As you can see, the...

As you can see, the changes will be subtle, with the disguise intended to hide the discreetly remodelled bodywork. At the front, new headlights are fitted, while the bonnet line and bumper have also been reshaped.

At the rear, those visible rivets either side of the blue and white badge are a clue that the fresh bodywork is hidden below fake trim. Showroom models will have a smoother, less bulbous backside. The engine range will also be updated, with the addition of two new powerplants. At launch, the latest aluminium straight-six petrol motor from

the 630i will be available - but buyers who want the most powerful diesel variant will have to wait. A 735d-badged oil-burner, using a 272bhp twin-turbo unit, will be added to the line-up later.

Unfortunately, our photographer was chased away by test drivers when he tried to move in for an interior shot, but fresh trim and switchgear are expected. The biggest change is tipped to be a rethink of the controversial iDrive control system to make it simpler to use.

Although official dates and price details have yet to be released by BMW, the revised right-hand-drive UK-spec 7-Series is tipped to go on sale soon after its debut at the Swiss exhibition.