7 Series (G11/G12) [Spy shots] BMW 7er (G11) Spy Pics & Info

[SKY]

The latest issue of Autobild has the new G11 7er on its cover. It seems to be the same white car render we saw last time, but with updated frontlights graphics.

 

[DjordjeC63]

Which led to a revolution in the luxury segment in which key areas introduced on the E65 where refined and progressed and can still be found on today's luxury vehicles. Somebody had to be first , somebody had to push ahead and direct the luxury car into the age of technology and connectivity and to push forward design into the next decade especially in not only a segment but also a brand which was fast becoming identified as completely predictable.

http://www.germancarforum.com/community/threads/the-idrive-actually-a-benz-idea-after-all.21782/

 

[Busty]

Could you possibly explain this is more layman's terms?

Sorry, I'm a little Sheldon Cooperish when it comes to this . Architectural design focuses on some aspects that, for a long time, have not been considered in car design. For instance, it a) is supposed to last for a long time and to clearly display this goal, and b) emphasizes the interplay of stand, perspective, and movement.
Of course, as always, there have been various factors leading to the final outcome but in terms of design theory, architectural aspects played a very important role in the Bangle era (possibly also explained by his professional background).
The above-mentioned points may be implemented as follows.
@a) No common or already-used-to design cues are applied, since those tend to wear off (clearly visible in the lining on the front and the back). Also, monolithic looks are sought for. In cars, this is best achieved by a massive body which at the same time also allows for a statement of solidity and longevity which is particularly important in luxury cars. The body looks like it's made from one piece, there are only very few lines in the profile, and the ones that there are, are predominantly horizontal. The door handles are flush. To town down its massiveness, in the E65 the body was sculpted rather curvaceous, flowing, and baroque (whereas for example in the A8 D4, very sharp lines at the shoulder or on the trunk were used).
@b) This interplay is closely related to point a). Interesting and eye-catching cues arise from the movement around the object or the moving object itself (and this requires literal 'guide-lines'). In buildings, you sometimes realize that a first-sight-monolithic facade turns out to be rather differentiated when you move around it (I recently visited one very good example for this in Berlin, if somebody's interested, I'll post a pic). This is an aspect that, in automotive series production, has been brought up by the E65. The shoulder line that flows from the front to the back to form the splice between backlights and trunk illustrates that pretty well. In the side profile, it looks pretty ordinary and bulky but at 45° angles from front or back, the differentiation emerges (more obvious in the Z9 studies and the 6er). There are several other lines also guiding the eye towards such exciting 'switches'. Even though the E65 trunk was mostly considered fat, in numbers, it wasn't. Nobody remembers any more but there has been a general design change initiated by this BMW phase. And the later BMW design is also built on this. The CS concept is from aggressive to almost calming depending on the perspective and so is the VFL (e.g. compare the headlight shape in the silhouette with the one from the front). Such variability and visual complexity is technically fascinating but just not aesthetic to many people.

Btw. Pretty much all of this also holds true for the interior where it's even more obvious that living/furniture/interior design was a major template.

I hope this helps.

 

[EnI]

http://www.germancarforum.com/community/threads/the-idrive-actually-a-benz-idea-after-all.21782/

As said: it was Siemens VDO idea initially - adopted by German car makers. MB used it first in their concept cars, BMW in their production cars.

 

[SCOTT27]

http://www.germancarforum.com/community/threads/the-idrive-actually-a-benz-idea-after-all.21782/

Who introduced it on a production car first?

 

[tristatez28lt1]

The latest issue of Autobild has the new G11 7er on its cover. It seems to be the same white car render we saw last time, but with updated frontlights graphics.

You mean these two pictures?

 

[Busty]

You mean these two pictures?

Even though the rendering is correct in some basics (like the very high shoulder line), its overall appearance is far from reality based on the aspects of the final product I know. Luckily.

 

[EnI]

Air Breather is missing ... The sleek athletic appearance enhances all the weight loss under the skin.

 

[SKY]

Air Breather is missing ... The sleek athletic appearance enhances all the weight loss under the skin.

If you change a bit the lower flanks and add the air breather, and change a bit the frontlights shape, is this accurate?

 

[Keyonte]

Even though the rendering is correct in some basics (like the very high shoulder line), its overall appearance is far from reality based on the aspects of the final product I know. Luckily.

Autobild is usually spot on with their renderings and based on BMWs latest evolution it could be spot on, just look how they matched up the C class

 

[Busty]

Autobild is usually spot on with their renderings and based on BMWs latest evolution it could be spot on, just look how they matched up the C class

Basically, you're right. They indeed have become pretty good, imo especially when it comes to Mercedes and Audi. However, take a look at Larson's C-class render of the front end. It is (as the one you posted) from 2012 and illustrates what I wanted to say: the ingredients are correct but the composition is not spot on.

 

[Andy1980]

Basically, you're right. They indeed have become pretty good, imo especially when it comes to Mercedes and Audi. However, take a look at Larson's C-class render of the front end. It is (as the one you posted) from 2012 and illustrates what I wanted to say: the ingredients are correct but the composition is not spot on.

Busty, are there any details you can tell us about the real design? Without being fired...

 

[SCOTT27]

Autobild is usually spot on with their renderings and based on BMWs latest evolution it could be spot on, just look how they matched up the C class

Red Pill? or Blue Pill?

The magazine illustration is a form of marketing that has existed ever since and possibly well before you were born.
Early illustrations in the case of BMW are fed to certain publications to create the creativity , the buzz and the headlines.
BMW do not give the entire game away until we are in the launch cycle. Mercedes-Benz does though that is why Autobild are always on the money when it comes to Mercedes renders. It used be clandestine meets in underground car parks with brown Manila envelopes containing a snapshot, now it is done with SD cards and USB sticks or dropping an e-mail.
If you think it is all coincidental that everything can be exact from first illustration to production launch.
Then you would be wrong its all selected for you so you know what to expect , its all about headlines and reaction and it is the marketing departments which produce it for your viewing purpose.

If we take the 7er then we can see that it still maintains the visual bulk that is attached to the prototypes. Of course watch the render improve as we hit the launch cycle. For now it is far too early to show you so they want you to keep guessing , predict and debate. That is the key to preparing a vehicle for a launch.

And if you think it sounds too virtual to comprehend? Then the upcoming media days later this year begin the countdown to what will happen in the real world, including the first weight figures.

 

[klier]

If you change a bit the lower flanks and add the air breather, and change a bit the frontlights shape, is this accurate?

Better ask Busty, as he apparently has seen the real thing...

 

[SCOTT27]

Better ask Busty, as he apparently has seen the real thing...

There is too much F01 in these latest renderings. Of course the look is evolutionary but it will not simply be a retread of F01 details and design elements.

 

[Busty]

Busty, are there any details you can tell us about the real design? Without being fired...

Better ask Busty, as he apparently has seen the real thing...

Sorry guys, I only know some details, colors, trims and sketches of the final thing. As Scott just said the renders are obviously based on the F01 which leads to a wrong impression of stance and overall appearance. One central (implicit and explicit) point of the G11 specification was value and sophistication (in contrast to the F01 which was quite modest when it was presented and seemed even more modest when F07 and F10 were presented). Some 'high value' features are the air breather, the side mirrors or the shape and 'flow' of the greenhouse. The door handles are again gonna be a looker but in this rendering they're just using the old ones. There is render of a french magazine which is closer to the real deal.
In my free time, I'm currently working on a 1:20 hypothetical clay model using the cues I already know. If the final result is satisfying I will post some pics.

 

[Betty Swollocks]

Excellent!! A BMW insider who appears to actually want to share information rather than use it for some silly power trip.

 

[SCOTT27]

Somebody got a picture inside. This is a later prototype so we are beginning to see production elements but still in prototype stage. Here we see the new Gear lever for the 9 Speed Auto transmission. And you can see the cloth covering the screen at the passenger side.

 

[Busty]

Guesses what is behind this G12? I'm surprised that 'Seana Joker' does not go all the way

Above, I mentioned flow and stance of the new car which are not well brought across by the Auto Bild render. I remembered this old shot. Of course, it's heavily disguised but especially the C-Pillar region gives an idea in what way the G11/12 will differ from the F01.

 

[klier]

C pillar is almost 4er style. And I suppose the car in the rear is the X7?