New 7 series leaked on BMW Austria configurator

[hinckley]

Originally Posted by PhoenixWolf

Opinions are just opinions. It will all come down to sales figures. Let's see if the no1 luxury car maker will continue to increase its sales numbers for the 7 series. Last year the 7 series did terrible against the S

There are always a lot of nuances when it comes to statistics, but these are pretty staggering numbers. Here're some totals to digest:

Year - 7 Series - S Class - % 7 to S
'10 - 12252 - 13608 - 90%
'11 - 11299 - 12258 - 92%
'12 - 11098 - 11794 - 94%
'13 - 10932 - 13303 - 82%
'14 - 9744 - 25276 - 39%

It seems that BMW did a pretty good job keeping up with the S Class until a couple of years ago. I'm thinking it held onto its more performance-oriented market. But it would seem that the new S has just overwhelmed the market. And I see nothing in the new 7 that changes this trend in any meaningful way.

I wonder whether BMW got so scared off by the Bangle generation that they retreated into these very conservative designs (and we can see that the next-gen 5 will be a similar "same sausage, different sizes" style). It feels like BMW is just giving up. Very disappointing especially considering the BMW Vision Future Luxury teasers over the last couple of years.

[phoenixbmwlife]

Originally Posted by hinckley

There are always a lot of nuances when it comes to statistics, but these are pretty staggering numbers. Here're some totals to digest:

Year - 7 Series - S Class - % 7 to S
'10 - 12252 - 13608 - 90%
'11 - 11299 - 12258 - 92%
'12 - 11098 - 11794 - 94%
'13 - 10932 - 13303 - 82%
'14 - 9744 - 25276 - 39%

It seems that BMW did a pretty good job keeping up with the S Class until a couple of years ago. I'm thinking it held onto its more-performance-oriented market. But it would seem that the new S has just overwhelmed the market. And I see nothing in the new 7 that changes this trend in any meaningful way.

I wonder whether BMW got so scared off by the Bangle generation that they retreated into these very conservative designs. We can see that the next-gen 5 will be a similar "same sausage, different sizes" style. It feels like BMW is just giving up. Very disappointing . . .

It's no question the S class is very desirable and currently leading in this luxury segment. Personally I think the design is absolutely stunning. However it's too early to concede defeat since the new 7 series hasn't officially been launched or tested.

I think these leaked photos should never happen. It takes away from the final reveal of new products and causes distorted and unfavorable perceptions. Just my opinion.

I guess only time will tell how great or good or mediocre or bad the new 7 series will be.

[hinckley]

Originally Posted by PhoenixWolf

It's no question the S class is very desirable and currently leading in this luxury segment. Personally I think the design is absolutely stunning. However it's too early to concede defeat since the new 7 series hasn't officially been launched or tested.

I agree with all your points and I want to be hopeful. But it just feels as though both Merc and Audi are moving on, and that BMW has gotten mired in the mud. I'm probably too much of a BMW fan-boy to be objective, so I hope I'm very wrong.

[Jashan]

Originally Posted by Piotr74656

I have not been a fan of BMW's single unit front fascia design as a whole but I will reserve by judgement until I see the car in person.

I do not think that 1 and 3-Series owners should be the ones commenting on the car's design as the 7-Series was not built with you in mind. BMW has sent out numerous surveys to "actual" buyers and owners of these cars over the years. From the several people that I know personally, and who have been to the private reveals, I have heard mostly positive comments.

As for the new S-Class, I feel that it looks much better in photos then it does in person. I have been driven in the "average" spec'd car on several occasions and each time the interior felt nice but not tailor made, if that makes any sense.

That is my opinion.

Lol exactly this idk what's with all the s class hype most of the people prob haven't even driven it or sat inside one
Wait for the official photos and go see the car in person before judging it

[ZEEM3R]

It interests me when people talk about how this car will handle and drive.. 99.99% of the people that buy this car do it for the luxury, features, class, and sophistication it brings, not how it handles through corners. And besides, let not forget that MB has the S63 and 65 AMG, which will pretty much destroy any current 7 series model, including the Alpina. So the performance category which BMW usually rules is also out of the question.

But I agree with the above commenters who state that we should reserve judgement till the official unveiling.. even tho I'm not holding my breath.

[US///M3]

Originally Posted by John Galt

Hahaha, bmw should read this thread. They will be shocked.lol

They have, watch this thread get buried/pushed down the front page in 3 2 1.

[Ganxxta]

I don't like the front end

Whats even worse, just to give an indication how "well" this was received by BMW shareholders, the german BMW stock lost more than 2.5% right after this leak today...

[Dog Face Pony Soldier]

Originally Posted by Matski

Hmmm... at this stage, I'd say it looks a bit rubbish... however BMW's configurator photos always look terrible, as does most of their press photography.. so I'll try an keep judgement for some decent real world pics.

Still don't get the love for the S-Class looks. Looks like an Alien ate a C-Class, some LED's and some chrome, and then crapped it all out again.

I agree with questioning the S Class' look. I think it looks a bit like an alien too.

[Zirenz2006]

7 series article...I knew it would be a short time until someone pointed out how it doesn't compare to the S class.

[raysspl]

Not bad. Definitely looking for the Thursday reveal

[therealm3]

What's with the hockey stick glued to the side of it? Is this the evolution of the bimmerang?

[rolltidef32]

Originally Posted by bobloblaw

BMW teases us with the awesome Vision Future Luxury


...

Only design carryover is the chrome rocker panel and bumper trim


I guess the G11 was finalized before the Vision Future Luxury and Gran Lusso concepts, but damn. This is the 7er for the next 7 model years. The F01 looks dated to me already, and I feel like the G11 will too. Obviously, I'll wait to see it in person to reserve final judgment and I hope I am wrong about the looks of it.

Ohh my God! I'd forgotten about that concept. Of course their new CL has the same grille. I suspect the next gen cars will go to this look. I think they need to hurry it along as well.

The new design just didn't go far enough for the exterior. This concept is radical and looks like the future. You know, sort of like the S class looks like...BUT NOW!

[raddy]

Maybe it would look better in person.. The S Class is the Class of the field right now!

[TheBlackGT]

I saw the car in person when I was invited by BMW NA, and boy she's a looker upclose.

And the new tech is incredible, I was impressed overall.

[advantage20]

Originally Posted by therealm3

What's with the hockey stick glued to the side of it? Is this the evolution of the bimmerang?

It's an evolution of the raising side crease which first appeared on the 2007 CS Concept then was carried over to production BMWs. Except that it's now entirely underlined with decorative trim and incorporates the functional air breather.

[BimmerVinyl]

Originally Posted by hinckley

I agree with all your points and I want to be hopeful. But it just feels as though both Merc and Audi are moving on, and that BMW has gotten mired in the mud. I'm probably too much of a BMW fan-boy to be objective, so I hope I'm very wrong.

BMW has stated the 7 series is taking a turn in a different direction for a more driver oriented experience. I think this is great, and all BMW enthusiasts that have complained about BMW "loosing it" should love this

[makonto]

So sad its just look so freakin ugly.

[BMWRL]

I'm a huge BMW Fanboy, but I just can't get behind this new 7. Its sooooo boring, and way too much chrome trim, seems gaudy and just to overthought/done. I'm hoping it looks better in person as most BMWs do now.

[X3paul]

Originally Posted by US///M3

They have, watch this thread get buried/pushed down the front page in 3 2 1.

Eheh standart procedure. And some comments deleted too

[X3paul]

Originally Posted by JackB316

BMW has stated the 7 series is taking a turn in a different direction for a more driver oriented experience. I think this is great, and all BMW enthusiasts that have complained about BMW "loosing it" should love this

Reviews so far say different. 2 more gens and it will probably go fwd. the only direction bmw has these days is on the way to bank.

[stealth.pilot]

Looks pretty ugly to me. Uglier than the current one.

Interior upgrade is evolutionary and not up to Mercedes level.

Maybe it will look better with Ceramic controls and full Individual treatment.

[CesaroM]

There is no doubt that the S class aims at luxury along with design which is their priority number 1 , while at BMW (7 series) their goal is different , more driver oriented and sporty cars even in uber luxury segment.

imo BMW doesn't care what you think of their design because they had time to observe the S class since 2013 and still they didn't make drastic changes like MB did with the S class..deign wise of course...lately bmw gets a lot of heat because of their design.

The leaked images form 6 months ago set the wrong tone for this 7 series..should never have happened imo....I think that this new G11 is going to be a big step forward for BMW.