7 Series [Spy shots] BMW 7er (G11) Spy Pics & Info
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The BMW 7 Series is a full-size luxury sedan manufactured and marketed by the German automaker BMW since 1977. It is the successor to the BMW E3 "New Six" sedan. The 7 Series is BMW's flagship car and is only available in a sedan bodystyle (including long wheelbase and limousine models). It traditionally introduces technologies and exterior design themes before other models in BMW's lineup.
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bimmerjph
Diesel Dynamiker
I don't even remember that one...
Actually, nvm. After looking it up, I could have sworn there was something about a blimp or airplane involved. It was a while ago. Give me a break. Haha.
No. I would expect the passenger screen to be available on every model as an option, and maybe standard on the top model such as the 760iL. So the fact that it's a 730d shouldn't come into it. This example just hasn't been built with that option fitted. It's certainly not a "base" model though because it has the Laser Headlights fitted.
Its what I expected, an evolution of the F01 with updated grill and headlights (to match the latest BMW trend of headlamp joining 3D kidneys) and a squared off rear end with a light treatment similar to the FL E65 with chrome strip running into the side lights.
Interior is a slight disappointment, it looks good but somehow I was expecting a game changer in the style of the VFL but this doesn't even have that hyped up passenger SWIPE screen! Maybe an option?
The interior is typical BMW but somehow it looks like something you can get in a 5-series or X5/6 etc. it doesn't look special enough.
The guy who leaked these shots will be in deep Poopoo
when his bosses find out!! Or he could make some good money out of this!!
Interior is a slight disappointment, it looks good but somehow I was expecting a game changer in the style of the VFL but this doesn't even have that hyped up passenger SWIPE screen! Maybe an option?
The interior is typical BMW but somehow it looks like something you can get in a 5-series or X5/6 etc. it doesn't look special enough.
The guy who leaked these shots will be in deep Poopoo
when his bosses find out!! Or he could make some good money out of this!!
Mr. Mercedes
Premium
I don't even know where to start. I'm actually upset it's so underwhelming.
Mr. Mercedes
Premium
Sorry Rob and Martin. I edited my post.
I've decided to delete it because:
1. I didn't want to dampen enthusiasm or cause unnecessary argument with the BMW guys
2. I'm actually feeling upset at how underwhelming this car is from a design POV. BMW should have delivered so much more.
Carmaker1
Quattro Commander
Quite an extreme and unexpected leak. The F15 was one thing in January 2013, but this takes the cake. I wonder if this moves up the launch timetable from IAA 2015 to Geneva 2015? I have never seen anything like this, outside of the W221 leak in December 2002 and D4 A8 leak in 2008.
Everything isn't always as it seems though. I would wait until a full unveiling, which just might be moved up from IAA 2015. I texted these to my mum (F02 760Li owner) and she likes it, but feels it's too conservative after nearly 7 years. The X360 XJ will look much better than this in my opinion.
That will certainly start to affect the 7er at least 2 years into its life-cycle and correct the mistakes of the X351. I'm not surprised anyway, from the June 2012 description I heard from a BMW design clinic of the G12. Lack of enthusiasm for the exterior, but mainly for the interior.
Final design sign-off was around the summer of 2012 (as per Busty), so clearly that is what the individual saw. The final product. No wonder the F01 LCi of 2012 (MY2013) was so minimal. What is Adrian van Hooydonk doing is my question? Failing his predecessor and repeating past mistakes?
The current F01 design was reached in the summer of 2005 and finalised by Q1 2006, so definitely under van Hooydonk as BMW brand design director and Bangle as BMW Group (BMW, Mini, RR, Motorrad) director. The last BMW designed with Bangle there, was partially the F30. F30 design selection on March 2, 2009 was just one month after Bangle left and final prod. freeze months later.
The only 7-Series designed with Bangle fully at the helm was the E65 in 1998 (Jan. 1999 sign-off) via van Hooydonk's own pen and maybe the E38 LCi for late 1998 (1996/early '97 sign-off) and E38 LCi II for MY2001 (04/2000-12/2001) signed off in early 1999. The E38 (1991 styling work) was fully signed-off before Bangle arrived at BMW in October 1992 and not even Bangle's predecessor (Claus Luthe, left in April 1990) was present when that happened.
Does BMW need a true change in design leadership? Karim Habib might've became BMW Brand design director too late, as by the time he got there, lazy van Hooydonk already approved this G11. I like Habib's ideas for BMW. Back in the '90s, automotive media chastised BMW for the "dowdy" E36 3-Series in 1990, the predictable E38 7er in 1994, also predictable E39 5er in late 1995, and with extreme annoyance, the E46 in March 1998 at Geneva. From 1997 (after Deep Blue: August 1996-February 1997), BMW was already embarking on a design revolution, that would be fully developed by mid-late 1998 via the E65 7-Series and GINA (inspired Fisker's E85 Z4 in 1999).
Chris Bangle did not direct E39 design development (summer 1992 selection), but was present for its final production-styling sign-off circa early 1993. Both that and the Z3 were "in the oven" when he arrived at BMW. He did actually design, with Erik Goplen, the production E46 saloon into 1995 and was present for its January 1996 final sign-off. My point is, he was able to do both conservative and striking. What really gives here?
Is the "i" brand the only one of concern now and everything is forever evolutionary in appearance/styling? I hope BMW isn't going try and revolutionize everything with the next 3-Series. If so, they still haven't learned that top-down is most essential. Not just in technology, but also family styling. Lexus is might've made that mistake with their next LS, due in 2016 and added a newer version of their spindle grille, instead of an actually new direction.
Everything isn't always as it seems though. I would wait until a full unveiling, which just might be moved up from IAA 2015. I texted these to my mum (F02 760Li owner) and she likes it, but feels it's too conservative after nearly 7 years. The X360 XJ will look much better than this in my opinion.
That will certainly start to affect the 7er at least 2 years into its life-cycle and correct the mistakes of the X351. I'm not surprised anyway, from the June 2012 description I heard from a BMW design clinic of the G12. Lack of enthusiasm for the exterior, but mainly for the interior.
Final design sign-off was around the summer of 2012 (as per Busty), so clearly that is what the individual saw. The final product. No wonder the F01 LCi of 2012 (MY2013) was so minimal. What is Adrian van Hooydonk doing is my question? Failing his predecessor and repeating past mistakes?
The current F01 design was reached in the summer of 2005 and finalised by Q1 2006, so definitely under van Hooydonk as BMW brand design director and Bangle as BMW Group (BMW, Mini, RR, Motorrad) director. The last BMW designed with Bangle there, was partially the F30. F30 design selection on March 2, 2009 was just one month after Bangle left and final prod. freeze months later.
The only 7-Series designed with Bangle fully at the helm was the E65 in 1998 (Jan. 1999 sign-off) via van Hooydonk's own pen and maybe the E38 LCi for late 1998 (1996/early '97 sign-off) and E38 LCi II for MY2001 (04/2000-12/2001) signed off in early 1999. The E38 (1991 styling work) was fully signed-off before Bangle arrived at BMW in October 1992 and not even Bangle's predecessor (Claus Luthe, left in April 1990) was present when that happened.
Does BMW need a true change in design leadership? Karim Habib might've became BMW Brand design director too late, as by the time he got there, lazy van Hooydonk already approved this G11. I like Habib's ideas for BMW. Back in the '90s, automotive media chastised BMW for the "dowdy" E36 3-Series in 1990, the predictable E38 7er in 1994, also predictable E39 5er in late 1995, and with extreme annoyance, the E46 in March 1998 at Geneva. From 1997 (after Deep Blue: August 1996-February 1997), BMW was already embarking on a design revolution, that would be fully developed by mid-late 1998 via the E65 7-Series and GINA (inspired Fisker's E85 Z4 in 1999).
Chris Bangle did not direct E39 design development (summer 1992 selection), but was present for its final production-styling sign-off circa early 1993. Both that and the Z3 were "in the oven" when he arrived at BMW. He did actually design, with Erik Goplen, the production E46 saloon into 1995 and was present for its January 1996 final sign-off. My point is, he was able to do both conservative and striking. What really gives here?
Is the "i" brand the only one of concern now and everything is forever evolutionary in appearance/styling? I hope BMW isn't going try and revolutionize everything with the next 3-Series. If so, they still haven't learned that top-down is most essential. Not just in technology, but also family styling. Lexus is might've made that mistake with their next LS, due in 2016 and added a newer version of their spindle grille, instead of an actually new direction.
SCOTT27
Drift Dynamo
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.
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.
Sunny
Premium
You shouldn't. There is too much of self censoring going on here these days and people not posting what they feel in fear of not upsetting the "other" camp. There is definitely space to express one's POV with out trolling. Others might challenge and you might have to defend your point, but that is what what makes a good discussion.
SCOTT27
Drift Dynamo
What you can take away from this is that the 7er is conservative to appeal to its demographic and not upset the traditional 7er customer who has possibly been there from the E23 onwards.
Although you are still not seeing everything here as much of the detail is covered in shadows due to the poor contrast of the quick and dirty get out before anybody sees us pictures. Also the car really pops in lighter colours.
But this goes back to what I discussed the previous day that the 7er and indeed the S-Klasse cannot afford to go radical because their affordable luxury status means a high volume of sales and you cannot alienate the traditional customer. The E65 was the point made not only to BMW but other competitors. The E65s success was in appealing to new customers and early tech fanatics.
Now we have reached an interesting plateau where a market exists above affordable luxury which its exclusive status can be radical and individual because of its very low volume. BMW are now at that crossing where affordable luxury can build a bridge to Rolls-Royce by adding another segment to the bridge to connect to the high end luxury segment. And we partied with the VFL in the room tonight in Munich.
Although you are still not seeing everything here as much of the detail is covered in shadows due to the poor contrast of the quick and dirty get out before anybody sees us pictures. Also the car really pops in lighter colours.
But this goes back to what I discussed the previous day that the 7er and indeed the S-Klasse cannot afford to go radical because their affordable luxury status means a high volume of sales and you cannot alienate the traditional customer. The E65 was the point made not only to BMW but other competitors. The E65s success was in appealing to new customers and early tech fanatics.
Now we have reached an interesting plateau where a market exists above affordable luxury which its exclusive status can be radical and individual because of its very low volume. BMW are now at that crossing where affordable luxury can build a bridge to Rolls-Royce by adding another segment to the bridge to connect to the high end luxury segment. And we partied with the VFL in the room tonight in Munich.
deity
Highway Hunter
If the headlights were slightly different, I'd call this one of the most beautiful BMW sedans designed in decades. The back-end on this thing really is spectacular. It's everything BMW aims to be-- sporty, classy, and exuding luxury in minimalist way. The stance and profile are befitting of a flagship. Although I do have some grievances about the headlights, the presence and sportiness are undeniably there.
First impressions of the quality are impressive. Leather is wrapped everywhere, materials are tastefully chosen, and the multimedia solution(s) look well-integrated. However, as Monster previously stated, it's disappointing BMW didn't take more creative liberty with the design. The interior on the i8 and VFL are great examples of interior progression. These examples maintain that iconic minimalist "lounge" style without being gaudy or distasteful. The interior is, sadly, a widened, enlarged, and higher quality 3er interior. When the 3er gets an interior upgrade via the LCI, the differences will be even less profound.
However, interior-sharing looks like it is here to stay and BMW is clearly not the only one guilty of it. Just wished the 7er introduced a new(er) design idiom for interiors and have the next 3er copy that one instead. It's scary to think that that interior is going to be with us for the next 7/8 years. It already looks a bit bland (not necessarily a bad thing), and a bit dated.
First impressions of the quality are impressive. Leather is wrapped everywhere, materials are tastefully chosen, and the multimedia solution(s) look well-integrated. However, as Monster previously stated, it's disappointing BMW didn't take more creative liberty with the design. The interior on the i8 and VFL are great examples of interior progression. These examples maintain that iconic minimalist "lounge" style without being gaudy or distasteful. The interior is, sadly, a widened, enlarged, and higher quality 3er interior. When the 3er gets an interior upgrade via the LCI, the differences will be even less profound.
However, interior-sharing looks like it is here to stay and BMW is clearly not the only one guilty of it. Just wished the 7er introduced a new(er) design idiom for interiors and have the next 3er copy that one instead. It's scary to think that that interior is going to be with us for the next 7/8 years. It already looks a bit bland (not necessarily a bad thing), and a bit dated.
klier
Premium
Not really fair to compare crappy grainy shots from awkward positions to some studio shoot 
The G11 appears to sit on suspension blocks for travel, too
Still, it's safe to say I am disliking it hugely right now. And that black F01 with M pack looks just magnificent
Constructive critisism is always welcome. I just don't think we should drag the magnificence of the S class into this, and there is little enthusiam to begin with sadly, to get back to your first point.
Happy new year everybody of the GCF family!!! Healthy 2015!
The G11 appears to sit on suspension blocks for travel, too
Still, it's safe to say I am disliking it hugely right now. And that black F01 with M pack looks just magnificent
Constructive critisism is always welcome. I just don't think we should drag the magnificence of the S class into this, and there is little enthusiam to begin with sadly, to get back to your first point.
Happy new year everybody of the GCF family!!! Healthy 2015!
Mr. Mercedes
Premium
Don't bring the S-class into this. The S-class has not stagnated like the 7 has. Mercedes has proven with the S-class that you can offer something new without alienating existing customers. It has one of the highest loyalty rates in the industry. Theres something inherently familiar about every S-class, yet they look entirely different. To make the w222 they did not stick a w221 in the microwave for 5 seconds like BMW has done with this 7.
At the end of the day I think BMW actually lacks self confidence at this end of the market. It's the only reason I can put to explain this tepid design conservatism. They have been teasing and hinting of a spectacular range of upper end vehicles for almost a decade now, yet they consistently fail to deliver. They really need to bring the VFL to some sort of reality.
Oh well, let's hope it blows us away from an engineering point of view.
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