As predicted...
BMW Plans to Redo Its 7 Series Sedan For 2006 Model
Source: Wall street Journal
DETROIT -- BMW AG has some welcome news for customers who have been less than impressed with the avant-garde look of its 7 Series sedan: A new look is on the way.
Later this month BMW will release the first photos of the 7 Series with the design tweaks that will appear in the 2006 version of the car.
The current 7 Series sports sedan, the flagship of the BMW brand, was redesigned three years ago with sleek contours and creases that were a stark departure from the older, staid BMW look of straight, engineered lines and creases. Since then, BMW has restyled its Z4 roadster and 5 Series sedan with similar designs that are supposed to define the modern look of BMW.
Soon to change: BMW's 7 Series
But many longtime BMW aficionados have howled at the new look, especially that of the 7 Series, and in 2004 the criticism took its toll, as U.S. sales of the 7 Series fell 21%.
At the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this week, BMW Chief Executive Helmut Panke said a "face-lift" of the 7 Series is on the way and the first photos will be released Jan. 27.
In an interview, Mr. Panke declined to describe the changes, but said, "We are taking away some of the points for which we got criticism." The main criticisms of the 7 Series have focused on its raised trunk and curves around its headlights.
Customers hailed the news. "If they are going to redo the 7, that's probably good for us die-hard fans," said Tony Yocham, a software consultant in Irvine, Calif., who has owned seven or eight BMWs over the years.
Mr. Panke said BMW is "not walking away" from its new design philosophy. BMW, he pointed out, is making adjustments in its look, which doesn't stand out as much now that competitors like Infiniti and Cadillac are launching more cars with bold, provocative designs. "In two or three years, we won't be having this design discussion," Mr. Panke said.