The next-generation BMW 7 Series->ke323 may still be a mystery, but several rumors that surfaced throughout 2014 hint that the Germans are working on something big. And I'm not talking about the car's proportions, but a host of innovative technologies that will make the sedan->ke142 lighter, sportier and packed with state-of-the-art features. A brand-new platform and lightweight materials such as aluminum and carbon fiber will make the 7 Series lighter than ever, with as much as 600 pounds expected to be shaved off compared to the current model.

The upcoming four-door is also expected to showcase a sportier design, with many of the cues borrowed from the likes of the X5->ke326 and X6->ke2396 crossovers. The fact that the next 7 Series will feature a completely redesigned front end has already been confirmed by past spy shots,->ke166 but what about the rest of the vehicle? Well, our paparazzi have sent us a new batch of pictures, and although there is very little to gain from them as far as the exterior goes, we do have a lot of interior details to chew on. Check them out after the jump.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2016 BMW 7 Series.

2016 BMW 7 Series - Spy Shots

Previous prototypes had interiors that looked like puzzles made from old and new parts, but this specific test vehicle is the first to actually show what's coming in the next-gen 7 Series. First and foremost, there's a brand-new infotainment system. The redesigned iDrive interface now features six sub-menus instead of the eight we've seen on current BMWs, as well as a new design and better graphics. The fact that the test driver is taking a picture of the screen could mean this iDrive is still being tested with very little people from BMW having access to it.

Visually, the interior of this prototype is still similar to the current model, but that's likely to change as development moves forward. However, we did spot some new air vents with new controls, an i8-like, aluminum HVAC, and a digital instrument cluster. The steering wheel is also new, but far from being production-ready and still partly camouflaged.

Interior-aside, the photos also reveal the upcoming 7 Series will get the company's new laser headlamps. The units seen above will be offered as an option, with LED lights to remain as standard features. The wider kidney grille and the new hood cut-line that wraps around it are yet another indication of BMW's intentions in delivering a sporty-looking sedan.

Lastly, the new test car is the first to sport production taillights, although they remain completely camouflaged. However, we expect them to come in a more squared-off design and with a new pattern.

Why it matters

Development of the upcoming 7 Series may be progressing slowly, but at least now we know why. Besides testing a brand-new platform, new aerodynamics and updated engines, the Germans are also busy implementing a new infotainment system. The redesigned iDrive will likely spread onto the rest of the BMW lineup for the 2016 model year, and that makes the testing phase that much more complex for this sedan. The 7 Series' debut is nearly one year away, but we expect it to start undressing in early 2015.