BMW's 7-Series was always more about satisfying the senses than electrifying them. For 2009, the German premium car manufacturer has deployed some updates to give the rolling luxury flat an updated look and added features.

Set to go on sale by spring, the 2009 7-Series will debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show this month.

7-Series enthusiasts can expect a more conventional looking package with updated front and rear bumpers and new taillights. The fenders also incorporate a metal grille and side-marker signal. BMW says that when the new 7-Series is viewed from various angles, the design is composed of energetic proportions, a graceful silhouette and sculptural surfaces that embody modernism. The large, vertical and low-set BMW "kidney" grilles help deliver a wide, planted stance.

The powerplant is updated as well- and now consists of a larger 4.4 litre twin-turbocharged V8 that's lifted from the X6 and tuned to deliver seamless and efficient power in line with the automaker's 'Efficient Dynamics' strategy. The direct-injected engine produces 400 horsepower and is teamed up with a six-speed automatic transmission for maximum relative efficiency.

BMW's newly updated iDrive system is on board too, offering enhanced functionality, easier use and a larger screen than before. BMW says that more intuitive operation is ensured by an optimized menu structure, and that a new controller enables function selection and activation via turn, push and tilt motions. A 40-gigabyte hard drive is available for music storage, negating the need to repeatedly handle compact discs.

The entire package rides a revised suspension setup with BMW's first use of a front double-wishbone, multi-link setup in a passenger car. Extensive use of aluminum in the suspension keeps the weight down, and the extended-wheelbase 750Li model comes with standard air-leveling suspension and is available with comfort seats and a rear-seat entertainment system with DVD players and remote.

The fenders also incorporate a metal grille and side-marker signal.