New 2009 BMW 7-Series

[jjs 60]

From caradvice.com.au

SPY SHOTS

Our European photographers snapped the car at the firm’s Munich headquarters this morning, and it’s the first time the Mercedes S-class beater can be seen without the heavy cladding that so far made the elegant saloon looking like an ugly military tank.

With its huge twin-kidney grille and the wrap-around headlights the car mimics design elements of the X5 and X6 but keeps the exclusive character the 7-series is known for.

Though still disguised with a fake rear spoiler, the rear end and especially the boot lid will undoubtedly become more elegant compared to the current car’s back.

In addition to the exterior updates, BMW will be introducing a new iDrive and rumour has it …an eight-speed transmission (in order to shut Lexus up).

The new 7 series will make its first public appearance at the Paris Show later this year and will arrive as a 2009 model.

CGI

The new luxury sedan will take on the likes of Mercedes-Benz S Class, Audi A8 and the newest contender, the Japanese made hybrid Lexus LS600hl.

So far little concrete information is known about BMW’s latest creation, but rumours suggest the German powerhouse will be introducing a new iDrive system with the 7-series, which will eventually trickle down to the rest of the BMW range.

BMW Australia’s communication manager, Toni Andreevski, told CarAdvice to expect the new 7-series in Australia in the first half of 2009, however he would not comment on engine variants or other specifications.

BMW fans around the world are currently discussing the new 7, hoping that the infamous bangle-butt of the current range will be restyled. Rumour has it the new 7-series will also sport an 8-speed automatic transmission to take on Lexus in the numbers game.

(tried to post this using "submit news", but the link doesn't work...)

Edited June 7, 2008 by jeremy

[E30stz 0]

Quite possibly the ugliest bmw yet. Looks like a three way collision between a Holden Commodore, VW Passat and an audi A4.

[jjs 60]

Quite possibly the ugliest bmw yet. Looks like a three way collision between a Holden Commodore, VW Passat and an audi A4.

Yeah, i'm less than impressed too... Looks rather boring, like a scaled up 3-series with a bit of LS Lexus in it!

Shame BMW is listening to critics of the Bangle designs and are now moving to a conservative design era

[Yuen 16]

I'm reserving comment until a shot of the car with less camouflage shows up. Exhausts are tidy looking yet reminiscent of Lexus. Not too worried though, I imagine it will be less of a shock than when the first of the Bangle BMWs were released.

[deeveus 81]

Isn't shaping up to be a good looking unit at all.

One thing for sure is that it will be one of the fastest devaluing cars money can buy.