[UPDATED] All New BMW 7-Series Official Photos and Info
by Clinton Deacon July 3, 2008 3:16 PM
Filed Under: BMW, German, Leaks
[07.04.08UPDATE: hi-resolution images and press release have been added]
No more spy pics, no more renderings, the first official images of the all new BMW 7-Series have leaked onto the web and who are we to hold them back from you. The official unveiling isn't until next week, but perhaps this may spur BMW into action sooner.
Very little was left to the imagination regarding the exterior design, recent prototypes have sported only light camouflage and a recent teaser poster caught at a golf tournament showed the CS inspired headlights. We see from these leaked images, both the front and rear lights will get LEDs and the interior shows us a first glimpse of the updated i-Drive system.
Of course we will bring you full details as soon as they surface, but enjoy these photos in the meantime.
Fifth generation of the BMW 7 Series; a completely new interpretation of style, luxury and driving pleasure. The market will receive the 750i and, with its wheelbase extended by 140 mm/5.5 in., the 750Li.
• The attributes of these vehicles are expressed visually by their design, which radiates a natural presence, inherent sportiness and an elegance born of precision in concept and execution. A whole new generation of V-8 engine with direct injection and twin turbochargers expresses BMW EfficientDynamics at the highest level of performance. Weight-efficient construction and innovative chassis technology contribute to provide the platform for dynamic driving qualities that are unique in the world of luxury automobiles. New, exclusive BMW driver-assistance systems and comfortrelated features further add to the truly exceptional driving and riding
experience these automobiles deliver.
An unmistakable look, confident and proud in its character, expresses typical BMW sportiness in its most elegant form. Viewed from various angles, the design is composed of energetic proportions; a graceful silhouette; sculptural surfaces that embody modernism; the large, vertical, yet low-set BMW “kidney” grilles; and a rear aspect that communicates a wide stance, muscular substance and clarity of line.
Inside the new 7, the theme is consistent with the exterior: an advanced spatial concept with clear organization and delineation of driving-and comfort-oriented functions. The ambiance is luxurious, of transcendent quality and – most important of all – inviting. Gently contoured lines, high-caliber materials and an enhanced feeling of space add up to a harmonious, expansive and luxurious environment. The driver-oriented control center features Black Panel technology. A console-mounted E-Shift transmission control, new to the 7 Series, is positioned close to the new Driving Dynamics Control, the BMW iDrive controller. More functions than ever are conveniently accessible to the driver from the multi-function steering wheel.
An entirely new generation of BMW’s pioneering iDrive presents features and functions in a larger (10.2-in.), high-resolution color display. More intuitive operation is ensured by an optimized menu structure; a new controller enabling function selection and activation via turn, push and tilt motions; direct-select keys; and eight freely programmable Memory Keys. The standard GPS Navigation system is newly enhanced with topography and functionally improved; the audio system gains a hard drive.
• An all-new engine powers both models in the U.S. Recently introduced in the X6, it’s a 4.4-liter, twin-turbocharged V-8 delivering 400 hp and 450lbs-ft of torque over an amazingly broad rpm range. Fuel efficiency promises to be class-leading too, though official EPA ratings are not yet available. A 6-speed automatic transmission with optimized shifting smoothness and speed, also promotes enhanced fuel efficiency.
All-around weight-efficient construction within the BMW EfficientDynamics concept: extensive use of multi-phase and hot-rolled steels in the body/chassis’ load-bearing structures; aluminum roof, doors, hood and front fenders; aluminum front spring towers; aluminum-block engine, aluminum differential housing.
An entirely new suspension system, engineered for dynamic handling and a refined ride. The new 7 is BMW’s first passenger car (i.e. not Sports Activity Vehicle) with multi-link double-wishbone front suspension. At the rear, the new Integral V rear suspension also contributes to EfficientDynamics via extensive use of aluminum. On the 750Li, self-leveling air suspension is standard. Rack-and-pinion steering with variable ratio and hydraulic power assist continues, but with a new-type hydraulic pump that delivers assist only when called for, thereby saving fuel. Also new, and a world premiere: Integral Active Steering, which adds speed-sensitive rear-wheel steering to BMW’s proven front Active Steering system. This is included in models’ Sport Package.
• The suspension system features further development of BMW’s Dynamic Damping Control. With standard Driving Dynamics Control, the driver can choose between four settings for shock-absorber firmness, transmission shift characteristics, engine-throttle response, power-steering assist: Comfort, , Sport and Sport Plus. In Sport mode, the default settings can be adjusted by the driver. In Sport Plus, the traction-and-stability system Dynamic Stability Control switches to its Dynamic Traction Control setting (reduced traction intervention), which is suitable for track-style driving. Active Roll Stabilization, BMW’s system of reducing body lean in cornering, continues as part of the optional Sport Package.
An array of innovative driver-assistance options that’s unique in the luxury segment (asterisk indicates new, or new to 7 Series) Active Cruise Control with new stop-and-go capability; Lane Departure Warning*, Active Blind Spot Detection*, Head-up Display*, High Beam Assistant*, BMW Night Vision with new Pedestrian Detection, Side View* and Back-up Cameras.*
A wide range of comfort functions and innovative entertainment features: audio amenities include new hard-drive music storage, multi-channel amplification and speaker outputs, auxiliary audio input; available 6-disc DVD changer and iPod/USB ports. Further optional or standard luxuries include 4zone climate control with “draft-free” vents, Active Seat Ventilation, Active Comfort massaging seats, newly enhanced telematics, an innovative new moonroof concept, and a first-ever Integrated Owner’s Manual.
Luxury and dynamics harmonize as never before: The new BMW 7 Series.
The new 7 embodies luxury that inspires, driving dynamics that enthuse, and a visual presence that earns universal admiration. It is the product of a self-assured design philosophy and consistent yet ever-evolving engineering artistry. In great measure, this new sedan owes its unique, progressive character to an abundance of innovations whose purpose is to make driving a magnificent automobile – as well as riding in it – a memorable experience.
At the core of this experience are chassis engineering that sets new international standards and all-new powertrain technology. BMW, which introduced its Active Steering concept in 2004, now brings it to the 7 Series in a new, unique form: Integral Active Steering, encompassing not only the original variable-ratio front steering, but also, new rear-wheel steering. Acting as an overall system, the two capabilities deliver a new combination of handling ease, maneuverability and unrivaled stability in dynamic driving conditions: Integral Active Steering is included in the optional Sport Package.
The new 7 Series introduces Driving Dynamics Control, which enables the driver to select from four progressively sporty driving programs with the touch of a button. Driving Dynamics Control integrates Dynamic Damping Control (which has three-mode shock-absorber control) with transmission shift characteristics, engine response to the accelerator pedal, and steering assist and traction control level.
Active Roll Stabilization another BMW advance in handling and riding comfort, is yet another element of the available Sport Package: Via electro-hydraulically actuated anti-roll bars, ARS reduces body “roll” or lean in cornering to a minimum, greatly enhancing the feeling of road-hugging handling.
An all-new engine that uniquely combines Efficiency and Dynamics.
Both U.S. models will be powered by an all-new twin-turbo V-8 engine also making its debut in the X6 Sports Activity Coupe. This is a highly advanced, unique and outstanding powerplant. With 4.4 liters of displacement and direct fuel injection (BMW’s High Precision Injection), the V-8 carries its two turbochargers in the “valley” between the two cylinder banks putting its exhaust valves inboard and intake valves outboard – a highly unusual layout and a complete departure from its predecessor. This “variation from the norm” pays off: the engine develops 400 hp over a range from 5500 to 6400 rpm, and a robust 450 lb-ft. of torque over the even broader range of 1750-4500 rpm. Compared to the like-named 750i/Li predecessors’ 4.8-liter naturally aspirated V-8’s 360 hp and 360 lb-ft., the new engine represents major progress in performance; and though official EPA ratings are not yet in, it is expected to deliver class-leading fuel efficiency as well. To provide some context to this achievement: the previous 7 Series’ 6.0-liter V-12 develops 438 hp and 444 lbft.
Leading the way again: a new generation of iDrive.
With the new 7, BMW again assumes the role of world leader in automotive control concepts. A 2nd generation of iDrive sets new standards for ergonomics, efficiency and logical functionality with its larger, higher-definition Control Display. New, uniformly structured menus and an optimized control strategy for the display and console-mounted controller are also signature features of the new system.
Other new details include buttons for direct selection of the Radio, CD, Navigation and Telecommunications menus, grouped conveniently next to the controller. Visual assists and consistent flow in the display simplify choices within the individual menus. In the GPS Navigation section, users will benefit from map displays with new standards of size, brilliance, detail and view choice. A “map preview” function facilitates selection of the navigation destination from a list; in a new operational logic, letters of the alphabet and numerals are arranged in circular form for more intuitive input of addresses and phone numbers.
For greater driving safety: Active Blind Spot Detection and BMW Night Vision with Pedestrian Detection.
Thanks to innovative driver-assistance systems – some of them BMW-exclusive – active safety also attains new levels. The new 7 is the first in its segment to offer a Head-up Display, which projects relevant driving information onto the windshield in front of the driver. The HUD is a stand-alone option on models. Optional Adaptive Cruise Control, with new Stop-and-Go capability, assists the driver in maintaining serene progress in rapid freeway or interstate driving or on country roads; and in dense, stop-and-go traffic, can do precisely that when necessary to maintain a safe following distance.
With the new 7, BMW’s newly developed Active Blind Spot Detection makes its debut. Its function is to warn the driver – by vibration in the steering wheel plus a blinking LED on the exterior mirror – upon initiating a lane change when there is an unseen vehicle in the blind spot or when there is a vehicle –not yet in the blind spot-but is closing in at a rate that could result in a collision if the driver changed lanes. Active Blind Spot Detection will be offered together with the Lane Departure Warning, a familiar BMW option but new to the 7 Series. By alerting the driver (also, via a vibrating steering wheel) when a lane change is initiated without the turn signals, the driver is assisted in avoiding potential accidents.
Finally, the High Beam Assist, which automatically dims the headlights for oncoming traffic and returns them to high beams when the way is clear, is included with Active Blind Spot Detection and Lane Departure Warning in the optional Driver Assistance Package for models. BMW Night Vision continues as an option in the new 7, and adds a new capability: recognizing and indicating individual pedestrians on or near the roadway.
Innovations in climate and entertainment systems – plus more space.
The new 7 delivers technological progress in climate control and entertainment systems, plus more space in the cabin to enjoy them. The standard automatic climate control provides for precise adjustment of airflow and temperature, free of drafts or unpleasant air turbulence. Newly standard is 4-zone climate control, with which rear-seat passengers can vary their climate independently on the left and right sides, just as in the front compartment.
And speaking of the rear passenger compartment, the 750Li has a 140mm/5.5-in. longer wheelbase for greater rear leg room; this model also has more rear head room.
OK, a bit disappointing. The front bumper with that fold and it's got this "really wide mouth" looks so old fashioned... and the headlights are so bland.
Overall design from the front doesnt look very differnent from the last. The huge grills does not enhance the style at all, if anything, it makes the car look retarded. From what we've seen from merc with the S-Class, I was really expecting something else from BMW, I guess thats the reason Im so dissapointed with this design. From far the back does look abit like the Lexus LS, but apon close inspection it does look Korean. The over all body of the car still looks boxy & boring, wanted it to be abit more sleek, its like they took the old version & just modified the front & the back. The interior is quite stunning, but not a fan of the black steering wheel, I hope its leather coverd & not that crappy plastic we get in all the other models. They should understand that this is the flag ship model & they should try & do more with the design.
the front is more 5-series look-a-like, rather than the CS, I need to get used to the rear, because the lights appear to be a bit too big. The side profile reminds me of Quattroporte, and looks very nice. Interior is as seen on the spypics before, so no any suprise, a huge improvement over the E66, but not very shocking. The car is rather toned down, not very different from the outgoing model at the first sight, yet less bloated. If think people expected something more exciting for a 2009 top-of-the-range BMW, more CS looking, but I guess BMW didn't wanted to get the same story as with the E65 in 2001. Personally I like it more and more as I see those pictures, I can't wait to see it in person.
the 7 series is so important, I just can't understand why they can not design a very good looking one, like the E38 and E32. It really is a bit disappointing. Only from the side does it look good. its a shame that they didn't manage to amaze. this was very important, in my opinion, and it is not what I expected. Design isn't everything, and I am sure that in every other aspect the car is great, but I believe design really is very important.
looks much better than the current (facelifted) one. i agree with all they admit, that this car is not a giant leap forward. but it looks solid and that matters in this class. and it looks good in reality.
Take the backlights from the c5 turn it around and you will get the backlights of new 7. No revolution or evolution, excepting interior design - very nice and no camel back (navigation screen) anymore. But exterior loks too plump, fat, no real bmw style That's not a new era, bmw what bmw told the public.
The back is Lexus carbon copy bar the lights. The front 5 series which makesit the oldest front design of the lot. The cabin Lexus copy (back seat area. In conclusion 'i pray' that the real thing doesn't look like this toad they have shown. I feel like changing camp.
Who most deserves to be fired - Chris Bangle or Max Mosley? They both must go, but Bangle needs to fired and put into solitary designer confinement. He is a one trick pony with an really worn out trick that the majority of people never liked.
Agree. Do you know how much was Bangle involved to design this car? His trace is palpable as much as the sliding back to the previous, PreBangle, design.
i really wanted it to be a hit in terms of stle and design. but we knew from the spyshots of heavyily disguised versions showing a tame looking car. this confirms it and seals the deal. jag, merc and lexus will be happy. it aint gonna be a big seller i dont think. the rear lights are strange citroen creations, the front looks weak and not a thing of beauty and the interior will date like yesterday's news. it may be a technical tour de force, but style wise? it plays catch up.....with itself.
In the end it's a good looking car, but i would liked more if the front ligth's would look more similar to the concept CS! But with time, we will like more and more...
If you compare the car that was shown at the Golf tournament (concentrate on the bonnet lines that run from near the kidneys) to this not so impressive 7, you will pick up the difference. This actually makes me doubt todays post. This car doen't at all look anything like the car shown earlier this week at the Golf tournament. The bonnet cuts and lines as well as kidneys and lights (side view) are all different. Someones telling us lies here.
OH the hipocrisy of the people who quote on wcf about bmw's! it makes me weak with laughter. smaller and/or more ostentatious models in the range are meant to look a little more outrageous because thats what suits that area of the market. and you insult them for it! you say its ugly, too wanna-be contemporary. well, thats your opinion and, for all i think youre wrong, im in no position to deny you your right for that. then the 7 series - as a high level luxury limosuine it is MEANT to be more subtle and reserved than the rest of the range. yet you say it is not a bmw because its too bland! am i the only one who sees the contradiction here?! i would also add that you applaud the A8 for being subtle and understated, then insult this for being too subtle and understated! think about whats coming out of your fingers before you type it! if you hate bmw's thats your business. but dont go saying such uselessly biased and contradictive comments about them. if you dont like bmw's say "i dont like bmw's", not "this is understated and therefore wrong."!
Well everyone at Audi is happily preparing the revised a8 and after seeing this turd I cant wait to see what a passionate group of engineers and artist come up with- This is what happens when a companies ego gets bigger than their resources. BMW is so much talk and rhetoric but slowly falls the way of all once great marks. Yes sales are good but who cares when your cars are boring and the components look cheaper and cheaper. So much cost cutting and cutting of jobs. BMw made a 2-1 profit over Audi and Mbenz yet they cut more jobs and pissed off their suppliers. What did audi do ? They gave their all their workers an 8 grand bonus.
amazing exterior , very mean . I'm sure it'll look good in person , very good , but interior is no where near the S class quality wise and design wise , and stop comparing an audi to a Bmw and a Merc , audi is one step lower , next to vw.
it looks ok up front, looks great in the back and i kinda have mixed thoughts on the back. overall, im dissapointed in the design. i simply expected so much more but i guess BMW just played it safe. so since the design is crappy overall, they better make it up to its performance and its creature comforts. c'mon BMW, you know you could have done better. this one just don't have that big a jump from the last one.
hey what's rong with you, like X6, X5, 1 series it will be the best car in his class, Don't forget about z4 it alsou looked ugly then it apeared, but is better than mercedes an boxter, so BMW = Best Motorcars in the World.
As the rear couldn't look any more like the new Lexus 400 series, why is everyone designing their cars to look the same as everyone else? Are designers really lacking true talent in terms of design vision to make a car like a BMW truly unique in terms of design and style? Bangle single-handedly pretty much wiped out the traditional BMW design with his new design styles. Not blaming the guy, but why design all cars (whether BMW or Benz) like Oriental cars and vice versa? Where the hell is the differentiation and uniqueness? What's the point?
the citroen c5 advert says "distinctly german" i think the bmw designers believed it and stole the lights from the c5 at the back, but made them worse. God what a disappointment the lights are just so boring, i was hoping for something alot better than this!!!
for me the best part about this car will be the technology. it looks like the new .car wireless internet is onboard which, as i understand it, allows for driver access under a certain speed and rear passenger access at anytime. anyone else have info on this? bmw also brought the transmission selector down to the normal location which should help when valet parking but takes up what i consider to be valuable space. as far as design, recall that when the current series was first introduced it was also not received very well so perhaps this new series will age gracefully. (my vehicle is a 2003 745Li.)
BMW MUST FIRE CHRIS BUNGHOLE IMMEDIATELY ! I don't get it, is he related to a certain BMW CEOs? Yucckkkkk... come on BMW, please wake up and smell the coffee !!!
I was just hoping to get something better than this one. For many years many complain about BMW's design from the old 3,5 and 7 Series. The same mistake is taking place again and we will have another 5-7 years of nightmare!!!!
Wait, everyone !!! I think this is just another face-lifted version :)
i still don't think that this is the final outcome cuz pics of this rear end with these rear lights have been on the internet since deceber 2007...http://www.egmcartech.com/2007/12/18/photo-renderings-2009-bmw-7-series-gets-aggressive/
Somehow, this does not look much like the teaser that was shown. And this is the type of crap that you get when companies like BMW put their focus on diluting the brand with useless image destroying cars. I'm hoping that these pictures are fake or something. They're atrocious. I'd much rather take the current facelifted 7.
well now...a back to the basics Bimmer , the flagship model at that. i say the whole effort is largely uninspired and this exercise glaringly affirms that pre-Bangle BMWs are simply devoid of any artistic merit. i say that this boring number lends justice to Chris Bangle's radical but nonetheless boldly articulated design rationale.
I read a lot of negative commenting about the new 7 but I feel time will change most opinions when this car hits the floor room. I did expect a little more variation from BMW but overall I like it. I remember when the last 7 came out it too received a lot of criticism from insiders as well as the public. This may be why they felt the need to take on a more conservative approach. The only part I don't really agree with is the exterior outline of the rear tail lights; there too round and don't flow well when connecting into the interior truck door lights. I would have preferred them keeping that part uniform with the rest of the design using crisper lines as opposed to softening the edges.
I think it looks pretty nice overall. There are a few touches here and there that I'm not crazy about, but I'll give it a chance to grow on me. The side view looks great! I think people tend to be very hard on the bigger manufacturers and BMW obviously attracts significant criticism no matter what they do. Anyhow, I think that time will tell and if it sells well then they've done their job well, not to mention that these are photographs and no one has driven it yet.
This car definitely is a safe bet for BMW and they don't want to chase away the conservative US and Chinese markets. It feels like the original design concept was lost in the refinement/requirements stage so its a bit washed out. It also points up the styling success of the S-class that feels much more cohesive. Dumb stuff like the pedestrian safety requirements of Europe are also playing their hand. Lucifa's comment that large, expensive luxury cars are oriented towards conservertive (older) buyers is right on and the new 7-series can't rock the boat, esp. in an era in which big cars of this type and caliber are more questionable. But heck, that's what was said in 1990 when the W140 S-class was introduced. Let's hope it drives brilliantly.
no...may be...in a way. But this. You have 70.000 euros to spend for a car and will go to the BMW Welt, so nicely designed by Coop Himmelblau and there, in that building system, (recent media event in arcitecture) you recive that car. And you should feel not only a mentally healthy but happy too - new luxury car. I could not imagine that.
WOW... i think? I dnot hate it, but come on!! the s-class is perfectly executed ever generation! I agree with the korean rear and the grill ruined the front. the lights are O.K but are too unnoticable.
simply fugly.. what were they thinking.. maybe the designers were high on crack when they designed this.. very (and i mean extremely) disappointing.. Merc and Audi to the fore.. new BMW design sucks
I have to disagree with most of you here, this car looks exactly as a big luxury executive car should. People slated it in 2001 for being too drastic and bold design. It is a smooth looking car all round and will again be class leading in both technology and drive. Lets not forget that almost every recent design by BMW has been copied by all sorts of manufacturers (headlights and rear lights/angles, especially the new C Class side line that looks almost identical to the E90, boot lines, S Class copying the current 7 series, the list goes on....)I would imagine that a lot of people posting here are youngsters and obviously not the market this car is aimed at. Did anybody honestly think it would look as aggressive as the CS?
Hello, I am personally a BMW enthusiast, and big fan of BMW. I think that you are making your points in your article, and I respect that. But 7-series design is highly likely to be carried over for the next generation design of the 5/3/...etc series. And that is why I would expect more from BMW in making design innovations in this all new model. Instead, I feel like I am looking at a face lifted, and slightly interior refinded model. That is why I am disppointed. One other thing that I have to say is that the interior design really bugs me. Especially the hideous steering wheel, it is not at all mature and steady as a BMW flagship should be. :(
well the ass and the interior are nicer.. quite significantly. but the front, the front is pathetic. this is a really poor design from bmw, for what they refer to as a "all new model".
at the end of the day it's the CEO who's make the choice - and not chris bangle or adrian van hooydonk. this two guys can only make proposals to the management and to the board.
I like it better than the current, except for the front, it's going to have to grow on me like the 1 series coupe, anc the x6 did. NO MORE BANGLE BUTT, DO YOU KNOW WHAT THIS MEANS?!?!?!?! WE NEVER HAVE TO SEE THIS ON ANOTHER FLAGSHIP SEDAN AGAIN (s-class... ls...) I actually like the back, yes, it looks like the Lexus, but its something about it that makes me think BMW, I also like the inside. Looks very clean. Again, the front will have to grow on me, besides the front this car is alright with me (NO BANGLE BOOTY XD XD XD) its not E38 though...
I can't take this any more. Every time a new BMW is about to come out I get my hope up that the styling will be wonderful and non-Bangle. But as it often happens "surprise surprise" Chris has done it again. He has tainted the lineage of yet another BMW series. The bright side to this is that Benz and Audi (auto union) will have no problem selling more units of their luxury sedans.
If any body at BMW ever sees this webpage and reads my message, please for the love of god and the good of the BMW brand fire Chris Bangle.
Now as i always do, I wait full of hope and anxiety for the 5 series. Lets hope it is something BMW and BMW enthusiast can be proud of.
Hmmm, after the E65 spectacle of '02 I expected something a little more radical for an "all new 7". However, this is a clean design and it should sell well. With the number of FlexRay linked controllers in this car, I'm expecting the driving experience to defy the laws of physics. With this conservative styling, something needs to stand out...
S class is S class and nothing could compare it, especially in terms of design. I really expected much, MUCH better new 7 series, this one is bullshit...
Like i said, i knew they weren't gonna do a massive revolution design wise knowing that the new flagship is the CS concept aka 8 series lol...the car looks better than the current 7 series but i'd still take the S series over this,good clean and boring job nonetheless
i like the new design... i looks nice but i was kinda hoping for a bit of BMW flavour in the design something really contriversial like wen the 5series came out its head light but now most people dont mind thm... and the inerior is abit 'normal' if u get wat i mean
Bangle has done it again. MB will take over until Audi gets the new A8 out then the rankings will be as follows. 1. Audi, 2. MB, 3. BMW. just as it is in Europe.
I don't know if Audi can beat Merc in the flagship line. No one does a flagship like Merc(s-class), just like no one does a small sedan like a BMW (3 series), but to me Audi is just a cool car. They have the best midsize though(a6).
i actually love this 7series very much. it's overall balanced, elegant, moderately dynamic, and it emits a robust feeling. Remember, it's a 7 series, it doesn't need to be a too kinetic or avant-garde looks.
I really expect more from BMW to jump a bit more in design aspect of this 7-series that BMW is about to release to the market. To be frankly, I vote for BMW rather than Lexus, and I clearly see that Lexus is leaping wild in design when current new LS came out, and they actually did quite a good job in making a modren car with leading edge, and young design while maintaining Lexus flagship's reputation. BUT, WHY NOT BMW. You guys make an amazing 5-series that still looked modrean and sleek nowadays, why not the 7-series. From my understanding of the BMW's design law, the 7-series plays a important role for the future development and design of the next 6/5/3/1-series. Don't make me start to look for the next next model instead, please!!!! :(
To make new cars, or new things in general, we should admit the need of basic researches in culture semiotics, art theory and architectonics, rethink things on basics of humanities even. It is no possible to lean on on past of car design morfology with no clue or connections to human culture in what individual could belive in but just take them like a nasty reality.
Can belive, because there is nothing original, that car is a heap of known things and eclectic tricks like XIX-th century curch pretendig to be a gothic one. Very cozy. Like postmodern society is doing, it is a more than doubtful re-ordering of the peaces from historic furniture because we do not have nothing, just past.
What whatt? This car is a hell boring like most of the "classic" things because people in design have no material to do new things from. They have that fmous Chavant's clay, hob pens and poverful computers with Alias Studio but they have no idea but only known in arts history way to put lines and shapes together and that grill shape ofcourse too. Rest is ingeneering.
"...hob pens and poverful computers with Alias Studio but they have no idea but only known in arts history way to put lines and shapes together and that grill shape ofcourse too." Lines like that make me go: What?
guys, you should see the new 7 in reality. go to paris motor show and have a look. it looks really good - it's a giant leap ahead from the predecessor. most of you will change your minds if you see this car in reality.
CONSERVATIVE is the single word that comes to mind ... perhaps a little disappointing also as BMW are usually design leaders ... that said let me add a couple of observations ... there are really only three others to compete with in this class and price ... I personally rate the opposition in this order on several levels as ... #1 A8 (classic style), #2 LS460 (edgy style), #0 S class (seriously ugly with no style) ... as all are out of my price range as a new purchase I can only rate them for desirability as a slightly used option but this 7 series evolution lies somewhere on a par with the Lexus for me PS ... I totally agree with the comments about the tail lights ... they look down market low class and more suitable for something from Korea (no offence to Korea)
IMHO this car looks terrible. I have owned three seven series but I feel no want or desire to own this one. I thought the E65 was ugly but its facelift improved it massively. This car looks hideous. A fowl mix of old and new. I did not like the new S Class and I have never been a fan of Audi's interior or handling. Now, though, I see little chance in my owning another seven. Thanks BMW!
"We Walk not by Sight, But in Faith till We see with Our own Eyes!"
I remember seeing the 1994 7-Series launch photos and wondering if the car was not simply an overgrown E34 5-Series. After awhile, the physical car grew on us all and was much loved.
I have no doubt that what might appear to us, to be "conservatism" in the lines of this new 7-Series, is in reality our inability to come back, "perception-wise", from the "radicalism" of the 2002 E65 7-Series.
This new 2008 7-Series with its "jewel-like" quality is not going to disappoint us at all. It is and will be a classy machine. Well done to the BMW designers!!
the best designs always need some time to get used to, and as in this case they need to grow on You. I didn't really like this car yesterday when I saw it for the first time, but right now I think it is so beautiful, and I like it more and more. You did a great job BMW, i think it will be timeless design just like the e38 !!
Definitely disappointing... it looks like what Ford could design ... I was expecting much butter for this car which is probably the last 7 series generation at all (because of the oil crisis) ... what a pity.
