Extra-long-wheelbase BMW 7-series rumored for 2016

BMW may be planning to field an extra-long-wheelbase 7-series after the current model is replaced for the 2016 model year, BimmerToday reports. The current-generation 7-series has been with us since 2008, though its replacement is almost around the corner, relatively speaking. And even though the current version does not offer an extra-long-wheelbase body style, one based on the all-new 2016 BMW 7 series may be in the works.

The upcoming standard-wheelbase model, internally designated G11, has already been caught testing (heavily camouflaged for now). The rumored extra-long-wheelbase will be a third body style variant of the 7-series in addition to the standard and long-wheelbase models, and will battle the Mercedes-Benz S-class-based Maybach replacement. The upcoming extra-long-wheelbase variant is likely to offer the same general packaging as the Maybach 62, though it's not clear at this point whether that will mean a short insert after the B-pillar, even longer rear doors, or a comprehensive C-pillar and rear door reworking similar to that of the Maybach 62. The upcoming 7-series is also expected to make extensive use of carbon fiber to further reduce weight.

The idea of a factory built extra-long-wheelbase 7-series is not as novel as it may first seem, as in the 1990s BMW marketed the BMW L7, a moderately stretched version of the 1995 7-series with a short insert after the B-pillar, often coupled with the 5.0-liter V12 found in the 750iL. The L7 was available with or without a partition separating the passenger compartment from the driver, and it was also available in BMW's Security spec, which meant that it was armored and offered a blue light and a siren system as options. Very few of those cars have made their way to the U.S., and BMW did not revisit the extra-long-wheelbase personal limousine with the E65 7-series that debuted in 2001. But that hasn't stopped a number of coachbuilders from creating their own versions of the 2001 E65 and 2008 F01/F02 7-series cars (like Armortech's BMW 7 stretch above), often armored to the highest ballistic rating for passenger cars (known as B6/B7).

BMW
The BMW L7 of the 1990s offered a short insert after the B-pillar, maximizing rear legroom.

The recent debut of a number of executive cars offering an extended wheelbase and first-class interior amenities like reclining rear seats is forcing a number of manufacturers to roll out or upgrade long-wheelbase versions of their executive cars. We are just months away from the debut of the yet-unnamed extra-long-wheelbase Mercedes-Benz S-class, and just a couple weeks ago Land Rover announced a long-wheelbase version of the Range Rover, complete with executive class seating in the back. The Asian market is driving a lot of the sales in this segment, and we're also seeing increased demand for personal luxury cars that offer airline-style first-class seating accommodations.

The next-generation 7-series is expected to debut in the second half of 2015 as a 2016 model year vehicle, and is rumored to include an M performance version.

By Jay Ramey