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

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




Htay7500Htay7500 - 10/11/2008 10:15:44 PM
+1 Boost
I think the current 7 looks a lot more better than that hideous last generation.


Agent001Agent001 - 10/11/2008 10:18:46 PM
0 Boost
But do you think the butt resembles the Lexus LS?

001


CarboyCarboy - 10/11/2008 10:31:22 PM
-9 Boost
It was Lexus resembling the current gen 5-Series first of all.....


(Based on users' opinions including mine)


KZ258KZ258 - 10/11/2008 11:56:16 PM
+9 Boost
hey zero zero uno, we already did this topic already - a while ago too


synxsynx - 10/12/2008 1:32:12 AM
+2 Boost
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.


QuantumMatrixQuantumMatrix - 10/12/2008 6:38:44 AM
+3 Boost
You must need glasses Agent001...

This new 7 series looks nothing like the troll mobile Lexus LS.


Htay7500Htay7500 - 10/12/2008 9:04:30 AM
+3 Boost
Agent: Not really.


david999david999 - 10/12/2008 12:06:11 PM
0 Boost

BMW did a fine job of copying the LS rear.


audirevolutionaudirevolution - 10/12/2008 7:32:23 PM
0 Boost
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.


tattedtwicetattedtwice - 10/12/2008 11:01:21 PM
+4 Boost
"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.


DaHarderDaHarder - 10/11/2008 10:20:27 PM
+4 Boost
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 -


AdmiralT20AdmiralT20 - 10/12/2008 10:01:08 PM
-2 Boost
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.


Agent00JAgent00J - 10/11/2008 10:40:56 PM
+6 Boost
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


hao420hao420 - 10/12/2008 3:04:46 AM
+4 Boost
Finally......


0to600to60 - 10/12/2008 8:27:31 AM
+5 Boost
Wow 00J... coming from you!


g2okg2ok - 10/11/2008 11:59:12 PM
+8 Boost
They look the same to me. Doesn't really matter, I can't afford either one now that half my investments have tanked :)


SixxFiveSixxFive - 10/12/2008 12:07:16 AM
+1 Boost
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....


LexusLexus - 10/12/2008 12:28:49 AM
+1 Boost
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.


WorldofLuxuryWorldofLuxury - 10/12/2008 3:01:21 AM
+4 Boost
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.)


DustbusterDustbuster - 10/12/2008 12:49:09 AM
-2 Boost
No, no - you guys got it all wrong! Look at the Lexus ES...especially the tail lights.


ghosthunterghosthunter - 10/12/2008 2:41:24 AM
-1 Boost
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.


1dott81dott8 - 10/12/2008 3:08:20 PM
+1 Boost
you're absolutely right, ES rear lights. this will get de-boosted for saying bmw copied. oh well!!!


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 10/12/2008 1:03:52 AM
+4 Boost
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.


StickShiftCamryStickShiftCamry - 10/12/2008 1:32:44 AM
-2 Boost
Last 7's Rear end was nice, aggressive & different Bangle Design. The LS needs to look more aggressive. LS has very boring looking tailllights...


synxsynx - 10/12/2008 1:32:56 AM
-1 Boost
the shape of the lights is dumb and cheap looking, but the colour is fantastic. looks really cool


MiltonMilton - 10/12/2008 1:33:39 AM
-1 Boost
The only thing I don't like about the new 7 is the tail lights.

I just can't get used to it.


dimitri_010dimitri_010 - 10/12/2008 2:46:11 AM
+9 Boost
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.


qwaszxxxqwaszxxx - 10/12/2008 2:52:22 AM
+1 Boost
who'da ever thought BMW would ever be copying Lexus design?


andrazandraz - 10/12/2008 5:17:56 AM
+5 Boost
I do not believe anyone in europe asks this question. Actually the question would be what is a lexus.


528i528i - 10/12/2008 5:35:53 AM
-9 Boost
they both look ugly. a black s65 please and keep the change.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 10/12/2008 11:30:19 PM
+3 Boost
What change? It costs more than both of these cars put together.


JUGNUJUGNU - 10/12/2008 5:41:16 AM
-2 Boost
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


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 10/12/2008 11:32:17 PM
-1 Boost
"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.


ubercoolubercool - 10/12/2008 6:09:54 AM
-4 Boost
forget aout the rear, the front of the BMW is a shocker - Miss Piggy!!!


TauronB2GTauronB2G - 10/12/2008 11:10:55 PM
+1 Boost
I was waiting for someone to say it. The front end is what need help.
T



SpeedoholicSpeedoholic - 10/12/2008 7:25:45 AM
-2 Boost
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.


ghosthunterghosthunter - 10/12/2008 3:28:03 PM
0 Boost
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.



abcdabcd - 10/12/2008 9:36:11 AM
-8 Boost
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 .


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 10/12/2008 11:35:06 PM
-1 Boost
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.


abcdabcd - 10/13/2008 10:12:06 AM
-1 Boost
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 ) .


M53RM53R - 10/12/2008 10:01:59 AM
+10 Boost
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 )


ICONICON - 10/12/2008 2:19:03 PM
+4 Boost
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.


sectorsector - 10/12/2008 10:11:20 AM
-9 Boost
What a cheap knockoff of the elegant LS. BMW can't even copy right :)

What the difference, 7series looks like a Galapagos turtle.


lakerfan213lakerfan213 - 10/12/2008 11:58:24 AM
+2 Boost
I just noticed that in the 7 series photo gallery, on page 25, that the 7 series liscense plates lights are bluish white now.


1dott81dott8 - 10/12/2008 3:17:13 PM
0 Boost
like lexus? wow, that's a surprise.


BondMI6BondMI6 - 10/12/2008 12:30:36 PM
-3 Boost
Rear end is fine, but as for the front.........


dlindlin - 10/12/2008 12:41:09 PM
-1 Boost
It'll be even better if Bangle himself is gone, say, to AUDI or something.

:)


1dott81dott8 - 10/12/2008 3:18:45 PM
+3 Boost
please don't try to pass him off to another company.


LexSucksLexSucks - 10/12/2008 12:59:42 PM
+5 Boost
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.




M53RM53R - 10/14/2008 2:21:24 PM
+2 Boost
Sales speak otherwise.


BMWBlogBMWBlog - 10/12/2008 2:21:52 PM
+3 Boost
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.


ghosthunterghosthunter - 10/12/2008 3:30:45 PM
-1 Boost
that post is the most retarded thing i have ever seen, and those fan boy comments are pathetically biased.


sectorsector - 10/12/2008 3:48:16 PM
-8 Boost
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 :)


BobWBobW - 10/12/2008 8:30:58 PM
+1 Boost
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.


QuantumMatrixQuantumMatrix - 10/13/2008 8:46:57 AM
+3 Boost
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.


tattedtwicetattedtwice - 10/12/2008 11:05:35 PM
+2 Boost
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




TauronB2GTauronB2G - 10/12/2008 11:13:30 PM
+1 Boost
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


M316M316 - 10/13/2008 10:45:55 AM
-1 Boost
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.


M35MTM35MT - 10/13/2008 12:54:20 PM
+3 Boost
Both rear ends look good.

Next...


B7FANB7FAN - 10/13/2008 1:15:18 PM
+3 Boost
whatever I still like the car its way better than the previous BANGLE 7


1dott81dott8 - 10/13/2008 1:51:53 PM
+2 Boost
anything was way better than the previous bangle 7.


E36erE36er - 10/13/2008 4:34:27 PM
+2 Boost
Second that!


DenaliDenali - 10/13/2008 7:33:52 PM
+3 Boost
the LS looks like an camry...FACT


LyallLyall - 10/14/2008 12:30:58 AM
+1 Boost
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.


cls550cls550 - 10/14/2008 3:56:35 AM
0 Boost
The grille and rear tail lamps are unacceptable for a car of this calibre.


CaraficionadoCaraficionado - 10/14/2008 12:40:01 PM
-1 Boost
The damage that Bangle did to BMW...


WhatttWhattt - 10/15/2008 3:54:11 PM
+3 Boost
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.
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