Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, BMW
More details on the "all-new" BMW 7 Series
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.
Gallery: 2009 BMW 7 Series
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
MikeInNC 12:57PM (7/03/2008)
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.
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SOhp101 4:46PM (7/03/2008)
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 7:43PM (7/03/2008)
Agreed. IMO, All BMW's look best in black.
drew 11:37AM (8/19/2008)
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 3:03PM (7/03/2008)
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.
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Quattroporte 6:46PM (7/03/2008)
"the big snorting nostrils have a Maserati Quattroporte look to them"
No they don't, take that back!
stasislb 11:23PM (7/03/2008)
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 4:44PM (7/03/2008)
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.
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BAMF 10:24PM (7/03/2008)
agreed. it seems too much like the current one. i'll take an audi A8 instead please.
ricosuave 6:59PM (7/03/2008)
What do you mean "a hybrid model is also being considered"? Until one is out I will consider buying one.
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David 7:20PM (7/03/2008)
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.
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Flea 7:20PM (7/03/2008)
dang, that's..well...boring.
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WestSiderRider 7:25PM (7/03/2008)
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.
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homunculus 7:28PM (7/03/2008)
Can't wait to see the A8!
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Sam 7:32PM (7/03/2008)
What about specs on the V12 or the possibilty of a M-model?
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Logik 10:30PM (7/03/2008)
E38 7-series still the classiest, best looking of all 7-series.
Trevor Nalepka 7:10AM (7/04/2008)
I wondered that too. We'd probably get an Alpina, like we do now, but no more 760i?
Chuck 7:33PM (7/03/2008)
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.
.
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Colin Smith 7:34PM (7/03/2008)
Just makes you aware of how beautiful the Maserati is.
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area51 8:18PM (7/03/2008)
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.
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