Rumor: BMW 7-Series to get new engine options by 2013 after mid-cycle refresh

The F01 BMW 7-Series has been with us since 2009. Being that it’s 2012, about three years after its main debut, BMW had decided to give the Munich-brand’s flagship a mid-cycle refresh. Of course, the usual blend of visual tweaks and equipment upgrades are included.

However, according to a report by BMWBlog based on some news by German enthusiast magazine, BimmerToday, word is that the F01 7-Series will be receiving some changes to its engine options as well.

The first is one that’s been in the rumormill for sometime: an “M-Performance” version of the latest 7-Series, called the M750i. Expect the usual dosage of subtly upgraded M visuals along with some performance tweaks to put it in the same family as the M550d, X5 M50d, X6 M50d, and M135i. That said, according to the report, the new M750i will most likely be powered by the base 750i’s 4.4L twin-turbocharged V8, though power output is said to be increased to 450hp.

Another engine option that BMW is considering involves a four-cylinder powered 728i model. The 728i would most likely be powered by the brand’s N20B20 2.0L turbocharged four-banger, mated to an electric motor—much like Audi’s A8 Hybrid.

However, BMW has yet to officially announce these changes. Additionally, these rumors speak specifically for the European market. So there’s no indication surrounding any North American version…yet. Either way, only time will tell.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: BimmerToday (if you know German) via BMWBlog