Last week I asked for your opinions on the newly refreshed 2006 BMW 7-series.
And boy, did we ever get an earful.
On balance, peoples impressions from our blogs and emails were split 60/40, negative vs. positive, on their impressions of the new car.
So what do I think of it?
First, I can't wait to drive the new 360HP engine. The old car had plenty of power but you can never have TOO much in my opinion.
They say the suspension has been improved...how do you get better than perfect? This should be a sight to see!
Minor improvements have been made to the interior but it is still a contemporary looking cabin, not traditional style interior. We prefer the more traditional Teutonic BMW look, like in the Z4.
On the exterior we like the front better than the previous car but the original 'Bangle butt' looks better to us...that chrome 'Saturn-like' chrome strip across the back looks cheap and the taillights speak 80's style Toyota Cressida. In case you're confused, that's NOT a good thing!
Have they finally made the car beautiful?
No.
Is it better than the last one?
Maybe?
But only because of what's under the hood, not what's surrounding it.
Did they change it enough to finally end the controversy?
No.
Why didn't they?
Our opinion is it was STRICTLY a business decision.
The cost would have been too high to fix and there would not have been enough of a spike in sales to justify it.
Patch the holes and hang on for dear life until the total re-design comes in three years.
Then you can REALLY affect sales.
We agree with the strategy but that three years won't go fast enough for us.
We hope they make the Z8 of sedans when the new model comes out.
Make a mistake once in a market like this and you will be fine, as long as you have such a strong brand as BMW.
Do it twice and it will be the beginning of the end, for BMW's leadership position.
So to all the designers and engineers at BMW working on the next 7...No pressure! ;)
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