Next generation BMW 7-Series details starting to leak- Exclusive details

Now that the X6 concept is out the door, the next vehicle slated for introduction from BMW is the next 7-Series and we’re hearing rumors that it could come as early as the 2008 Geneva auto show in March.

Sources tell the Spies that the next generation will stick to the BMW formula of an evolutionary exterior design change coming after a radical design change like the current model.

If you're hoping for something totally different, you've got another 5-6 year wait.

What WILL be radically different though from the current car is the interior dash layout and control center.

Look for the most sophisticated gadgetry, like night vision 3.0, more exterior cameras than cars should be allowed to have that will survey the perimeter plus secure the car and the most amazing radar cruise control on the planet.

We also hear they have teamed up with a 'Levinson-like' company to bring the next generation of audio/video amazement to the luxury set.

The 7 will also finally get a panoramic roof option ala Mercedes S-Class and the interior material quality will make an Audi A8 look like a Chevy Cavalier.

Well, maybe not that much better but it will be the best in BMW history.

An all new suspension system is being readied and it is supposed to be even more amazing than what's on the market today.

More luxury amenities than humans should be allowed to have are in the mix AND...

The big surprises?

Besides a twin-turbo, 500hp starting base engine?

How about a hybrid version that bests the Lexus LS600h....for LESS money.

The high end luxury segment is going to get even MORE exciting...VERY soon!

theoptimisticpessimist - 11/23/2007 12:50:17 PM

+2 Boost

Cool!

EnnNorak - 11/23/2007 2:53:34 PM

-18 Boost

It may be "cool" as you put it but the panoramic sun roof is the silliest option I ever heard of. Glass roofs are an overpriced gimmik that can give you a thousand cuts in a roll-over.

theoptimisticpessimist - 11/23/2007 3:37:39 PM

+12 Boost

You really have to be kidding about the sunroof.

First off I wouldn't own a car with out a sunroof.

Second a sunroof is no more dangerous the windshield in front of you, they are both made out of the same safety glass.

M35MT - 11/26/2007 1:39:31 PM

+1 Boost

Cars without sunroofs are awesome. A little thing called "rigidity" ...its great for conering.

LexSucks - 11/30/2007 9:31:00 AM

+1 Boost

Rigity my butt. The Porshce GT3 doesn't seem to be affected by a sunroof.

BmwCarGuyO9 - 11/23/2007 12:53:21 PM

0 Boost

o w/e...they say these things...but when production cums fur da model....it wont be as described here >__>
but...w/e

Kinger - 11/23/2007 12:54:57 PM

+3 Boost

Nice, can't wait to see what it will look like. Apparently the platform will be shared with a new smaller Rolls-Royce model.

I'm hoping it will look similar to this computer generated image: http://www.edbmw.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/bmw702md3.jpg

DaHarder - 11/23/2007 1:00:52 PM

+2 Boost

"the interior material quality will make an Audi A8 look like a Chevy Cavalier."

A bit of an exaggeration I'd wager...

EL34 - 11/23/2007 1:16:42 PM

0 Boost

This new BMW 7-Series like the current 7-Series will take the Toyota LS and crush it.

JUGNU - 11/23/2007 1:47:19 PM

+1 Boost

"a twin-turbo, 500hp starting base engine?"

agree with DaHarder. That's lot of exaggerations.

JUGNU

Agent001 - 11/23/2007 2:05:56 PM

+2 Boost

BMW engineers have told us in the past they can get 100HP per liter with the new twin-turbo technology and we hear the next car will base at 5.0 liters.

No exaggeration.

001

aprilia99 - 11/23/2007 3:14:57 PM

-1 Boost

"BMW engineers have told us in the past they can get 100HP per liter with the new twin-turbo technology.

No exaggeration."

of course its no exageration - they have been achieving this without turbos for years ....

not very credible story ... again

enthusiastx11 - 11/23/2007 5:19:00 PM

+3 Boost

why would that be unrealistic?

bmw has proven twin-turbo technology in the 3-series making 300hp out of an inline six. it makes perfect sense that a twin-turbo V8 in a 7-series would make 500hp.

Agent001 - 11/23/2007 5:53:20 PM

+3 Boost

We also should have mentioned that it will be the base engine on the USA 7-series (not Europe) and it will get the same mileage as the current 750!

001

BMWM - 11/23/2007 6:04:18 PM

0 Boost

What happened to the 400hp twin turbo v8 that they are supposed to be developing? I thought that was going to be the base engine.

henbmw - 11/24/2007 6:44:57 PM

0 Boost

I think the best move for BMW would be to make a diesel for their 'green' model. Those Germans make some excellent diesels, lets start seeing them stateside!

LexusGS - 11/23/2007 2:16:29 PM

+2 Boost

So,
What about an X version with AWD???

theoptimisticpessimist - 11/23/2007 4:09:31 PM

+3 Boost

That's coming too.

S4cabriofoxone - 11/23/2007 4:27:37 PM

+2 Boost

How do you know?

Agent001 - 11/23/2007 4:28:21 PM

+5 Boost

And yes, we forgot to mention x-drive is a new addition (optional) on the next 7.

001

theoptimisticpessimist - 11/23/2007 4:54:39 PM

+4 Boost

S4cabriofoxone,

I Was told by a BMW rep. The only reason the current 7 and V8 5 don't have X drive is it won't fit under the hood with the V8. The rep assured me that X-Drive was a priority with the next V8 7's and 5's.

theoptimisticpessimist - 11/23/2007 4:55:00 PM

+3 Boost

theoptimisticpessimist - 11/23/2007 5:33:31 PM

+2 Boost

Sorry I was redundant, that I repeated myself, that I said the same twice.

Hyundai - 11/23/2007 6:10:20 PM

+1 Boost

That's OK, it's alright, so don't worry, it's cool. :P

Lavic - 11/23/2007 3:35:50 PM

+2 Boost

Sounds promissing!

S4cabriofoxone - 11/23/2007 4:11:18 PM

+3 Boost

It sounds awesome, but it also sounds 100% speculative.

500hp base engine? I think not.

Best interior in class? Maybe not.

It sounds like a lot of this could happen over the next decade or so... but next year???

Star - 11/23/2007 4:38:56 PM

-8 Boost

Right..is not an Audi so it cannot be that good. Ugh...

S4cabriofoxone - 11/23/2007 6:38:42 PM

+3 Boost

No, please tell me where I said that. You are a fool.

The 7 Series is currently my least-favorite BMW. I love all the others. And I'm sure the new one will be a huge improvement... but 500hp base engine? Do you really believe that? Does anybody actually need that? A 300hp base engine would be more than enough, with 400hp and 500hp versions available. Some people also want fuel efficiency in their luxury sedans.

Rupert - 11/23/2007 6:48:04 PM

+1 Boost

300hp as the base engine...I love it...10 years ago 300 hp was the top engine!

M35MT - 11/26/2007 1:49:34 PM

+1 Boost

S4, it does seem strange, however, its a horsepower war these days, not to mention, we all drive cars with things we dont 'need'...does anyone NEED a 600hp bi-turbo MB? No...but they want it...

To claim, or re-claim the #1 spot in a class, you need to push the numbers. Does anyone remember when the first Q45 came to the states? It had more horsepower and was significantly faster than all the big sedans.

EL34 - 11/23/2007 4:12:37 PM

-6 Boost

I'm buying this BMW when it comes out.

I mean last month a guy in my office got a $149,000 commission check for selling a 6 million dollar home in Laguna Beach.

I've come close to that, but in 2008 I will get me a check like that.

Monk - 11/23/2007 5:17:20 PM

+1 Boost

Are you that wealthy? From what I have read of your posts, it sounds like you're planning to buy every car on the planet...X6, 7 series etc.

henbmw - 11/24/2007 6:49:31 PM

+4 Boost

Seeing as you recently graduated from 5th grade, I would have hoped you would start living outside your imagination, EL34

EL34 - 11/23/2007 4:23:42 PM

-6 Boost

What fancy gadgetry do the Japanese manufacture for their cars?

Star - 11/23/2007 4:31:37 PM

+2 Boost

It looks like BMW has another winner in the works...

Star - 11/23/2007 4:36:59 PM

-7 Boost

What fancy gadgetry do the Japanese manufacture for their cars?

Useless stuff, EL34 like self parking and hybrid technology that is three times less economical than a diesel. The fanbois here don't understand that the current Japanese cars have the technology used 10 years ago by the Germans in their cars with the exceptions of useless features like self parking which is proudly patented in Japan..LOL.

Htay7500 - 11/24/2007 12:54:22 PM

+1 Boost

I hate idrive.

Star - 11/24/2007 2:43:43 PM

-2 Boost

Don't worry Htay7500, you will never going to be able to afford a car with idrive anyway.

Htay7500 - 11/24/2007 8:47:40 PM

+1 Boost

your rite. I'll probably get one without idrive/comand or w/e so I can focus driving rather than struggling to find a/c.

Monk - 11/23/2007 5:13:56 PM

+1 Boost

Everything's a little exaggerated...500 hp base, interior THAT much better than Audi's (Chevy Cavalier wtf), cruise control (every luxury manufacturer has adaptive cruise control, it's just controlled by a computer, nothing special), more luxury ameneties than humans should have (luxury = maybach, RR, mercedes, bentley; sport = bmw)
a bit overhyped on part of agent001, but front pic looks promising
I'm sure it will be a nice car - are there any $85K cars out there that are totally worthless? NO

Rupert - 11/23/2007 6:51:34 PM

+2 Boost

Base engine a 735d or the good old 730d? I think the TT will be the base engine...it will have put on weight and the 0-60 needs to remain competitive (it currently trails the S class and A8)...but still, a 286 hp 3.0 diesel as the base engine...just wow. Like I said, 10 years ago 286 hp was what the 4.4 V8 740i had! The 730d from that era had like 190hp!

MPowerDK - 11/23/2007 5:54:27 PM

+1 Boost

It sounds a little to good, we better wait and see.

BMWM - 11/23/2007 6:07:22 PM

+3 Boost

So the exterior is just supposed to be a revolution of the current model and we have to wait 5-6 years for the cs concept styled version? WEAK! I WANT MY CS CONCEPT NOW!

S4cabriofoxone - 11/23/2007 6:41:43 PM

+1 Boost

BTW, that's an awesome front pic. Successfully combines traits of the CS Concept and the current 7, if that small teaser is what it might actually look like. It might become the sexy car in the sub-$100K class (excluding Quattroporte). It may not have the "stateliness" of the S-Class, XJ or A8, but it probably will be sleek, slinky and sophisticated, which I'm hoping for.

bmwdrvr - 11/23/2007 7:09:27 PM

0 Boost

not sure what stateliness is suppose to mean, but if you mean "presence" or "curb appeal" the 7 series current has plenty of that, more so than the extremely conservative A8, and the classic lines of the XJ.....sleek, slinky, and sophisticated sound like 1 of 2 things either a tv commerical for Macys for something in WOmens Apparel. The bottom line is nuances aside, the 7 series has inspired the rest of competitors in several ways, and lead the pack with its 2002 introduction with many technologies including I drive which now Mercedes and Audi offer similar systems. Not to mention the styling of the S class with its more avant garde appearence, steering column mounted shifter, and overall interior presentation. The 7 series will never be the "sexy" one in this group, the light sleek look is all xj, and the sleek exotic lines belong to the maserati. That has never been a 7 series. It will move the bar higher for cars in its class like the 2002 model did when it was introduced

S4cabriofoxone - 11/23/2007 11:10:18 PM

0 Boost

bmwdrvr, CALM DOWN. I didn't insult the 7. Okay, sure, it's stately. But NO, it can't touch the A8 or XJ for pure "royal appeal." Those cars look and feel bigger. Let alone the S-Class, which has the most curb appeal this side of a Rolls.

What I said is that it SHOULD be the 7 Series. And judging by this small teaser and the CS Concept, it will be. It won't take itself so seriously any more.

S4cabriofoxone - 11/23/2007 11:10:55 PM

+1 Boost

You're still stuck in 2002, aren't you?

TauronB2G - 11/23/2007 11:27:48 PM

+3 Boost

I hope there is something new and much better than iDrive. I think 500hp is a bit aspirational. I think they'll one up mercedes and come in around 400hp. I'm still stuck in the early 2000's, so I hope the car will have a much better front end than the current one. I absolutely hate the full range of beemers now. We'll see.
T

S4cabriofoxone - 11/25/2007 1:44:29 AM

+1 Boost

Then why has it sold so well? It may be the least appealing in its class, but even being the bottom of that class is a great place to be. Far from "horrible."

MunichRob - 11/24/2007 6:04:20 AM

+2 Boost

They say the next gen 6-series will come with a base 415hp V-8, I'd imagine BMW would place the same base engine in the next-gen 7-series.

Htay7500 - 11/24/2007 7:43:36 AM

-2 Boost

I hope it looks better than the current gen mess.

Occarnut - 11/24/2007 9:21:13 AM

+1 Boost

500 for a base engine seems high...the Phantom has 453 (I think)with a V12...I am sure the technology exists..it would just seem a bit over the top.

ThierryHenry14 - 11/24/2007 12:09:02 PM

+2 Boost

I was thining the same with the base engines. Only seems like common sense.

Rupert - 11/24/2007 12:54:33 PM

+2 Boost

I was talking about the diesels.
I don't know what the base engine in the US is, I assumed it was the 300hp 4.0 V8 in the 740, which is also slower than the A8 4.2.
Here it's a 3.0d and a 3.0i, both of which are slow in their respective classes.
Can I remind you that my family does own a 7 series? I'm hardly likely to insult it, it's just getting old now...
And the base engine having 400hp..what is the world coming to??

henbmw - 11/24/2007 6:55:50 PM

+1 Boost

Rupert- Base engine in the US is a (in the 750i) 4.8 liter V8 producing 367hp. Another 33hp is not such a leap...

Rupert - 11/24/2007 7:39:45 PM

+2 Boost

My point wasn't that it was a great leap, but the fact that 400 hp is the base engine...it's almost ridiculous...your base engine is the 750?? Why not the 740?

S4cabriofoxone - 11/25/2007 1:45:59 AM

+1 Boost

The 750i produces 350hp.

It can't keep up with the S550, amazinBimmer. It is, in fact, in a "dead heat" with the A8 4.2. That's because the Audi weighs less due to its superior aluminum spaceframe. Check your facts, please.

S4cabriofoxone - 11/25/2007 1:46:25 AM

+1 Boost

*360hp.

autopro - 11/24/2007 11:23:34 AM

-1 Boost

I wonder if the new series will have the worse buy-back in the History of BMW or luxury cars sales,like the last gen.

S4cabriofoxone - 11/25/2007 1:47:34 AM

+1 Boost

That was uncalled for and completely incorrect. We SHOULD have the 740 here, but we don't. Some people want better gas mileage. A 740d would be nice, but it wouldn't be able to keep up with an S420 CDI or A8 4.2TDI.

S4cabriofoxone - 11/25/2007 9:59:17 PM

+1 Boost

What are you talking about? You think straight-line speed is the only reason why I wouldn't buy a 750i? Then why would I ever buy an A8? The R8 represents a HELLUVA LOT more than speed, and you know that. The GT-R is ONLY speed. It's built for speed and nothing else.

S4cabriofoxone - 11/25/2007 10:01:00 PM

+1 Boost

And BTW, "waaaay slower?" The Audi R8 4.2 has achieved a 3.9 sec 0-60mph time.

GermanNut - 11/24/2007 10:14:49 PM

-1 Boost

Too bad, amazinBimmer the Audi A8 owners are wealthier than their poorer BMW 7-series owning counterparts.

GermanNut - 11/24/2007 10:17:46 PM

-1 Boost

Furthermore, the sparse interior of the 7-series is a joke. The Audi A8 has been smashing the 7-series left and right in the comparison tests and its interior has continuously been praised over the 7-series' cheap plasticky nonsense.

david999 - 11/25/2007 10:34:19 AM

-4 Boost

Anything newer will be better than the current 7 series, even though I doubt a
500 hp base engine is really in the works. BMW should be looking to replace the Idrive system with something like what Lexus is planning in the new RX.

S4cabriofoxone - 11/25/2007 12:20:14 PM

+3 Boost

Well, what is Lexus planning in the new RX???

david999 - 11/25/2007 7:25:11 PM

-1 Boost

9" screen on dash with touchpad between front seats where cupholders were.

S4cabriofoxone - 11/25/2007 9:59:58 PM

+1 Boost

Interesting. I like the idea and the creativity, but I wonder how comfortable that would be to use while driving.

ravErdaveE92 - 11/26/2007 12:44:22 AM

+1 Boost

in high-end sport/luxury segments these days, no one brand "smashes" another... each has its own appeal

and as for 0-60, these are the official numbers:

BMW 750i: 5.9
MB S550: 5.4
Audi A8 4.2: 5.9
Lexus LS460: 5.4 (although its been tested by magazines in the neighborhood of 6 flat or even slower)

so the difference adds up to 0.5 seconds at the most, but the BMW almost makes up for it with tighter handling (in my opinion)...and when it comes to interior, each represents a particular aspect of luxury/presence. i dont get why people gripe about the 7's interior, i wouldnt necessarily call it class leading or superior in any way, but the A8 and S class certainly dont blow it away

my point is, all cars in this segment are worthy contenders, and while the 7 is certainly the oldest and not the most exciting while compared to the new S-class, its still as good of a luxury sedan as the others

im excited to see what bmw does with the new one... i hope they surprise everyone with a sleek looking, technologically innovative, and not to mention blazing fast class leader rather than just something to match the brilliance of the new S class

S4cabriofoxone - 11/26/2007 12:46:02 AM

+1 Boost

"i dont get why people gripe about the 7's interior, i wouldnt necessarily call it class leading or superior in any way, but the A8 and S class certainly dont blow it away"

Yes, they do. I have driven both the A8 SWB and S550 twice, and have sat in a 750Li at my BMW dealer extensively. It's a HUGE difference. The 5 Series makes the 7 Series feel cheap. I was not impressed.

bimmer - 12/4/2007 3:22:01 PM

+1 Boost

@S4cabriofoxone

"I was not impressed."

If YOU were not impressed does not necessary mean a 7 series has a less quality/ergonomic interior.
It just means YOU would like an AUDI over a BMW, and that's it.
Others are thinking different than you.

And allow me too to be mean and say: do not forget that 7 series was loosing points in reviews mainly because of people reviewing it, didn't like the iDrive - which now, however, can be found - transformed/renamed, onboard of AUDI models too.
Headlights angel eyes in BMW models, are now reshaped in a way or another by other manufacturers, AUDI among them. And how about the shark fin antenna ?!!
Phhleeeaaase... give us a break... take a ten years old or so AUDI, open the hood and read the markings on the engine...

farabira1 - 11/26/2007 3:48:59 AM

0 Boost

I think that BMW should increase the size of the 7 series close to that of the S class, because i think in this category, people are looking more for grandness and presence rather than driving fun. And BMW can easily do that by designing the 7 series to have the same size and design as the CS concept. The 7 series has been the iconic master of the BMW lineup, and i really think that BMW should not breakaway from this trend and introduce some 8 series, which would then have no lineage or pedigree compared to the 7 series, or E class, or even the Jaguar XJ sedan. I think that customers at this category of luxury uber sedans want a bit of heritage and history as well as grandness and luxury and the supposed 8 series will have none of the heritage factor, and may i say that, this is one of the reasons why Mercedes S class still outsells cars with lesser heritage like Audi A8 or Lexus LS.

S4cabriofoxone - 11/26/2007 10:45:10 PM

+1 Boost

"I think that BMW should increase the size of the 7 series close to that of the S class"

Mercedes-Benz S550: 205in

BMW 750Li: 204in

Yonder7 - 11/26/2007 1:57:18 PM

+1 Boost

I think that they won't use turbos on the new flagships due they already have heating problems with the 335i. Also they need a trustable engine, Sorry but I do not think the BMW is succesful doing turbo engines. Beside fabira1 comments, they won't do an S class for the same reason the MB will never do an M3: diferent philosphies. 7 series most of the time drives better than S class but ride quality is marginaly below the S class, due less weight and other structural factors. The example that MB follows to improve the C AMG was the M3. I am almost 100% sure that you do not accept this but that do not change the fact that the luxury yardstick for full size luxury sedans is MB, and that's final.