Story and photos by Andreas Conradt, Automedia
Spy photographers have once again caught an upcoming vehicle undergoing testing, giving an early glimpse at what's to come before its official debut.
Extensive Facelift for the '26 BMW 7-Series
SEMA News sources recently captured new images of a prototype of the updated BMW 7-Series and i7, which is expected to get a facelift before 2026.
Last updated in 2022, it is yet unclear whether anything will change in terms of powerplant for the 7-Series, with the wide range of drive systems available in the current model likely to continue in the facelifted sedan. The 740d xDrive, the 286hp diesel engine, represents the entry-level variant, while hybrid models offer a potential peak output of 571 hp with the M760e xDrive, a 3.0-L inline six-cylinder engine with electric support.
In addition to combustion engines and plug-in hybrids, BMW will also offer purely electric drive systems with the i7. As the base model, the eDrive50 is equipped with an output of 455 hp, while the xDrive60 offers 544 hp. In the top-of-the-range BMW i7 M70 xDrive model, the power output climbs to a 660 hp. All three variants utilize a 101.7-kWh battery, which provides a maximum range of 382 miles.
Visually, the prototype of the BMW 7-Series and i7 Facelifts does not allow for any concrete conclusions, but is completely wrapped in camouflage foil, suggesting the facelift will entail quite far-reaching changes. The front end could take up the kidney grille design of the BMW 5 Series G60, sources said, while the headlights and rear lights have been stripped down to the bare essentials. The tailpipes, on the other hand, are clearly recognizable and point to the BMW M760e xDrive.
As the side windows, inner door panels and the entire cockpit are also camouflaged, BMW seems to have some plans here, too. A major infotainment upgrade to bring the technology up to date is also realistic.
1,000 HP and 1,000-km Range: The New Porsche Cayenne
The latest test of the upcoming electric Porsche Cayenne has been captured in spy shots newly acquired by SEMA News. Spotted outside the Porsche development center in Weissach, Germany, the prototype was spotted with only decals around the headlights attempting to obscure the design, and also in areas that in previous images had hidden by black plastic plates, including between the headlights.
In the images, Porsche has concealed the grille with transparent stickers, although in reality it will only have discreet vertical openings at the ends, acting as air curtains that will redirect air toward the wheels. The active grilles on the apron are clearly visible, as are the 20-in. aerodynamic alloy wheels. The door panels also feature a layer of vinyl, but do not obscure the new design.
Minor Updates Outside, Modern Tech Under the Metal: '26 Audi Q4
The Audi Q4 Facelift was a long time coming, and our photographers have finally managed to get the first spy shots of this premium electric SUV, camouflaged and with significant aesthetic changes.
According to the new images, the shape of the headlights hasn't changed, but the internal design has. Audi has placed decals on the headlamps try to hide them, but parallel horizontal bars for the LED daytime running lights are still visible. Below them, at the bottom, are the dipped and main beam headlamps.
Audi designers have also covered the grille as it will feature a new mesh like that on the new Q6 e-tron, insiders said. In addition, the bumper will also offer a cleaner design, retaining the number plate in the middle and revealing a honeycomb mesh in the air intake of the apron, which itself is completely new.
At the opposite end, the Q4 will receive new light graphics in the taillamps and a modified design of the bumper, according to the photos. The Q4 already has an advanced cockpit, so it is not expected to receive a large, curved digital display, sources said.
With limited changes on the exterior, Audi will give the car a major package of improvements that will also come to the somewhat sportier Q4 Sportback. Both variants are expected to hit dealerships in mid-2026.
