2009 BMW 7-Series Photo Gallery: 001 Says '7' Won't Be A Lucky Number For Mercedes, Lexus, Audi And The Others

2009 BMW 7-Series Photo Gallery: 001 Says '7' Won't Be A Lucky Number For Mercedes, Lexus, Audi And The Others
I just finished driving the the new 2009 BMW 7-Series for the first time in Dresden Germany yesterday.

Mini review:

Even though I personally owned three of the previous 7's (02,03,04 with two A8's in between), I never really got USED to the design and truly warmed up to anything but the superior drive it possesed.

2009 BMW 7-Series

We were the first to criticize the 'Butt' and the first to expose electronic issues and iDrive software glitches.
 
So the Spies won't be sad to see the last 7 head off into the sunset.

But the new car is a TOTALLY different story from a design standpoint and it has raised the bar again with its amazing driving dynamics.

We will have to wait to see if the electronics will be more relaible and hold up to the test but in every way shape and form, the new 7 is a drop dead knockout.

It drives much smaller feeling and lighter than the last car and its inners are second to none.

A couple small quirks I found were the prototype cars had a little too much wind noise on the outside mirrors and the new higher door grab handles feel hard in in the wrong place for my liking.

Mileage had been improved and it will use less gas than may mid-size cars out there.

For the purpose of my test, I drove the 750Li and the 730d which were both insanely great.

Enjoy he best detailed photos on earth of the new 7 (idrive screens, nav screens, ppt presentation, girls, scenery, etc.) and look for my full review soon.

I also threw in some photos of my visit to the madhouse...er, I mean Oktoberfest...MAN those 1-liter displacement beers are tasty!













Enjoy!

2008 Paris Auto Show

2009 BMW 7-Series

*BMW provided AutoSpies.com with transportation, food and lodging for the purposes of this exclusive review.

Agent001Agent001 - 10/6/2008 2:25:24 AM
0 Boost
It looks really strong and has a lot of presence in real life and as far as how it drives, NOTHING in its class touches it.

001



MBKingMBKing - 10/6/2008 2:50:16 AM
+5 Boost
come on NOTHING is a pretty bold statement when you have the almighty S-class in your class.

to be fair, it looks miles and miles better than the previous gen, I like it the look of it, and i'm sure it drives well.


KZ258KZ258 - 10/6/2008 9:10:31 AM
+3 Boost
"001 Says '7' Won't Be A Lucky Number For Mercedes, Lexus, Audi And The Others"

ehh...i have real high doubts about your claim zero zero uno


ubercoolubercool - 10/6/2008 3:22:44 PM
+1 Boost
The front and side profiles are terrible, lots more exciting luxury cars out there...


Agent63Agent63 - 10/7/2008 10:39:35 AM
+1 Boost
That photo of the 7er's parked side by side in a row looks very nice. It's a very nice European location. The perfect spot for a prestigious car. It's too bad the 7er lacks the prestige of an S-Class, the car that dominates this class of car.

Sorry 001, I have to disagree with your statement that nothing in its class can touch it.


ChipChip - 10/6/2008 3:06:16 AM
+7 Boost
Wow, what an amazing car !! Great photo gallery BTW 001.

I am utterly amazed at the technology in this car, its mind boggling. The interior detail is out of this world, just look at the wood trim, the leather stitching, the switchgear and that incredible interior lighting. The amount of attention put into this car simply blows all it's closest competitors away. And that's without even driving the damn thing.

My Favorite Interior Features:

Backseat Bluetooth with separate handset.
Ceramic Switchgear
Speed Limit Detection
Black Panel Technology
Complete iPhone integration
Full Internet
Dual Screen DVD Players with Dual Aux inputs.
New iDrive

I'm lusting after this car badly, can't you tell.




QuantumMatrixQuantumMatrix - 10/6/2008 10:47:43 AM
+5 Boost
I agree totally!

BMW has once again put all other premium car makers on notice with the introduction of the new 7 series..

It is far superior on so many levels than the competition:

Exterior design
Interior design
Technology
Safety
Comfort
Performance
Quality

BMW proves once again that it is light years ahead of all the other Premium Car Makers.


Gravitational_SingularityGravitational_Singularity - 10/6/2008 11:27:39 AM
-9 Boost
I beg to differ...


sectorsector - 10/6/2008 12:57:18 PM
-7 Boost
Backseat Bluetooth with separate handset. -> optional
Ceramic Switchgear -> optional
Speed Limit Detection -> optional
Black Panel Technology -> optional
Complete iPhone integration -> optional
Full Internet -> optional
Dual Screen DVD Players with Dual Aux inputs. -> optional -> optional
New iDrive -> optional

Steering wheel -> included
Pedals -> included
Windows -> included
Seats(non-sports) -> included
Air inside -> included
and most importantly...

Roundel badge -> always included.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 10/7/2008 1:20:54 AM
+5 Boost
Chip, I completely agree. It's making me forget about the A8. I've decided to wait until next year to buy a new winter car because of the crappy economy, and although the 7 will still be RWD-only until 2010 it would still be a great winter choice. The only thing that could sway me is the next-gen A8 which should be appearing next summer.

As silly as this sounds, the thing I'm most excited about with the A8 is their new interior design. It would be hard to implement the current Q5/A6/Q7/A4/A5 design into a large sedan, and they have to keep up with the standards of the current model (or exceed them), which those cars' interiors do not do. I also hear they'll have their own 400hp V8, along with the next iteration of quattro (torque-vectoring) and a sleek new style.


KZ258KZ258 - 10/7/2008 10:19:37 AM
-1 Boost
"I've decided to wait until next year to buy a new winter car because of the crappy economy,"

thats what they all say S4


ChipChip - 10/7/2008 8:38:50 PM
+4 Boost
S4, If you're real patient, by the time the new A8 is out, the AWD 7-series will be available for you to compare. Audi's really gonna have to blow us out of the water to rival this car.

I personally want a Jet Black 750i (short wheelbase) with that "Individual" light interior and wood. Beautiful !!


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 10/7/2008 11:28:03 PM
+4 Boost
"thats what they all say S4"

OK, if you don't believe me you can check my AgentSpace when I pick it up next year. :)

"S4, If you're real patient, by the time the new A8 is out, the AWD 7-series will be available for you to compare. Audi's really gonna have to blow us out of the water to rival this car."

I agree, and I'm scared. While they have begun to garner more recognition on a worldwide basis and are gaining sales faster than the other luxury brands, I think their recent products are going to catch up with them. I see cost-cutting on the inside of the A4, A5 and Q5, and to be honest the interiors of those cars are quite boring. Time for a new designer, at least for the insides.

I hope they don't destroy the A8, because it still is one of my favorite cars. Absolutely gorgeous.


KZ258KZ258 - 10/9/2008 10:09:23 AM
+1 Boost
lol ok S4. i'll be at your agentspace thingy when you get it. will i also see your wife in the drivers seat as well? LOL


Yonder7Yonder7 - 10/6/2008 6:35:56 AM
-6 Boost
Not bad but still not enough to pick one over a S class, again not bad but looks too soft and cheaper if you compare it with a let say any S or A8 .


MPowerDKMPowerDK - 10/6/2008 7:20:22 AM
0 Boost
It looks way better than the S class, the S class have this heavy design it looks boring and not elegant., the 7 looks nice sporty elegant all in one.


TauronB2GTauronB2G - 10/6/2008 8:43:10 AM
-3 Boost
The majority of the car is great but that front end is still horribile. Its like they put the Bangle Butt on the front. I'm sure it drives nicely but they still need to scale down the fronet end a bit. 001 knows it thats why there is only on picture of the front end and thats in the dark!!!
T


uhn2000uhn2000 - 10/6/2008 8:45:38 AM
+2 Boost
Just stunning... thanks for the amazing gallery.


AudiphileAudiphile - 10/6/2008 9:28:54 AM
+7 Boost
It's not a bad-looking car. (The side profile is not so hot, but it looks good from the front and rear.) However, I'll be looking forward to your reports on how it handles.


Bmw8terBmw8ter - 10/6/2008 10:03:46 AM
0 Boost
In what sequence was this article typed:

Article then Oktoberfest?

-or-

Oktoberfest then Article?


EL34EL34 - 10/6/2008 10:35:14 AM
0 Boost
Wow, what a car!

Thanks 001.

BMW 7-Series the new king of the road!


B7FANB7FAN - 10/6/2008 10:53:36 AM
+2 Boost
Im waiting for the ALPINA version but very nice job interior wise but exterior still needs work but nice package


SpeedoholicSpeedoholic - 10/6/2008 11:22:03 AM
+7 Boost
What can u see in the S-Class? Looks? NO! Driving Pleasure? NO! All it has is comfort and a shitty a Night Vision!
BMW outdone itself with the new 7 Series whether u like it or not, it's gonna kick ass!


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 10/7/2008 1:17:36 AM
+3 Boost
That's going a bit overboard. The S550 has class-leading dynamics, or at least until the new 7 comes out it does. Great handling, and it feels like a much smaller car through the twisties. I also think it's great-looking with the AMG bodykit.


sectorsector - 10/6/2008 11:33:03 AM
-7 Boost
This new 7series looks good... in the dark :)

Will it have the same jerky trans from the X5? and DVD based iDrive right?


QuantumMatrixQuantumMatrix - 10/6/2008 11:40:21 AM
+8 Boost
auto001 has numerous profiles on this site to boost his own ego.

auto001 aka the following: Teknik, Gravitational_Singularity

I'm sure there are many more because everytime he makes a post he immediately gets anywhere from a +5 to a +10 boost.

You can also see that any positive BMW comments on this site immediately get a -5 to -10 deboost in a matter of just a few minutes.

What a loser to have so many profiles just to make it look as if he has so many people that agree with him.

Must be tiresome for him to log on and off so many times just to BOOST HIS OWN EGO...


sectorsector - 10/6/2008 12:47:23 PM
-5 Boost
No, I'm neither Teknik nor Gravitational_Singularity(did you just make this name up?)

speaking of multiple identities...

Star = QuantumMatrix = "Star" Drag Queen by night and autoblogger by day

"he makes a post he immediately gets anywhere from a +5 to a +10 boost.."

So how many profiles do you have star? I just went to -3 within minutes and YOU shot up +3, so how many profiles do you have Star?


QuantumMatrixQuantumMatrix - 10/6/2008 1:02:38 PM
+4 Boost
LMAO at auto001

You know I'm not Star..

Such a liar you are and a loser too.

It doesn't take an Einstein to figure you out.

Speaking of Drag Queens you seem to know quite a bit about the subject, you probably drive a used 1993 Lexus convertible and parade around town in heels, wig, full makeup with a tiera with the top down.




sectorsector - 10/6/2008 2:12:50 PM
-2 Boost
"you probably drive a used 1993 Lexus convertible and parade around town in heels, wig, full makeup with a tiera with the top down."

you seem to have in depth knowledge in this area :)


theoptimisticpessimisttheoptimisticpessimist - 10/6/2008 11:42:22 AM
+12 Boost
Congrats to BMW for being the first company smart enough to put the owners manual on the cars hard drive.


M53RM53R - 10/6/2008 11:55:25 AM
+8 Boost
The more I look at it, the more I like it. I think it's the new class leader.


jt716jt716 - 10/6/2008 12:13:50 PM
-1 Boost
The interior looks good only the huge grill on the exterior messes everything up. It still looks very bloated compared to the S-class. BTW if anyone of you guys had a choice between an S350 and an Audi S8 which one would you go for?


Agent63Agent63 - 10/7/2008 10:43:42 AM
+2 Boost
The level of luxury between the 350 and the 550/600/63/65 is the same but performance wise not close. Same goes for the S8 & A8 models. I don't know why you even put those two models in comparison.


jt716jt716 - 10/6/2008 12:17:53 PM
-1 Boost
Its a tought decision because the Audi has the wonderful V10 Lambo engine but the S350 has everything else.


CaraficionadoCaraficionado - 10/6/2008 1:49:48 PM
-4 Boost
Still far behind the S class and with the A8 fastly approaching


david999david999 - 10/6/2008 2:12:22 PM
-4 Boost

This is nice, but not better than an LS600.


LexuriousLexurious - 10/7/2008 10:54:42 AM
+4 Boost
the LS600 is a gimmick more than nething. i'm a lexus fan but lets be real here. these german sedans rule the world. i still respect it eventhough i dont favor it.


Htay7500Htay7500 - 10/6/2008 3:28:49 PM
+4 Boost
Sweets. This design isn't a breakthrough, but it looks worlds better than that older, more uglier one it replaces. Lots of nice tech too.


QuantumMatrixQuantumMatrix - 10/7/2008 8:48:54 AM
+4 Boost
Another loser comment from teknik.

He probably has a room full of BMW brochures and dreams about one day owning one, but knows he will never have a job that pays enough money to afford one.




Agent63Agent63 - 10/7/2008 10:50:52 AM
+3 Boost
I agree that the S-Class is KING because I own one (hehe) but the 7er is not an econobox. I still don't know where some of you get that idea. Mercedes, BMW, Audi all have cabs in Europe and so what?

The S-Class, A8, 7er, XJ, LS, Quattroporte are all superbly built cars. Respect them and gain respect from the readers of this site, this market is a touchy subject among us. That's why we argue but don't make bold claims that BMW is an econobox company. It's a premium brand and you know it.


steve27tsteve27t - 10/6/2008 11:11:44 PM
+3 Boost
Amazinignorance.

Fiat owns Ferrari AND Maserati. Maserati is now under Alfa Romeo, which is also Fiat.

Amazinmoron..what do you drive? a a trike?


LexusLexus - 10/7/2008 12:25:00 AM
-3 Boost
I actually think the current BMW 745i look better than this new 7-Series. And this new 7-Series rear lights look very similar to current Lexus LS460/600hl.


Agent63Agent63 - 10/7/2008 10:45:59 AM
+2 Boost
BMW 7 Series

- http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/12/2008/07/2009-BMW-7-Series.jpg

Lexus LS460
- http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/12/2008/07/2009-BMW-7-Series.jpg

Take your time to look at these pictures. Really? You think they look very similar?


Yonder7Yonder7 - 10/7/2008 6:36:32 AM
+2 Boost
Numbers said: S class "king of the hill". I Saw the 7 series now and still it lacks of personality character. Boring outside, not bad inside, but still, below the S class.


Agent63Agent63 - 10/7/2008 10:51:30 AM
+1 Boost
Yes not as good as the S but satisfactory. It's definitely not a bad car, styling is subjective remember that.


answeranswer - 10/7/2008 12:48:43 PM
-1 Boost
At least 001 makes this comment after actually driving the thing, as opposed to when he labeled the Genesis a POS after just sitting in one.

I wish the new 7 looked.."cooler" for lack of a better word, but factor in all the cool tech it still seems to be an awesome car.


Type707Type707 - 10/7/2008 8:32:35 PM
+1 Boost
Dislike the shift knob though. But the overall design is pretty nice.


jt716jt716 - 10/7/2008 9:06:12 PM
0 Boost
The reason is a family member is looking to replace their 2006 MB S-280L and right now Audi is selling the S8 for the price of the S350 I told them go for the S8 but damn that S-class looks good.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 10/7/2008 11:29:54 PM
+1 Boost
And the S8 doesn't?


SSP350SSP350 - 10/7/2008 9:17:09 PM
0 Boost
I don't understand what the fuss is about this car. It looks 'OK' its doesn't have the 'wow' factor. Yeah, looks are subjective, but lets be honest, it is kind of bland. I expected something more 'brave' in design. I really expected BMW to take their current 7 series design and take it to another level rather than scrap that idea and create this 'safe' car. As far as driving, in my opinion, BMW's do drive nice, but not nice enough so that they can downgrade on their interiors. I looked at a BMW M3, Audi RS4, Lexus ISF and by far the ISF and the RS4 had the best interior quality and feel. The M3 on the other hand, yeah, it handles really great, but I have to sit in the car I drive for as long as I own it and I don't want it to feel cheap and thats exactly how I feel about BMW interiors = cheap. Sorry bimmer boys, but driving factor only goes a long way. Oh BTW - a sunroof shouldn't be an option on any BMW's. Whats up with that???


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 10/7/2008 11:30:26 PM
+1 Boost
I didn't get it at first either. It's a grower. Just wait.


GermanNutGermanNut - 10/8/2008 5:46:17 PM
+1 Boost
The Mercedes-Benz S-class will still outsell the BMW 7-series worldwide easily. The V8 and V12 versions of Audi's A8 sedan also outsell BMW's 7-series and the A8 is aging fast. Too bad for BMW, a new A8 is just around the corner.


BiasFreeSince83BiasFreeSince83 - 10/8/2008 7:40:43 PM
+2 Boost
Ok, I agree that some of the tech in this car is pretty cool, but honestly...after returning the first generation iDrive-equipped 7-Series to the dealer no less than half a dozen times I promptly allowed BMW to buy it back and got on board the S-Class bandwagon. Problems to date=0. How reliable will all this tech be? No guarantees.

Also, maybe there is enough passion in this boring, tired looking sedan, but I prefer something a bit more pleasing to the eye.


autoproautopro - 10/9/2008 11:27:28 AM
+2 Boost
It better have huge incentives,it won't sell without them.


topneurotopneuro - 10/11/2008 7:42:08 PM
+1 Boost
BMW 7 Series
2008 lease share through Aug. 10, 2008: 85.3%
BMW is getting more active in offering loans, such as 0.9% APR deals on the 2008 7 Series through Oct. 31, 2008 to make room for an all-new 7 Series due in early 2009. According to PIN data, 7.8% of 7 Series customers this year financed with a loan, and 6.9% paid cash, among the lowest in the industry in both categories.
Data provided by J.D. Power & Associates' Power Information Network (PIN).


cls550cls550 - 10/9/2008 3:08:25 PM
+2 Boost
7 series just doesnt have in it to take on the S class.


ThwartedEffortsThwartedEfforts - 10/9/2008 5:53:14 PM
+1 Boost
Conservative styling aside, the first smattering of reviews in the UK press have all criticised the new 7er's disturbing levels of wind and traffic noise - the cabin is reportedly no more hushed than your average family saloon - together with a fidgety ride and general lack of refinement.

Have BMW's engineers actually driven an S-Class? Do they know what it's about? Because it sure looks as though we're in for yet another decade of reading how a 4-star BMW trails the 5-star Benz (unless you've just come back from an all-expenses, all-beer-paid trip to Germany, and in which case the story's rather different...)
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