61 Votes

Bangle Butt Is Gone On The New 7, But Is It Better?

Agent001 submitted on 10/11/2008 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 10:03:48 PM

80 user comments | Category: New Cars | Source: www.autospies.com

Tag Links: 2009 BMW 7-Series, Lexus LS-Series

The two biggest bones of contention on the last BMW 7-Series were the iDrive and the infamous Bangle butt.

Well, iDrive on the new 7 is vastly improved and the Bangle butt has been replaced with, DARE we say it?

A Lexus LS butt?

2009 BMW 7-Series

For so many years, Lexus has been accused of 'borrowing' design elements from the Germans but have the tables turned?

Every time I see the new 7, the only questionable design characteristic is the similarity to the butt of the Lexus LS-Series.

Maybe it's just me, but I can't get it out of my head...I see too much of a resemblance.

Not that there is anything wrong with the LS rear end, I love it.

But a BMW shouldn't have an Asian car style butt.

One can argue that China is the fastest growing market for BMW's and one design has to work for all customers in all countries.

But it doesn't make ME feel any better about how it looks.

Do you agree that BMW flattering the Lexus LS rear end design on their new 7?

And if so, how does it make you feel?

2009 BMW 3-Series, Diesel, X5 Diesel Photos

2008 Paris Auto Show

2009 BMW 7-Series

Bangle Butt Is Gone On The New 7, But Is It Better?

About the Author

FWD Torque Steer. Absolute proof the Devil exists.
— Agent001 (View Profile)

User Comments

I think the current 7 looks a lot more better than that hideous last generation.
— Htay7500 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/11/2008 10:15:44 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

But do you think the butt resembles the Lexus LS?

001
— Agent001 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/11/2008 10:18:46 PM | | Votes: 0

It was Lexus resembling the current gen 5-Series first of all.....

(Based on users' opinions including mine)
— Carboy (View Profile)

Posted on 10/11/2008 10:31:22 PM | | Votes: -9

hey zero zero uno, we already did this topic already - a while ago too
— KZ258 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/11/2008 11:56:16 PM | | Votes: 9

in some ways it does look better than the previous 7, like the overall shape. but the details, such as the real lights shape, the front lights shape and the stupidly big grill make it look out of proportion and cheaper that it is.
— synx (View Profile)

Posted on 10/12/2008 1:32:12 AM | | Votes: 2

You must need glasses Agent001...

This new 7 series looks nothing like the troll mobile Lexus LS.
— QuantumMatrix (View Profile)

Posted on 10/12/2008 6:38:44 AM | | Votes: 3

Agent: Not really.
— Htay7500 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/12/2008 9:04:30 AM | | Votes: 3

BMW did a fine job of copying the LS rear.
— david999 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/12/2008 12:06:11 PM | | Votes: 0

This is just amazing. How stupid and how old is everyone on this site?
The new 7-series rear looks very similar to the E34 geneation BMW 5 series. I guess everyones too young to remember that.
Also, Lexus ripped many BMW design cues onto the LS. So technically, BMW is copying itself.
— audirevolution (View Profile)

Posted on 10/12/2008 7:32:23 PM | | Votes: 0

"Park an LS right between a BMW 5 Series and the 7 Series (02-08) and it will become instantly apparent where Lexus got their designs from. It takes revisionist history and/or short term memory loss to claim that BMW, one of the innovative car companies took ideas from the biggest plagiarist in the automotive universe (except the Chinese of course). I just saw these three cars together and the mash-up Lexus did of the two BMWs is uncanny."

Amen. At least one person has some intelligence here. I nominate you for the next open Agent spot, which would finally give this site at least one with some brains.
— tattedtwice (View Profile)

Posted on 10/12/2008 11:01:21 PM | | Votes: 4

The rear-end design of the Lexus LS-Series is one of the most strikingly handsome of all premium luxury vehicles currently in production...

With that typed, BMW could have chosen a much less attractive design cue to emulate i.e. the ridiculous looking (1st gen) Ford Focus-inspired fenders flares of the current Mercedes S-Class.

Note: At least they copied something worthy of copying -
— DaHarder (View Profile)

Posted on 10/11/2008 10:20:27 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

The rear end of the LS resembles the rear end of the current 5 series with some cues from the old 7 series.
The previous generation of the LS was a carbon copy of the old S class.
— AdmiralT20 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/12/2008 10:01:08 PM | | Votes: -2

I have to agree, I was looking at pictures in an article the other day about the new 7-Series, it was not until I started looking close that I realized it was the new 7 versus the LS. Now in fairness I wasn't reading the article, simply flipping through pages as I glanced at the pictures while standing in Barnes and Noble, but the new 7 appears to have taken some styling cues from the LS.

I think it is a great looking car as is the LS.

-00J
— Agent00J (View Profile)

Posted on 10/11/2008 10:40:56 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6

Finally......
— hao420 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/12/2008 3:04:46 AM | | Votes: 4

Wow 00J... coming from you!
— 0to60 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/12/2008 8:27:31 AM | | Votes: 5

They look the same to me. Doesn't really matter, I can't afford either one now that half my investments have tanked :)
— g2ok (View Profile)

Posted on 10/11/2008 11:59:12 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 8

In all fairness the L shaped tail lights are not new to BMW, the chrome strip and these particular exhaust tips are not identical.....the way this post is written almost implies that people are needing therapy over this issue....
— SixxFive (View Profile)

Posted on 10/12/2008 12:07:16 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

BMW definitely borrow some designing cue from the Lexus LS for sure, I mean just look at the above pictures. There is nothing to be ashame, Lexus is a reputable brands, as is BMW.

All cars company borrow design from other car company all the time. I mean that is just how thing work in this world.
— Lexus (View Profile)

Posted on 10/12/2008 12:28:49 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Yep...and I remember someone saying that everything we think of has been thought of before. Let's not take that that too literally, but it does help our case here - automotive design.

(I apologize for not quoting the person who said ^that^. I forgot the person's name.)
— WorldofLuxury (View Profile)

Posted on 10/12/2008 3:01:21 AM | | Votes: 4

Where is the resemblance? Just because they have angular exhaust ports? The BMW is vastly more interesting visually than the Lexus. And this similarity is mostly attributed to the angle of the pictures.
— 204E60 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/12/2008 12:44:22 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

No, no - you guys got it all wrong! Look at the Lexus ES...especially the tail lights.
— Dustbuster (View Profile)

Posted on 10/12/2008 12:49:09 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

the rear light shape actually looks a lot like ES, i pointed that out and get deboosted to no end. not very surprising consider this is a german-fan site.
— ghosthunter (View Profile)

Posted on 10/12/2008 2:41:24 AM | | Votes: -1

you're absolutely right, ES rear lights. this will get de-boosted for saying bmw copied. oh well!!!
— 1dott8 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/12/2008 3:08:20 PM | | Votes: 1

I see the strips of LEDs in an L-shape inside the lamps of both cars, and their built-in exhaust outlets, but other than that I don't see a resemblance. i.e., the taillamps themselves are very different and the shapes of the trunks are just normal for luxury sedans.

BTW, BMW had those exhaust outlets before Lexus. See the original X5. There's also the fact that the LS uses E60-style taillamps, but Lexus's are nicer.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 10/12/2008 1:03:52 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

Last 7's Rear end was nice, aggressive & different Bangle Design. The LS needs to look more aggressive. LS has very boring looking tailllights...
— StickShiftCamry (View Profile)

Posted on 10/12/2008 1:32:44 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

the shape of the lights is dumb and cheap looking, but the colour is fantastic. looks really cool
— synx (View Profile)

Posted on 10/12/2008 1:32:56 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

The only thing I don't like about the new 7 is the tail lights.

I just can't get used to it.
— Milton (View Profile)

Posted on 10/12/2008 1:33:39 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

I believe these questions are ridiculous... If a car company chooses to place two tail lights on the back of their car, they are accused of copying the others. Every car has the same design elements, and all the companies will progress the same way. Get over it...and I dont even like BMW.

With that said, this new rear end looks much better than the previous gen. Sleek, and simple.
— dimitri_010 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/12/2008 2:46:11 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 9

who'da ever thought BMW would ever be copying Lexus design?
— qwaszxxx (View Profile)

Posted on 10/12/2008 2:52:22 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

I do not believe anyone in europe asks this question. Actually the question would be what is a lexus.
— andraz (View Profile)

Posted on 10/12/2008 5:17:56 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5

they both look ugly. a black s65 please and keep the change.
— 528i (View Profile)

Posted on 10/12/2008 5:35:53 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -9

What change? It costs more than both of these cars put together.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 10/12/2008 11:30:19 PM | | Votes: 3

i absolutley agree, 7 series rear end look too much like LS, I too 'can't get it out of my head...I see too much of a resemblance'. The tail light design, chrome stripe, number plate area, exhaust...etc look too much like LS.

and who are saying LS looks like 5 series are the same who said LS look like jumbo camry. now do the camry and 5 series look similar. these people are just haters.

btw LS rear end is not my fav in it's class, i like S class and A8 rear end more. i think they r more elegant and complete, but whatever 7 rear does look a lot like LS's.

JUGNU
— JUGNU (View Profile)

Posted on 10/12/2008 5:41:16 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

"The tail light design, chrome stripe, number plate area, exhaust...etc look too much like LS."

Are you KIDDING?

First of all, where is the "chrome stripe" on the LS? The 7 Series uses an A6-style full-width strip, but the LS just has a bit of chrome above the license plate housing.

Second of all, where else would BMW put the license plate housing? Do you know how stupid it would look in the bumper? EVERY BMW sedan has its license plate housing in the trunk.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 10/12/2008 11:32:17 PM | | Votes: -1

forget aout the rear, the front of the BMW is a shocker - Miss Piggy!!!
— ubercool (View Profile)

Posted on 10/12/2008 6:09:54 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4

I was waiting for someone to say it. The front end is what need help.
T
— TauronB2G (View Profile)

Posted on 10/12/2008 11:10:55 PM | | Votes: 1

Is this gonna ever end?
Lexus imitated the 5 Series.
7 Series is inspired from the 5 Series.
That's why they lookalike.
BMW never copies design. They've got their own design team, unlike Lexus.
— Speedoholic (View Profile)

Posted on 10/12/2008 7:25:45 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

could anyone please point out the similarity between current gen LS and last gen 5? because i failed to see any(except they all have 4 wheels, 4 doors, etc). i started to feel bmw fanboys are trying to make out lies out of the thin air.
— ghosthunter (View Profile)

Posted on 10/12/2008 3:28:03 PM | | Votes: 0

Don`t worry , it`s only rear end looking a bit similar , rest of the car looks different . I would more worry why it`s following some japanese technologies like 4-wheel steering ( infinity ) , pedestrian detection ( jdm honda legend , lexus ls460 ) , 8-speed auto .
— abcd (View Profile)

Posted on 10/12/2008 9:36:11 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -8

Four-wheel steering has been available on American pickup trucks for years. It has been experimented with on cars before, too. Infiniti is not the first to offer this feature.

And since when is adding an extra cog to the transmission a "Japanese technology?" Would that make a seven-speed transmission a German technology? Not to mention, a six-speed... the 2002 7 Series was the first car with a standard six-speed automatic.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 10/12/2008 11:35:06 PM | | Votes: -1

Maybe technology isn`t good word , let say Japanese automakers innovations .
For how many years 4 wheel steering has been available in the American pickup tracks ? Nissan (Infinity) introduced HICAS in 1985 . Honda , Mitsubishi , Mazda also introduced various ( mechanical , electronically controlled ) 4 wheel steering systems in late 80`s . First Infinity Q45 ( early 90`s ) also had four wheel steering as option . It is turning rear wheels depending on vehicle speed .

About 8 speed auto you`re right , it`s not Japanese technology , but the Mercedes ( first 7 speed ) and the BMW ( 6 speed ) were very praising their firsts ( which weren`t big innovations ) , so Lexus also may praise it first 8 speed as well ( which also isn`t big innovation ) .
— abcd (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2008 10:12:06 AM | | Votes: -1

I posted something like this before.

Agent001

The 7 series' tail lights are L shaped, which has now become like a design theme of the latest BMWs. The chrome above the plate number is from the last generation 7 series. The LEDs have been used in the last 7 series. The tailpipes are from the X5.

Conclusion: the 7 series does not copy the LS, and I doubt BMW even had the lexus in mind when they designed the new 7. ( not to mention, the idea was developed before the LS came out )
— M53R (View Profile)

Posted on 10/12/2008 10:01:59 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 10

Could not have said it better....BMW is not going to look at Lexus for design inspiration. That is past ridiculous. They have their own internal design competitions as well as a design heritage to design from.
Especially when their designs all seem to originate with Toyota and flow to their Lexus counterparts...(there isn't much difference between an LS,ES,Avalon,Camry etc from the rear view.)

And I love the front end. Aggressive and honoring the shark-like profile of some of the first 7ers. Everyone I know who has seen the new 7 in person says the same thing..great presence and looks aggressive and classy in the flesh.
— ICON (View Profile)

Posted on 10/12/2008 2:19:03 PM | | Votes: 4

What a cheap knockoff of the elegant LS. BMW can't even copy right :)

What the difference, 7series looks like a Galapagos turtle.
— sector (View Profile)

Posted on 10/12/2008 10:11:20 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -9

I just noticed that in the 7 series photo gallery, on page 25, that the 7 series liscense plates lights are bluish white now.
— lakerfan213 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/12/2008 11:58:24 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

like lexus? wow, that's a surprise.
— 1dott8 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/12/2008 3:17:13 PM | | Votes: 0

Rear end is fine, but as for the front.........
— BondMI6 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/12/2008 12:30:36 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3

It'll be even better if Bangle himself is gone, say, to AUDI or something.

:)
— dlin (View Profile)

Posted on 10/12/2008 12:41:09 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

please don't try to pass him off to another company.
— 1dott8 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/12/2008 3:18:45 PM | | Votes: 3

Where are all the Bangle Fanboys?

His designs seem to have taken an about face. Or is it that BMW finally realized a failed design direction?

A toned down Bangle is OK I guess. An unrestricted Bangle results in awkward monstrosities.

— LexSucks (View Profile)

Posted on 10/12/2008 12:59:42 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5

Sales speak otherwise.
— M53R (View Profile)

Posted on 10/14/2008 2:21:24 PM | | Votes: 2

Agent001, here is a good comparison that we pu together, along with some images: http://www.bmwblog.com/2008/09/28/the-lexus-ls-and-the-2009-bmw-7/
We believe the LS took many design elements from the previous generation 7 Series.
— BMWBlog (View Profile)

Posted on 10/12/2008 2:21:52 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

that post is the most retarded thing i have ever seen, and those fan boy comments are pathetically biased.
— ghosthunter (View Profile)

Posted on 10/12/2008 3:30:45 PM | | Votes: -1

Looks like a bunch of fanboys desperately hating to admit the 7er is a copy of the LS. They should have went ahead and copied the front of the LS as well, to bad 7er looks like a mustached bug-eyed turtle from the front :)
— sector (View Profile)

Posted on 10/12/2008 3:48:16 PM | | Votes: -8

here here, a fine rump indeed!
— 1995e34 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/12/2008 3:55:32 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

I've thought from the beginning that the new 7-Series looks similar to the LS from the c-pillar back. Of course I don't think BMW copied Lexus, it's a matter of styling trends in automotive design. It's not unusual for cars from different makes to have a similar look about them and even very similar details. It's no different then clothes, hairstyles or any fashion related product. I believe auto designers have been especially sensitive to design trends in the last few decades because of globalization of the industry and the need to maintain the freshest look to what automobiles, even the luxury brands, have become, a mass-marketed consumable.
— BobW (View Profile)

Posted on 10/12/2008 8:30:58 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

bimmerfan25,

You are not a BMW fan. You are a Lexus fan boi posing as a BMW lover.

I have read all of your posts and you trash every BMW and praise every Lexus.

You are one of the very worst things on this site a Hippocrit.
— QuantumMatrix (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2008 8:46:57 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

If you think the LS doesn't look like the 5 series you're a blind fanboy. You're seeing what you want to see, not what actually is there.

I"m a bmw fan and I admit the new 7 series rear end is far from a lexus ls copy. and thank god, it's way better looking than the current model

— tattedtwice (View Profile)

Posted on 10/12/2008 11:05:35 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

I actually like the majority of the new 7 series. i am far from a fan boy th ough. I just do not like the front end of it. The kidneys are much to large and they should be incorporated into the hood. Like a proper BMW. Otherwise the car is superb. I can't wait to drive it.
T
— TauronB2G (View Profile)

Posted on 10/12/2008 11:13:30 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Not a fan boy either (hated the previous 7) but that rear end is all 5 series, the tail lights go back to the 2000 generation 3 series and to a previous 5 series if I remember correctly.
— M316 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2008 10:45:55 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

Both rear ends look good.

Next...
— M35MT (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2008 12:54:20 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

whatever I still like the car its way better than the previous BANGLE 7
— B7FAN (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2008 1:15:18 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

anything was way better than the previous bangle 7.
— 1dott8 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2008 1:51:53 PM | | Votes: 2

Second that!
— E36er (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2008 4:34:27 PM | | Votes: 2

the LS looks like an camry...FACT
— Denali (View Profile)

Posted on 10/13/2008 7:33:52 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

001- you seem to be a good person, so I'd like you to vote Obama-Biden this time. Not McCain Palin. That's all.
— Lyall (View Profile)

Posted on 10/14/2008 12:30:58 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

The grille and rear tail lamps are unacceptable for a car of this calibre.
— cls550 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/14/2008 3:56:35 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

The damage that Bangle did to BMW...
— Caraficionado (View Profile)

Posted on 10/14/2008 12:40:01 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

Anyone in this thread old enough to remember when the first Lexus LS hit the showroom floors. It was not so good Japanese copy of the Mercedes S Class.
Google it !
Now it seems in recent years that Lexus turned it's body design attention from Mercedes to BMW. Although Lexus choose to, ummhmm "plagurise" the 5 series instead of the 7 series.
— Whattt (View Profile)

Posted on 10/15/2008 3:54:11 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

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Bangle Butt Is Gone On The New 7, But Is It Better?

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