BMW's future flagship 7-Series sedan has been spotted in Melbourne, Australia on its way back from a photo shoot. Not due until 2009, this all-new platform will carry BMW's internal designation F01/F02 (the F02 is the long-wheelbase model). It is expected to go into production later this year with cars rolling into showrooms shortly thereafter.
We've seen other spy shots of the 7-Series, however these latest shots are indicative of a vehicle in near-finished form. The exterior and interior appear complete, as well. While we still aren't seeing clear shots of the exterior, it has been widely rumored that the new 7-Series will be a departure from the current Bangle-designed sedan, with styling reported to look much like the BMW CS Concept. BMW may show us its new 7-Series as early as September at the Paris Auto Show. Of course, Autoblog will be there. Thanks for the tip Mike S!
[Source: Carpoint]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Neil @ Mar 3rd 2008 1:42PM
Is the '09 going to be the rumored F01? Or is this just a redesigned E65/E66? I'm hoping for the F01 as the 7-series is in serious need of a complete redesign.
Neil @ Mar 3rd 2008 1:44PM
Nevermind, I obviously didn't read...
They better not screw this up.
AC @ Mar 3rd 2008 1:55PM
Wow. How can you comment on the article without even reading it!?
BLS @ Mar 3rd 2008 2:13PM
You don't comment imediately after more or less skimming the general contents of the title.
Enough of that.
I think it is a good move to draw from the CS for the 7 series rather than go the sedan-coupe/8 series/just looks better than a 7 series but costs 20k extra route. Kinda the opposite of what they are doing with the X6 though.
MikeInNC @ Mar 3rd 2008 2:26PM
Looks like they are about to get the 7 back on track in a big way. Glad to see the change.
3seriesisking @ Mar 3rd 2008 4:53PM
I hope so. From what little one can tell from the shots, it looks to at least have a sportier stance.
Typesbad @ Mar 3rd 2008 2:38PM
That is one hell of a character line going across the door handles! It may just be the photography but it looks like they added on the sheet metal that was scooped out of the side of all those Acura TLs. That's not really a criticism, though. In fact it looks like this design may have promise.
MajorGeek @ Mar 3rd 2008 2:59PM
Nothing personal, but delete this news post. Crappy shots that show nothing. I could take better from across the street with a cell phone camera.
Adam @ Mar 3rd 2008 4:23PM
So go out and take better shots. What, no access to the car? The photogs who got those shots only had a few seconds. Can't exactly yell over to the dudes loading it up to hold on a sec.
And why shouldn't AB post this? Are they wasting paper or money or resources?
...argh.
iQuack @ Mar 3rd 2008 3:06PM
Nothing exciting which is OK because BMW's styling is evolutionary. Too many cars now have the same BMW rear door window and, at least from the side, look much alike.
Examples: BMW, Altima, Accord, G8, Lexus GL, Hyundai Genesis, VW Passat, and perhaps others I forgot.
Fortunately, they all look good but--just too many BMW copies out there.
iQuack @ Mar 3rd 2008 3:06PM
Nothing exciting which is OK because BMW's styling is evolutionary. Too many cars now have the same BMW rear door window and, at least from the side, look much alike.
Examples: BMW, Altima, Accord, G8, Lexus GL, Hyundai Genesis, VW Passat, and perhaps others I forgot.
Fortunately, they all look good but--just too many BMW copies out there.
3seriesisking @ Mar 3rd 2008 5:26PM
It has really gotten ridiculous. I was flipping through the most recent CandD and came across a side-shot of the new Pontiac G8 GT and guess what that C-Pillar bend looks exactly like. The Hoffmeister Kink that BMW has incorporated so effectively into many of it vehicles is arguably one of the most copied design aspects in the automotive world. Really upsetting.
AntBee @ Mar 3rd 2008 3:39PM
This looks promising, although I am not one of the Bangle detractors, I liked his designs very much.