BMW revealed its 7-Series refresh this week. The lineup receives a power boost as well as an increased sense of refinement.

Apart from its rear deck, the new 7 looks a bit like it’s cozying up to the executive-oriented Porsche Panamera. It has an elongated nose, and a similarly sloped roof. BMW gave the 2020 7-Series a more prominent grille design, pounding home the brand identity, and the model identity as well, echoing the Mercedes S-Class grille in doing so. Having a couple of these in the corporate fleet is going to enhance credibility as surely as corralling a pair of Panameras.

From a manufacturing perspective, a notable shift: the 2020 7’s CLAR platform architecture is being extended to other models. The cost-cutting measure is hidden well so far, though.

The engine of the new 7-Series may be reason for a moment of silent thanks. A plug-in hybrid gets a six-cylinder ICE. The 4.4L V8 has been rethought and comes away even more efficient, pumping out a substantial 523 HP and 553 pound-feet of torque, about a fifteen percent boost on both accounts. And the king-of-the-hill M760 boasts the 600-HP V12 that will appeal to enthusiasts. Launch control is now a standard feature of the eight-speed gearbox.

Tech has also seen an upgrade in the 7-Series. That’s no surprise, but the new instrument cluster is attractive and subdued, and pairs very well with the latest BMW infotainment screen.

Look for the 2020 7-Series variants to roll into showrooms this April.