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So we had a brief meeting this morning which include said representatives from the cargo company involved.
Let's just say that the ones that took the pictures , their reflections are visible on the car itself.
This was an advanced stage prototype that was to be used in order to showcase for the global distribution network as it stands the 7er is in its final stage of development which is why you will see it shortly braving the winter testing grounds of Sweden still in camouflage. And no the launch is not being brought forward as this this more or less something similar like being caught whilst on a media shoot.

On a personal reflection,the car in the pictures is not seen in profile but an angle in which several cars today can look ungainly and more condensed when viewed at similar angles. This is definitely one of those cases.
Another is the size of the photographs as if they have been cropped that they shorten the car itself.

Despite the profile you seen in the pictures this here is still the finished car even in its outline.
This is the car that will launch to the market. This is what you are getting.


As a question of perspective the headlights and front section of the car are in extreme close-up. Anything photographed this close will be much larger than it actually is.
But one thing I previously mentioned which can be seen in that scoop photograph is the detail of the Laser Light and indeed the internal workings that full the light unit such as the angular piece beside the grille and metallic surface at the base of the headlights. This fills the light unit so it does not look sparse.

Yes it is the interior of the new car but there are specifications to choose from as well as BMW Individual, the interior is minimalist and lounge like to avoid conflict with the more ornate hand crafted elegance found within a Rolls-Royce.
Mercedes have gone out to put the car at this level which it succeeds. But they can , BMW cannot do something similar and choose not to because they want to form a more distinctive line between its two brands so that they sit apart and not on each other. Yes new metallic switchgear replaces previous plastic the coating is of a very high quality as is the damping effect of the switchgear itself. These pictures do not show the full detail and also full specification available to customers.
This the entry 730d or if you will the European markets best selling 7er so it is specified to a degree in which base 7er customers option their car.

The new 7er rides with very stylish wheel options some can go up to 21" this car is using a smaller diameter rim and for transport has shipping blocks attached. In most cases a good size stylish wheel design can make or break a car as is some of the options on the F01 not only reflected luxury but also a sportier appearance.

The G11 will also offer wheel options that reflect its character.

The big picture however is although you think you have seen everything but actually you still have seen nothing and for that you have to wait for the official pictures which will show how good the car's appearance actually is.
Have patience.

The 7er is the lead car for innovation it gives the BMW customer or enthusiast the preview for what will be on their next 5er and 3er. It starts at the top and filters down the range bringing access to much used technology in a compact or even city car. The affordable luxury segment needs additional product sustainability. Its a segment that can be volatile in economic situations as people tend to downsize.
The upper segment is very much protected as customers in this market are more or less immune to such situations and would continue to purchase even in a bad economy. Additional sustainability for product will be supplied to cover all areas of the market in order to provide that particular demographic that always wants something new and far more distinctive and exclusive from current offerings. This is a segment which is growing but between 7er and the Rolls-Royce Ghost there is not a gap but a chasm.

The 9er will be our Maybach.
It will be a car that will not just offer passengers rejuvenation. It has been made clear from the VFL events across the globe since its introduction in Beijing that they want it to be a drivers car first and foremost and exclusive lounge secondary.
If we compare and contrast with the CS it was more difficult because on that concepts feedback some where unsure that such a car would be able to hold the BMW brand in such a high status. With the VFL the time passing has proved that there is a BMW customer that wants all typical BMW attributes but in a more exclusive sensual setting.
Feedback on this car has been very favourable with some wanting to leave the cheque right now.

VFL is a symbol of a changing market , sports coupes are being turned practical and SUVs are becoming more luxurious challenging the luxury sedan segment for sales. Since the introduction of the CS Concept to the Vision Future Luxury concept the 7years has been enough time to see how the market has changed and adapt accordingly.

Early sketches promise that the overall look and ambience will be retained but some of the rear details will be more conventional. The rear doors still look to be rear hinged as the CFRP fabricated module structure will be retained as it will be used for the next generation of Rolls-Royce Phantom. Sharing the structure allows for more flexibility across both BMW and Rolls-Royce and is cost effective. Although it will be a BMW , distinctive in every direction. The bridge segment to Rolls-Royce.

Vision Future Luxury is perceived as a "Vision" car which means the idea remains but progress will occur to bring it to production reality. Witness the Vision EfficientDynamics and its progress journey to the i8 or indeed the Vision ConnectedDrive which you will see later in 2015 has progressed into the upcoming jointly developed BMW-Toyota sports cars with a new philosophy to be as cutting edge , distinctive and visually appealing as the BMWi cars.


Innovation appeals to customers today and is one rule for BMW product to be driven by innovation and progress.
You just have to look at how progress has come from any car that used to 90% mechanical to today which substitutes such engineering in favour of more electric and computer software to assist the driver.
Then you have to look at the BMWi cars in which they are interesting because they are distinctive in order to sell and promote the philosophy of electric mobility. Something our competitors failed to understand when they resorted to simple and less costly electrification.