't be surprised to see a gas-electric version of this 7 Series added to the lineup.

Look for both a short- and long-wheelbase version of the 2009 BMW 7 Series toward the end of the 2008 calendar year.

Expect a greater use of active safety features, incorporating everything from cameras to radars in the name of accident avoidance, as well.