The new BMW 7 Series isn't scheduled to break cover until June 10th, but, as it usually happens, some details have surfaced the Interwebz ahead of its official debut. This time around, the data leaked courtesy of BMW Austria's online configurator, which contains information about the sedan's->ke142 engines, exterior colors and pricing. What's more, it gives a better look at the vehicle's front fascia, which wasn't very visible in the leaked photos that made it online in January 2015.->ke142

The 7 Series->ke323 has also been updated to BMW's->ke178 current styling, which includes a larger twin-kidney grille and headlamps that go all the way into its chrome surround. On this sedan, the grille is actually a lot bigger than on other models, and features several vertical slats. The unknown trim level pictured here also sports a different bumper layout than the model seen in previous leaks. While the prototype had chrome ornaments right above the DRLs, this one has it underneath them. The bumper mesh seems to be different as well, but the image is too small to spot all the details.

Overall, the new front end, the massive grille, and the bulged engine hood make the 7 Series a lot more commanding to look at. Also, the longer headlamps are a significant improvement over the previous 6 Series-inspired->ke320 units, which gave the sedan a rather squinty aspect. I'm not the one to get excited about BMW redesigns, but Munich did a good job here.

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Colors, Wheels, and Options

The configurator reveals the new 7 Series will be available in 12 exterior colors in Europe. The palette includes Alpine White, Carbon Black, Black Sapphire, Black College, Cashmere Silver, Glacier Silver, Imperial Blue, Sophisto Grey, Mineral White, Singapore Grey, Jatoba, Magellan Grey, and Arctic Grey Brilliant. Some of these hues are cost options. BMW also offers an array of light-alloy wheels with diameters ranging from 17 to 20 inches.

As expected, there will be an M Sport Package for the 2016 7 Series. Details are limited here, but there's a photo showing a sportier front bumper with a honeycomb-like mesh and blackened trim instead of the usual chrome decoration. The website also says the adaptive all-LED headlamps will cost €1,800 (about $2,017). The in-car phone option will add another €840 (around $940) to the sticker.

New Six-Cylinder Engines

The 740i model continues with a 3.0-liter inline-six, but this time it's the new B58 unit. The engine is rated at 326 horsepower, which is a six horsepower improvement over the previous one. The 750i's twin-turbo, 4.4-liter V-8 seems to have remained unchanged, with its output at 450 horses. However, due to the fact that the new 7 Series will be significantly lighter, performance and fuel economy should see significant improvements. Lastly, the new B57 powerplant in the 730d, a 3.0-liter, turbo-diesel inline-six, churns out 265 horsepower. The previous diesel cranked out 258 horses. There's no info as to what other engines will be offered and which of them will cross the pond to the U.S.

Pricing

According to the configurator, the 730d model will start from €100,445 (about $112,428) in Austria when it goes on sale in October. The 740i, on the other hand, will fetch €107,690 (around $120,640) before options. Granted, there's a huge pricing gap between the new sedan and the previous model, but there must be some extra costs associated with the Austrian market. Otherwise, the 2016 7 Series would be significantly more expensive than its Audi-->ke14 and Mercedes-badged->ke187 competitors. Given the current 7 Series starts from $74,000 in the U.S., the redesigned sedan shouldn't cost more than $78,000.

Why it matters

There's definitely something wrong with the pricing of the 7 Series here, but what matters is that the German sedan comes with at least a couple of new engines, improved performance, and a significantly more appealing exterior design. Of course, the main highlight of the 2016 7 Series should be its lighter platform and sportier handling, but that's something we won't find out more about until the official unveiling. The good news is that the big debut is only a couple of days away, so keep it locked here for updates and a full review.

2016 BMW 7 Series

Find out more about the new 7 Series in our speculative review here.