2009 BMW 7-Series CGI

The new luxury sedan will take on the likes of Mercedes-Benz S Class, Audi A8 and the newest contender, the Japanese made hybrid Lexus LS600hl.

So far little concrete information is known about BMW's latest creation, but rumours suggest the German powerhouse will be introducing a new iDrive system with the 7-series, which will eventually trickle down to the rest of the BMW range.

BMW Australia's communication manager, Toni Andreevski, told CarAdvice to expect the new 7-series in Australia in the first half of 2009, however he would not comment on engine variants or other specifications.

BMW fans around the world are currently discussing the new 7, hoping that the infamous bangle-butt of the current range will be restyled. Rumour has it the new 7-series will also sport an 8-speed automatic transmission to take on Lexus in the numbers game.

Looking at our spy photos of the new 7-series, it's clear that BMW has gone for a more conservative and classic design this time around.