LA 2008: 2009 BMW 7 Series and Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid unveiled LIVE
Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2009 BMW 7 Series
We already knew pretty much everything there is to know about the U.S. 2009 7 Series, but BMW pulled the covers, both literally and symbolically, off its new range-topper right on schedule anyway. In person, the new 7 has much more presence than it appears to have in photos, with an eye-catching crease that runs the length of the car and incorporates the large protruding door handles. The only engine option at the time of launch is the twin-turbo 4.4L V8 that's capable of launching the big 7 to 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds, but we'd be surprised if a force-fed 3.0L gas-powered inline-six didn't make an appearance sooner or later, as well. The Bavarian automaker also revealed that it has production plans for a hybrid 7 Series as previewed by its Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid and believes it can get it launched within a year. What's more, BMW made a big deal about its upcoming diesel technology, so we could definitely see an oil-burning 7 Series on our shores before too long.
Gallery: 2009 BMW 750Li
Gallery: 2009 BMW 7 Series ActiveHybrid
Live Photos Copyright ©2008 Jeremy Korzeniewski, Sebastian Blanco, Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Shiftright 4:31PM (11/19/2008)
I had almost forgotten what a 7 series that wasn't ugly looked like. Still, maybe a tad too discreet.
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Jon 4:46PM (11/19/2008)
I agree. It's very plain for a car that has to compete with the S class and the LS. It is easy to argue that both of those cars are overdone, but I would take slightly overdone before plain any day.
Joakim Leufstedt 8:05PM (11/19/2008)
Wow, that new front spoiler really maked it look better! Should of had been on the production unit!
(No sarcasm here!)
JeremySeattle 4:36PM (11/19/2008)
You changed the font at the bottom of this post :(
Please add a /font.
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Torrent 4:43PM (11/19/2008)
oooh look at the font.
Dont like the car, but the font. yes.
wtf happened to the font. I hate it.
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Fugly Rides 4:55PM (11/19/2008)
Wow. That's usually a nice ride. But that front grille is NOT looking good at all. Those two grille-pockets (whatever you might call them) are WAY too big, bulgy, and fat...
Change it back to how it was!!!
- http://www.fuglyrides.com
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aaron 5:33PM (11/19/2008)
I'd still pick it hands down over a Mercedes S-Class, but I don't know if I'd pick it over an A8 V-12/S8. I do not need you to agree or disagree with me, Zamafir (AB's Audi Defense Force leader). Kidding...mostly ;)
Wasn't it some crash specific thing one (just one) of the reasons why the nose is so flat? Regardless, it looks better in black since it covers up some of the boring lines.
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dukeisduke 5:35PM (11/19/2008)
Uh, it reminds me of the Volvo S80.
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Mobius_1 5:47PM (11/19/2008)
Great car, if road tests are to be believed.
Crap design, if my eyes are to be believed.
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Kevin 7:09PM (11/19/2008)
I am still upset that they decided to ditch the CS concept.
Except for the excellent new interior, this new BMW looks the same as the one it replaces. You'd think the interior guys and the exterior guys would be on the same page but apparently not.
The cohesion is missing.
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tito 7:29PM (11/19/2008)
is it just me or NONE of BMW´s green cars go into full production. cause there is always an hydrogen concept, hybrid concept, electric concept but they just stay as concepts, i just had that quesiton.
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