The next-generation BMW 7 Series has just been spied testing on the Nurburgring->ke999. Although it has yet to drop its camouflage, which makes sense considering the launch date is at least one year away, the upcoming 7 Series is shaping up into quite the nimble sedan->ke142.

Granted, the 7 Series->ke323 is not the kind of car you'd expect to see on the 'Ring on a daily basis, but the Germans are planning to turn the full-size->ke4304 car into a "Green Hell" regular. BMW->ke178's intentions toward setting new standards in the luxury->ke505 class with the 2016 7 Series are already a fact, so we might as well get used to seeing the sedan burn some rubber on the Nordschleife.

The next 7 Series will face stiff competition from the Audi A8->ke1089 and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class->ke359, and track testing will only help improve the Bimmer's driving dynamics. With BMW shaving about 450 pounds off its curb weight by means of lightweight construction and carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic parts, track testing is crucial in the process of establishing a well-balanced recipe for the road. The next 7 Series might be more of a driver's BMW than any of its predecessors.

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

2016 BMW 7 Series Details

Styling-wise, the 2016 7 Series is still a mystery, but expect an evolutionary design approach to reside under the swirly wrap. A slimmer and wider front grille, skinnier headlamps, a revised trunk lid, and reshaped taillights are the main details you should keep an eye out for on the next-gen sedan.

As far as powertrains go, expect a plethora of gasoline and diesel engines to motivate both the standard and the long-wheelbase version. The base models and the diesel-powered models carry six-cylinder units under the hood, with a more powerful sedan to make use of a V-8 powerplant. At the top of the range, the V-12 mill will remain king with more than 500 horsepower on tap.