THREE years after it became the first in the range to signal BMW’s radical new design direction, the 7-series has received a makeover.

The luxury saloon has a new headlamp, grille and front bumper design, while the rear has also had a number of changes which, according to BMW, ‘have the effect of narrowing the car from the rear view’.

The most popular engine variant, the 730d, which is chosen by more than half of all 7-series buyers, also gets an upgrade, with an all-aluminium block to reduce weight, and a power increase of 12% to 228bhp. The 730i is also more powerful at 258bhp as well as having improved fuel economy.

BMW, keen to stress that the 7-series is the choice of enthusiastic drivers in the luxury sector, has added a chassis and electronic upgrades as well, while the complicated iDrive system has been simplified.

Entry price for the 730d has been increased from £45,950 OTR to £47,500, while the range-topping 760Li costs £80,975.