The facelifted BMW 7-Series was recently handed over to journalists from around the world in Faro, Portugal and the car manufacturer has just released a comprehensive gallery from the event.

The most controversial element of the latest BMW 7-Series is obviously that huge kidney grille. At least one journalist from the event tells us that the grille looks much better in person, but we’re not convinced and still think it is way too big.

If you’re able to pry your eyes away from the grille, you will notice a number of new styling elements which are a lot easier on the eye. For example, the slim and aggressive headlights are a nice upgrade over the pre-facelifted 7-Series. Additionally, we’re big fans of the updated rear end which includes new taillights and a horizontal light bar stretching the width of the rear. There’s also a set of large tailpipes with chrome surrounds which suit the character of the sedan nicely.

When compared with the current Mercedes-Benz S-Class, we think the revamped 7-Series has greater road presence and when driven in public, will probably turn more heads. Whether they’ll like the new face or not, though, is debatable – but they’ll certainly look.

BMW will sell the new 7-Series in two wheelbase versions, with the LWB adding 14 cm (5.5-inches) of length, making it particularly useful for owners who prefer riding in the rear than actually driving – and the Chinese, who have a thing for long-wheelbase models.

In terms of engines, the facelifted sedan receives the latest 4.4-liter V8 from the 8-Series with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft (750 Nm) of torque in the 750i xDrive and 750Li xDrive respectively. Another model offered in the new 7-Series family is the plug-in hybrid 745e, complete with an inline six delivering 388 hp and 442 lb-ft (600 Nm) of torque. The range is topped out by the M760Li xDrive, whose twin-turbo 6.6-liter V12 pumps out 601 hp and 627 lb-ft (850 Nm) of torque.