7 Series [Spy shots] BMW 7er (G11) Spy Pics & Info

[SCOTT27]

Scott,

One thing that has not progressed, let alone change, is that the 7-Series has always been a big 5-Series. This one is no different. Don't try to sell us the crap about how the 7-Series cannot encroach upon the Rolls Royce territory. They belong to two different markets, if you don't get it, maybe you should become the next Head of your M Division.

You can say what you want about the S-Class as someone from BMW. But the fact remains that the S-Class is the gold standard of the market segment.

My family has had our V222 S500 for 3 months now and it is fantastic. I cannot see how we would ever change from the S-Class to the 7-Series.

Please go tell your superiors that it is disappointing to see that BMW are still utterly incapable of making anything decent larger than a 5-series. This is coming from someone who has a 850i in the garage (I'd burn it if it wasn't for my dad, it's way too much trouble to keep it road-worthy).

Of course the 7er has always been a big 5er it combines the sportier outline of the 5er with superb dynamics and more luxury which is why the 7er is the most preferred dynamic choice in the segment. And the new 7er will set new standards for the segment. The 7er has always been the dynamic choice against the S-Klasse and this continues.
The 7er driver still likes to drive and the combination of a sporting sedan combined with luxury is evident for the typical 7er customer and has been since the E23.

If we done a 7er interior like a RR then we lose that balance that defines the hand craftsmanship of a RR. The craftsmanship of a RR is a statement that defines not only RR but also luxury. A 7er must be orientated to the driver but it must reflect its innovation. The G11 does this perfectly.

It is Mercedes that have mentioned that their S-Klasse is a competitor for the Flying Spur and the Ghost. I cannot answer for the Flying Spur but no one is looking down. RR have already done some groundwork in regards to the next RR Phantom especially in regards to comparisons against other luxury cars. No one has made any specific advance to touching the new Maybach with a 20 ft pole.

I agree with you that the S-Klasse is the gold standard for the segment , the affordable luxury segment.
But things can change , it determines how the customer reacts to the advances with the 7er which we will not know for around another eighteen or so months on initial reaction. In terms of engineering the 7er will be the benchmark especially I how it can apply lightweight technology and deliver significant weight decrease which will set the standard for the segment.

BMW are perfectly capable of building something more than a larger 5er but that's the profile the 7er customer wants. A reflection of a large sports sedan with the best in luxury, innovation and dynamics.

Enjoy your 850i.

 

[SCOTT27]

I am kind of concerned that some are forgetting the lack of perspective and that details such as the headlights are focused on this area in particular which expands their size.
The car's front appearance is very modern and the illumination of the front end really reflects its technical innovations .

 

[klier]

2015 BMW... Wake UP ! Still no cover for the camera...

And when the cover gets dirty you need a windscreen wiper for the cover, but I am sure your S class has that 'covered'.

 

[Rolf]

Here is a comparison of the G11/F01 and E65 interiors. Which do you think is the best?

I have a soft spot for the E65 interior, cause it was a benchmark at the time for the design, innovation (mostly the I-drive, use of electronic handbrake etc.) and even use of materials with combination of metal effect air vents, cup holders and some buttons with 3D wood panels (joining outer dash to door panels) that still make the interior to this day look very modern.

From a luxury point of view the F01 interior looks the best with its tasteful combination of low gloss wood, metal strips, soft leathers on armrests and seats and with an even more impressive integrated infotainment package than E65.

The new G11 is an evolution progression on the F01 but with new standalone info screen and metal affect buttons, AC controls and light switch. It has the nicest looking steering wheel of the 3 generation of 7 series models and has a nice combination with shiny wood vaneer with metal border strips. It has an airier appearance than the other models as its dash looks like its floating in the car. The door panels to me are the least attractive of the three as it is lacking the detail design of E65/F01 particularly the lower section of the door which looks plain in the same colour with no wood panels or different coloured trim.

F01:

E65:

 

[tomazino]

This is the robbery, I want that 7er. Right now!!!

 

[Rainer271]

Regarding to the comparison between the 7- Series and S-Class interior it's the problem that some people obviously expect a Mercedes interior in a BMW. Not only in regarding to the material quality ( this demand is of course eligible to a car in this segment ) but also in regarding to the design.
When I see the interiors of Audi, BMW and Mercedes all interiors are typical for the brands. And a S-Class inspired 7-Series interior would not work in the 7-Series.
When I compare the interiors of G11 and W222 both are looking very upscale. Ok that's only an assessment based on the only one interior pic of the G11. A real assessment is possible after we saw the new 7 at the dealer.
That we see at the center console borrowings from the F30 is an other theme.
I hope I have found the right words to make understandable what I'm meaning.

 

[DjordjeC63]

@Rolf

The best one (probably) is G11 interior. Most beautiful is E65.

 

[Rainer271]

The door panels to me are the least attractive of the three as it is lacking the detail design of E65/F01 particularly the lower section of the door which looks plain in the same colour with no wood panels or different coloured trim.

The differend colour trim is depending of the ordered colour combination. You can combine some leather seats with a dark interior or an interior in the same colour. For example "leather oyster" is possible with an oyster coloured interior ( the whole interior is in oyster ) or with a black coloured interior. In this case the door panels also in different coloured trim.
In combination with other leather colours the interiors are generally in the same colour or in different colours.

Here we have a F01 and a F10. But both pics are only for illustration.

 

[bmwblog]

Definitely not an intentional leak. BMW is not happy about it. Communication for the product was supposed to start in summer time. This is way too early with crappy photos that don't help their case.

That's exactly what happened. It was Schiphol, btw



My hope is that they want to downplay the expectations so we will be pleasantly surprised with the real thing.
Just like those interior shots we got a couple of weeks back; where are the shots taken by that man and his phone inside the car? My guess: that guy is working for BMW and it was carefully planned. We see these new interior shots looking much better already and in the next batch it will likely again be better with even more production trim.

 

[kingjr9000]

Are they kidding???

2016 BMW 7-Series getting panorama glass roof 'sky lounge' and leather engine cover?

Who needs a leather engine cover?

Hot on the heels of yesterday’s leak, new details are starting to emerge about the 2016 BMW 7-Series.

The cat is pretty much out of the bag in terms of exterior and interior design but now we heard some interesting rumors about a couple of optional goodies BMW will offer for the 7-Series G11 and its G12 long wheelbase sibling. It is believed Bavaria's flagship model will be available at an additional cost with a Panorama Glass Roof "Sky Lounge" which will probably be very generous in size and should create a more airy cabin ambiance.

The other optional feature sounds a little bit peculiar as BMW will allegedly offer a leather-wrapped engine cover instead of the usual plastic. The only logical explanation we can find is that BMW wants to emphasize the new 7-Series is far more luxurious than its predecessor and they have a treat for those very few who will actually pop up the hood and have a look at the engine pampered in leather.

It is believed the all-new BMW 7-Series will make its official debut in September at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

http://www.worldcarfans.com/115010186628/2016-bmw-7-series-getting-panorama-glass-roof-sky-lounge

So are we going to have a leather scented air conditioner now

 

[Rainer271]

Definitely not an intentional leak. BMW is not happy about it. Communication for the product was supposed to start in summer time. This is way too early with crappy photos that don't help their case.

I'm sure they will investigate the circumstances how the pics are come into being.

 

[martinbo]

Sheesh, so many naysayers. And all putting the S-Class up on a pedestal like it's the second coming.

I am not ashamed to point out that I was one of the most vociferous appreciators of the newly revealed W222 - it was an evolutionary development of the S-Class theme building upon its forebear's opulent and ostentatious persona even further. And all was good at Mercedes Benz. The W222 combined a state of the art digital instrument panel and UI with a rather more classically appointed and trimmed interior. [I love the word "parlour" used by @hoffmeister_fan - it's most apt.]

But, you'd have to be an amoeba to not realise that the S-Class' design idiom is hardly progressive; instead, it is a retrospectively realised form - inside and out - and is embellished as such.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: if the S-Class is retrospective then the 7er is progressive - not futuristic, mind you, the E65 knows all to well how that turned out for it - and incrementally realised for the F01 and G11 generations from a styling perspective.

The photographs are misleading or unflattering in my opinion. They do not adequately convey the additional 3D relief of the frontal DRG or the sharper, taughter surfacing of the flanks. The rear aspect is sensational without being overwrought or gauche. The interior photo is conveniently underexposed so as to disguise the contrast in trim and surfacing in what will prove to be a highly customer-customisable cabin from a colour, texture and trim perspective.

There's no way that a 7er is going to beat the S-Class at its own game - it never has and never will - and instead it needs to forge its own identity as the technological flagship for BMW without alienating ostensibly conservative buyers' tastes in the segment.

This progressive-yet-incremental approach also ensures sufficient room for differentiation from the rumoured higher tier model which will sit above the 7er.

I see no reason for people to take exception over this car, so now, let's wait for the official release pictures.

 

[Rainer271]

In the interior comparison of E65, F01 and G11 the F01 and G11 are for me nearly at the same upscale level.
Both interiors are in regarding to the design really good. But it's pity BMW has not borrowed the F01 door handle into the G11.
The E65 has a few nice details. Like the cupholders or the controllers of the electric seats at the center console instead at the seat and so out of the drivers and passengers view.
But I'm missing a certain feeling when I'm sitting in a E60 or E65: get into the car and feel like at home which I have at the predecessors and successors of E60 and E65.

 

[EnI]

Concepts ... Future ... BMW, Audi, Mercedes

Let me say a few words about the CS Concept first: it was a preview of a 4dr coupe positioned above 7er ("the new 8er") and was greenlighted as "Project Gran Turismo" as M & Individual's project ... but the project was canceled due to global financial crisis, and BMW offered "downgraded" 6er GranCoupe instead - in a segment lower. And due to planned 8er the 7er was consequently more tame & conventional compared to CS Concept.

My point? It was a preview of an upcoming BMW model. Not necessary the whole design - but the idea. But the final design would certainly be close enough.

Remember Vision Efficient Dynamics? ... it ended up being the i8. Very close to the initial VED concept.

Vision Connected Drive ... the roadster. Still ... pay attention to the upcoming BMW roadsters & sports coupes!

And so we come to Vision Future Luxury ... it does not previews the G11 7er. It previews a model ABOVE the 7er. The 9er.

This puts "bland" G11 7er into perspective ... same case as with X5 F15 ---- it had to be tame & "not special" since X7 is coming (officially!). Just like happened to F01 7er when compared to CS Concept - because there was a plan for 8er: a nisch model above 7er ... based on CS ... with much more exciting & daring design.

The 9er ... A bridge to RR Ghost. Something the 8er (based on CS Concept) would had been. But obviously luxury spots sedans are more in trend now. Therefore driver-oriented 9er instead of 4dr 8er.

German Trio is going upscale ...
MB upgraded S-class sedan to Maybach levels - to push it a class higher - aiming at clientèle on the rear seats.
Audi is coming with A9 - a big luxury 2dr coupe based on A8 - to enhance its premium sportier image & not to eat to much into Flying Spur & Panamera market (with offering a 4dr model above A8). There's a rumor Audi plans an XL A8 for the Chinese market (instead of L one).
Consequently S-class & A8 (due to being top models) have to be special - so their more premium variants can be special too.
While BMW is coming up with 9er - a driver oriented luxury sports sedan: something in line with Maserati Quttroporte or Aston Martin Lagonda, yet priced to be a bridge between 7er & Ghost. And therefore much exclusive. With annual sales around 10k units. With stand-alone design, independent from 7er. More VFL-ish. Therefore 7er can sport more "tame & lame" conventional & common design ... Just like E32 & E38 once did.


Years beyond 2015 will give you all the answers ... just be patient.

Btw, the best damage control when such paparazzi accident with lo-res bad photos happens: issue more compelling "spy photos", showing the car better looks. BMW, don't hesitate to long!

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

I will bring the S-Klasse into it because it is entirely relevant. I give you credit and say you are correct but the S-Klasse has and always will be the innovation showcase for Mercedes-Benz just as the 7er is for BMW.
It progresses , it grows it sets new standards for the brand and segment. But Mercedes can approach the S-Klasse differently because it does not have a high end luxury brand but therefore rules the affordable luxury segment.
BMW cannot intrude into Rolls-Royce territory too much but can be uniquely positioned to provide a new vision of future luxury in between both brands.

The S-Klasse is no longer exclusive as it was the resurgence of Rolls-Royce and Bentley have moved the goal posts that offer something entirely new that customers want , an exclusivity that oozes out of these brands and a higher status than the S-Klasse.
Given Mercedes desire to be seen in the high end class sums up its problem due to its popularity - No one is trading up!
In the end in some quasi way its a bit like a Korean car attempting to mix and match with the Germans with increased detail and equipment for a lower price but yet the status does not appeal to these owners because they prefer the epitome of German luxury or in this case a hand crafted one of a kind luxury product.

Its the entire opposite in the affordable luxury segment though it has that status appeal and ambience for that segment which is why it is popular because people they are trading up.
The S-Klasse has always been the luxury go between for rejeauvination. And the 7er for physical driving. That has not changed. Neither is the fact the S-Klasse shows the brands current innovations as has always been the story, the lure.
The same as the 7er . Both 7er and S-Klasse customers are loyal to the affordable luxury sedan and will drive nothing but.

Both the S-Klasse and G11 are evolutionary in design because of the conservativeness of the segments requirements , style is popular and being completely radical from a design perspective is completely out of the question due to the investment and that both cars must appeal to their respective audiences. The customer has to feel familiar yet embrace the new as in everyday life there is progress but not just in our cars.

No. Your are blatantly wrong here. You keep on making excuses for BMW lack of balls at this end of the market. MB has been more progressive with the S-class compared to BMW with the 7-er. And when I say progressive, I mean not in the sense that they have pushed futuristic design, but rather that each model is distinctly different. The W220, W221 and W222 are not tiny evolutionary steps from one to another. They are entirely new designs that show respect and pay homage to the previous models and MB design history. They are retrospective in that they draw from an illustrious past and that they offer a baroque appeal, but it's all reinterpreted and executed in a modern way, without resorting to risk.

And even if the S-class isn't pushing the boundaries to the point of being controversial, it certainly is majestic. Which is more than can be said of the last 2 7's. The E65 was glorious for what is was. And BMW really needs to bring back some of that design gravitas.

As others have said, If the 7-er is the antithesis to the S, why not do it in a more dramatic way? Why not make it even more dynamic looking? Why the heck does an X6 look more dynamic than a 7-er.

 

[KiwiRob]

Happy New year one and all...
Just saw the breaking news. This could be one of the Mission Impossible cars heading to London?
PS this 730d is not carrying full specification.
It might be "vanilla" on the outside its underneath what counts.

The "Handler" @ Schiphol will more than likely be investigated from their superiors.

I disagree, people look at the outside first, if that doesn't appeal it really doesn't matter what's under the skin because you've already lost their attention.

 

[klier]

Btw, the best damage control when such paparazzi accident with lo-res bad photos happens: issue more compelling "spy photos", showing the car better looks. BMW, don't hesitate to long!

This is a great advise. BMW better listen, drop all camo to the last stage of FEP next time you go out testing. There's no point anymore in hiding behind fake panels and whatever.

 

[Rainer271]

I disagree, people look at the outside first, if that doesn't appeal it really doesn't matter what's under the skin because you've already lost their attention.

I see it exactly like you. And the contents of many posts are confirm this. We are talking about design and quality at first.

 

[KiwiRob]

Well historically leather seats and wood inlays belong in a Benz. A BMW had cloth seats and no trim.
That really says it all for me.

You mean mbtex seats and fake wood, I'd go with historically leather seats and wood inlays being British and traditionally the preserve of Jaguar, Bentley, RR and any number of now defunct brands, Rover, Wolseley, Triumph, Riley..........

 

[EnI]

Let's put things into RIGHT perspective, shall we?

Same shitty pics of G11 vs W222. Now they are comparable.