Click above image for a gallery of the new 7
We've already seen what appear to be official press shots of the new 2009 BMW 7 Series, and it looks pretty good to our eyes. As expected, now that the pictures are available for all the world to see, details about the underpinnings are starting to leak out. Not surprisingly, the V8-powered 750i and 750iL models will get the new twin-turbo engine introduced on the controversial X6, offering 400 horses and 450 lb.-ft. of torque. Other possible powertrains, though not available at launch time, will be a revised twin-turbo inline six with 326 horsepower and a diesel engine for the European market. But fret not fuel misers, a hybrid model is also being considered. Underneath, active suspension which eschews BMW's trademark front struts in favor of double-wishbones, will offer variable damping with comfort, normal, sports and sports-plus modes selectable from inside the cabin.
As you'd expect, BMW's active steering will brings its oft-questioned benefits to the large sedan and can now direct the rear wheels as well. BMW's flagship sedan will undoubtedly be equipped with plenty of passenger pampering features, including massaging rear seats, to go along with safety equipment like night vision, lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control. Of course, the now-familiar iDrive will get its latest set of enhancements in order to make its sometimes confusing interface easier to use. We'll just need to wait for our first stint behind the wheel to see how all this newfangled technology works in the real world, and check back Saturday for more official details.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
MikeInNC @ Jul 3rd 2008 12:57PM
You know, I'm a big BMW fan but in pictures, this isn't knocking me out. I'm sure it will be a fine automobile and will likely have much more presence in person. Maybe it's the color they've chosen for the pics or maybe it just doesn't photograph well.
SOhp101 @ Jul 3rd 2008 4:46PM
Agreed. The pictures just aren't doing it for me but I guess it should look better in person. I still like the current gen facelifted one better but I can see this one growing on me.
Torrent @ Jul 3rd 2008 7:43PM
Agreed. IMO, All BMW's look best in black.
drew @ Aug 19th 2008 11:37AM
I think BMW has done it again, they have made a beautiful car into something robust and ugly, the other parts of the car are pleasing to the eye such as the back and side angles and the well placed interior but the front grill and headlamps make me rather by a Hyundai that this supposed jewel.
Patrick @ Jul 3rd 2008 3:03PM
It looks fairly plain and boring, but not handsome. The rear end reminds me of the Hyundai Genesis, while the big snorting nostrils have a Maserati Quattroporte look to them.
Quattroporte @ Jul 3rd 2008 6:46PM
"the big snorting nostrils have a Maserati Quattroporte look to them"
No they don't, take that back!
stasislb @ Jul 3rd 2008 11:23PM
Patrick, I completely agree with you, bro. I saw the Maserati influence on the front end styling the first second I saw these pictures!
adrenalnjunky @ Jul 3rd 2008 4:44PM
Maybe it's the colors or the photography itself, but the dashboard does nothing for me. Looks dated, like a much older interior design. Maybe it's a little too conservative for me.
BAMF @ Jul 3rd 2008 10:24PM
agreed. it seems too much like the current one. i'll take an audi A8 instead please.
ricosuave @ Jul 3rd 2008 6:59PM
What do you mean "a hybrid model is also being considered"? Until one is out I will consider buying one.
David @ Jul 3rd 2008 7:20PM
Is it just me or does it look like it's really jacked up in the air ... like it's trying to be tall like a crossover? I actually like that look, I don't care for low riding sedans. But this design doesn't really move me or grab my attention. It's not bad but the photoshopped spy pics interpreted something much more exotic looking.
Flea @ Jul 3rd 2008 7:20PM
dang, that's..well...boring.
WestSiderRider @ Jul 3rd 2008 7:25PM
I think the rear end looks much like a Lexus LS460. Not bad, but it doesn't stand out either. Like the earlier commentors stated, I'm sure it will look better in person. It shouldn't be more than a couple of days before I see these on the streets in L.A.
homunculus @ Jul 3rd 2008 7:28PM
Can't wait to see the A8!
Sam @ Jul 3rd 2008 7:32PM
What about specs on the V12 or the possibilty of a M-model?
Logik @ Jul 3rd 2008 10:30PM
E38 7-series still the classiest, best looking of all 7-series.
Trevor Nalepka @ Jul 4th 2008 7:10AM
I wondered that too. We'd probably get an Alpina, like we do now, but no more 760i?
Chuck @ Jul 3rd 2008 7:33PM
The last thing I want the interior of my car to look like is my office. That's the problem with BMW interiors. They're practical and buttoned down to a fault.
There's nothing sumptuous or tantalizing about them. I think that all luxury cars need a nod to the fact that they're distinct from the designs of main-stream autos. Better materials alone don't express the special quality that owning a prestige car is about.
For me, the lackluster cabin of every BMW is the reason that they never end up as a dream car.
And I do understand that the design is an affirmation of their driving prowess. That's fine in theory, but once you cross that $70,000 mark, there better be some seriously plush accomodations.
.
Colin Smith @ Jul 3rd 2008 7:34PM
Just makes you aware of how beautiful the Maserati is.
area51 @ Jul 3rd 2008 8:18PM
So BMW went from Chris Bangle to shameless derivative style with no pause in between. WTH; a rear end that looks like an Accord with front quarter/door paenls that have that rediculous Lexus upsidedown swoop thing... Nicely done.
If your meatloaf.
Must be a totally bleak world economy to be cranking out that sort of conservative design mediocrity.