The international embargo on the new 7 Series BMW was due to lift around 8am tomorrow, but pictures of the all-new model have already been leaked. Those images, which look unofficially official -- if you take our meaning -- show a car that is a more practical variation on the CS Concept theme and also incorporates cues from the current 3 Series.

According to American publication, Automotive News, the new 7 is larger than the current E65/E66 model and, in North American spec, will offer buyers the option of the X6's twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8, driving through a six-speed automatic transmission.

Whether we'll see that engine, or either the 3.0-litre twin-turbo six and turbodiesel variants in Australia remains unclear.

Automotive News also reports that the new 7 Series will see the return of the gear selector to the centre console and further simplification for the iDrive system.

New suspension components are joined by a Dynamic Damping Control system to provide the driver with a choice of four modes for preferred ride settings, steering response, throttle control and transmission shift quality. In addition -- and again, this doesn't come directly from an official source -- the rear wheels steer up to three degrees in an active-steer system.

Options -- or possibly standard features for the Australian market, but don't bet the house on it -- are likely to include night vision, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, massaging rear seats and rear view and side view cameras.

» Watch the Carsales Network's video on the new BMW 7 Series here

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