FIRST Impression: Did BMW BLOW IT With The All-New G11 7-Series' DESIGN?

FIRST Impression: Did BMW BLOW IT With The All-New G11 7-Series' DESIGN?
If this is the way we're going to end 2014, we in for a helluva 2015, boys and girls. Today, images leaked out of the all-new BMW 7-Series WELL ahead of time. According to the latest reports the 7'er isn't set for a 2015 Detroit Auto Show (NAIAS) debut, but more likely the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA).

Either way, today was the car's coming out party as it was completely unveiled with ZERO camouflage whatsoever by an outfit located in the Netherlands.

LEAKED! #BMW 7-Series #G11

As we've been updating you recently, we were let down by the company's design efforts. We thought the all-new 7 was going to be something of a revolution, not an evolution. THINK: more Vision Future Luxury and less current-gen 7 that's been warmed over.

With competition as fierce as ever, the exterior design of the 7 looks like the company just phoned it in. Sure, it's different, but not by much.

Yes, the headlights are integrated into a 3D front grille. Yes, the air curtain is present. Yes, the interior has been worked over but if I am honest it looks not too dissimilar from a dressed up 3-Series. Oh, and remember that cool passenger screen? It's not there on this base 730d model — according to a friend in the loop, most U.S.-bound models WILL come equipped with the passenger screen.

I noted in a previous post that I felt BMW needed to come out swinging as its competition, the Audi A8 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class, are brilliant machines as they currently sit. For me right now this is a HUGE let down from a design perspective.

I really hope the technology shines in this car or it's going to be eaten alive by the all-new S-Class and new niche players like the Porsche Panamera and Tesla Model S.


LEAKED! #BMW 7-Series #G11
















valhallakeyvalhallakey - 12/31/2014 9:19:06 PM
+1 Boost
Wow have to say I agree. I wish they could capture some of that E38 7 series appeal again. Every generation since has looked fat and dumpy for the most part. BMW should have a slender lighter (looking at least) luxury sedan.


Dexter1Dexter1 - 1/1/2015 9:59:02 AM
0 Boost
With the stunning S-Class as its competition, this nothing-new-porker doesn't stand a chance.


scenicbyway12scenicbyway12 - 1/2/2015 4:52:33 PM
0 Boost
"this nothing-new-porker"

Say what you want about the bland looks, but this is no "porker", coming in about 800 lbs. lighter than the S class. It should have significantly better driving dynamics.


CcoxxCcoxx - 12/31/2014 9:23:41 PM
+2 Boost
Forbes about the current 7 "BMW’s flagship sedan seems to have lost its edge in recent years. It’s wrapped in languid styling and just doesn’t feel as sporty as it did in earlier renditions; an odd product lineup includes an expensive and not especially efficient gas-electric hybrid model. Consumer Reports takes the 7 Series to task for being “a ponderous, technology-laden vehicle with ungainly handling,” and is included in the publication’s lists of lowest-scoring cars, worst overall values and most expensive operating costs in its class. Not to pile on, but it also gets a rock-bottom resale value rating from ALG and a below average performance score from J.D. Power." The new & has a huge mountain to climb to overcome its poor reputation.


JDMUSMuscleJDMUSMuscle - 12/31/2014 10:57:48 PM
-1 Boost
Don't worry, it will still sell tons.


85bmw745i85bmw745i - 12/31/2014 11:22:09 PM
+3 Boost
I like the grill, which pays homage to the older cars, but they need to get the driving dynamics right, as they have lost what they were once famous for.


cidflekkencidflekken - 1/1/2015 12:15:51 AM
+3 Boost
Gotta admit, I'm a bit shocked at how lazy this seems to be. As I've said in the past many times, BMW seems to rely on its 3 Series to set the trends and it works on a trickle-up approach vs. a trickle-down approach, ala S-Class to C-Class. That interior is modeled after the much-maligned 3-Series interior and looks like it went backwards in style and panache. Yes, the headlights and taillights are a more handsome improvement over the current, but the overall style look barely different than the outgoing model. In all honestly, it looks like it belongs in a class below the S-Class now.


chewychewy - 1/1/2015 4:42:47 AM
-2 Boost
True. This is fresh compared to the current 7 series but it isn't as a strong of an answer considering the S-Class that you would expect. Perhaps most of the development was done before the S-Class was released.


MDarringerMDarringer - 1/1/2015 12:28:27 AM
-5 Boost
I'll take it over the inner city chic S Class any day of the week despite being styled straight out of model year 2005.

At this rate, Cadillac could have a shot.


JDMUSMuscleJDMUSMuscle - 1/1/2015 5:30:20 AM
-2 Boost
The new S class was made to compete with even Rolls-Royce and Bentley since Maybach did not do well, and BMW frankly has no reason to compete with Rolls-Royce, as they own it. I guess they are just happy for 7 series to be an A8 rival.

And this car will still sell tons.


Yonder7Yonder7 - 1/1/2015 6:50:47 AM
+2 Boost
If is to improve the 7 , is ok, if is to compare with the S, then is a total fail. ...



TomMTomM - 1/1/2015 7:13:44 AM
0 Boost
Both Bmw and Audi have fallen into the same trap that Acura did - Cars that are simply too conservative for their market that seem to all look the same. Cadillac is doing the same thing as the Arts and Science look has run its course too.

Gm needs to reincarnate Bill Mitchell - who would not stand for this stagnation

Audi has had several different styling themes through the years so they could easily move on - But BMW has pretty much stayed with the same style for a LONG time - and it is time to move on too.


gkearns56gkearns56 - 1/1/2015 8:21:26 AM
0 Boost
After looking at this "new design", nobody should criticize any auto manufacturer for using their common design theme throughout the lineup. Too many people say: "Audi cars all look alike".

I've said it before and this proves it. ALL car companies use the same design theme throughout their line-up, including BMW. You can see common design features the same in each car. Cadillac has those angular headlights, BMW it's front fascia/headlights. Nissan now has their common nose/grill we'll see on the other new cars in the future. All the Toyota's now use that Camry/Corolla/RAV4 front end look.

There only so many designs on a car that a company can do without ending up it looking like crap nobody will buy. I feel auto companies try so hard on the designs they actually push people to another car manufacturer.

How about the Honda Civic. After about 18-20 months they had to rush and make changes since people complained about the cheap plastics, ugly interior and some of the exterior styling cues. Acura had the weird front ends and tried to tone it down some. Cadillac with those angular lights is trying to squeeze another year from those angular lines. Nobody should be saying "they all look alike on any auto maker" - they ALL do it. This BMW 7 series is evident too.


DavidADavidA - 1/1/2015 9:20:00 AM
+2 Boost
This forum is not the market for 7's. The market for this car is older and more conservative, but that prefer a more sporting image that you would get from an S Class. I also agree with the poster that said that BMW's competitor to the S is the Rolls, especially the Goast model. For whatever reason, Mercedes seems to be moving the S upmarket to an even more conservative group and leaving the sporty high-end market to Audi, BMW and maybe Cadillac if they can create a more upmarket image and escape from their association from GM.


Agent00RAgent00R - 1/1/2015 3:25:37 PM
-2 Boost
If there's one thing I hate, it's an uninformed opinion.

This is the forum for folks buying high-end autos of this caliber. In fact, we arguably the strongest demographic here because unlike all of the other websites that cater to aspirational buyers, we have folks that actually are EARNERS. And yes, we have the stats to back that up.

And the idea that the S-Class competes with the RR Ghost is just silly. Two completely different animals. A typical Ghost clocks in at $300+k. Not even a fully kitted S65 AMG will come close to that.

Has the S nibbled some market share from the Ghost, yes, but it's not a direct competitor. That just speaks to how well MB executed the S that it can conquest RR buyers.


280SE280SE - 1/1/2015 10:10:16 AM
-2 Boost
Side rear 3/4 view reminds of Kia K900


iamdabest1iamdabest1 - 1/1/2015 11:15:37 AM
+1 Boost
as a bmw fan, im very disappointed ! this doesnt come close to the S class, this is just in the same boring league of the A8.. im sure the driving dynamics will be great, but sad what they did with the styling... not that its worse, but just not much of an improvement..


PUGPROUDPUGPROUD - 1/1/2015 1:26:46 PM
+1 Boost
Opportunity missed ! What has happened to elegant sophisticated design lately. Top of the line German cars use to announce "You've arrived" but now are so "ho hum". Another reason SUV's are taking over the market.


mrcassismrcassis - 1/1/2015 1:46:52 PM
-2 Boost
This is an $80K Ambien pill. What a waste of resources. Nobody is going to by this crap.


GermanNutGermanNut - 1/1/2015 3:37:41 PM
-1 Boost
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class will continue to dominate the BMW 7-Series by a huge margin globally. This new 7-Series has nothing going for it. The exterior is boring and looks just like the current version, the interior is lame and a step backward, the driving dynamics are not what they used to be and quite frankly this new model provides no reason for buyers to purchase it instead of the Mercedes Benz S-Class.

People criticize Audi for not doing enough with their redesigns. BMW is perhaps even more guilty of not taking any risks as this "new" model clearly shows. The difference between this "new" 7-Series and the current model is negligible at best.





Agent00RAgent00R - 1/1/2015 4:44:01 PM
-5 Boost
Well put!


mre30mre30 - 1/1/2015 5:27:54 PM
+1 Boost
It is a disappointment - however, cynical me says that BMW leaked a 730d short-wheelbase - certainly the dumpiest model in the lineup - to "get the bad news out there" (or alternately to float a trial balloon).

This is so, that once the reveal of the real press-dept photos (of a silver or bronze 750iL sport package with a fancy, quilted, two-tone "bmw individual" leather interior with chic, open-pore wood, and blue mood lighting), we all have very low expectations and respond favorably to the real photos.

This car it too much of a dud (worst color, worst angles, SWB, etc) to have been a plant from BMW. Just my two cents.

From the angle's the shots present, I cannot even tell if the new 7er has the "surpised water buffalo getting an enema" look of the X5! Hope not!


GermanNutGermanNut - 1/1/2015 7:38:41 PM
-2 Boost
It doesn't matter if BMW's press release photos are of a sport, long-wheelbase 750Li with special interior color because Audi and Mercedes-Benz also offer sport packages, long wheelbase models and custom interiors. Also most buyers won't spend $5K on a custom exterior color and $20k in options to make the car look good. The custom interior leathers and expensive rear seat packages are at minimum $8-10k.

It's clear that no matter how hard BMW tries to make this new 7-Series look attractive, it will still resemble the current model, have a boring interior, likely lack the driving dynamics it used to have and get outsold by the Mercedes-Benz S-Class by a huge margin globally.




mre30mre30 - 1/1/2015 5:30:54 PM
+1 Boost
By the way, if BMW somehow has managed to fit a "donut" spare tire and jack in the trunk (unlike the current 750i and unlike the current S550), they will conquest all the old codgers who are refusing to buy an S550 because the S550, now only comes with run-flat tires. There is apparently a big backlash amongst rich senior citizens that the S550 is now all run-flat.


rockreidrockreid - 1/2/2015 9:28:59 AM
-2 Boost
BORING.

Snooze. This new 7 makes the upcoming Q7 look like a crazy wild teenager on Xstacy.




CarCrazedinCaliCarCrazedinCali - 1/2/2015 4:02:30 PM
+1 Boost
Very evolutionary.. I wish I could see a better view of front, but it doesn't seem to push the styling envelope... I suspect buyers in this price range don't want too much flash but do want a great driving and roomy large sedan, which this seems to deliver


freeagentfreeagent - 1/3/2015 3:28:22 PM
+1 Boost
They just need to set new standards in driving dynamics, and their niche will be assured. The 7 will never out S the S-class, so they should focus on being the ultimate driving machine (and so for the 5-series, which has sadly lost its way)


SSP350SSP350 - 5/15/2015 10:38:15 AM
+1 Boost
it looks like a stretched 6 series to me. that's not really a bad thing, but it is a 7 series and I just expected to look more luxurious than more coupe-like.


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