2023 BMW i7 / 7-Series (G70) Reviews Compilation

[KoenG]

Originally Posted by stein_325i

The Chinese market for cars has been growing heavily. MB states the average age of S-Class buyers in China is 40, and for 10% of them its their first ever car. Definitely a very different market and preferences than most European or even some American shoppers. 35% of S-Class' in China are chauffeur cars, so I imagine the 7er must be similar.

Some interesting info on the Chinese market for LWB sedans in this article:
CHINA: Merc S-class buyers 15 years younger than elsewhere

Well, I'am totally flabbergasted. I didn't realize the magnitude of this phenomenon until now. I kept judging these cars in my own frame of reference (EU), but it's totally wrong apparently!

I still wonder why MB and BMW are investing so much effort in converting those executive cars into real drivers cars. Or is this the result of a majestic balancing act between the USP's required for Asian, EU and US markets (meaning: they have to excel in all dimensions that matter world wide)?

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by KoenG

Well, I'am totally flabbergasted. I didn't realize the magnitude of this phenomenon until now. I kept judging these cars in my own frame of reference (EU), but it's totally wrong apparently!

I still wonder why MB and BMW are investing so much effort in converting those executive cars into real drivers cars. Or is this the result of a majestic balancing act between the USP's required for Asian, EU and US markets (meaning: they have to excel in all dimensions that matter world wide)?

I think BMW just does it because they have a reputation that they rely on. If your tagline is "The Ultimate Driving Machine" your car has to represent that. With the Jag XJ gone, the 7er has to be the driver's car of its class, even though a class such as this does not prioritize that at all.

As for the S-Class, I own the W223 S580, and it does handle well for its size, but I wouldn't say they are making it into a real driver's car. I think additions such as modern technologies like active suspensions, rear-axle steering, as well as EPS steering which will feature a quicker ratio than older and heavier hydraulic racks, gives the illusion of it being more of a driver's car, when in reality its more so just the modern tech working with the chassis better. and creating a more balanced handling vehicle, that also happens to be very comfortable.

[KoenG]

Originally Posted by TheBingoBalls

Yes.

You read and hear about "Chinese money", but you don't fully comprehend it until you actually see it. If you work in the car industry (sales) you know about this. You think they only buy the Ferrari's, Lamborghini's, Porsche's? They also buy the S Class/7er not because they have a driver to drive them around, it's another $100k+ car.

Just this weekend, I saw a relatively young female, had to be in her mid-20's, but she was driving a M760 picking up Starbucks.

That I've also seen several times in the past (youngsters driving Lambo Huracan, 911 TTs or F8Tributo recently). But I always tended to believe that the kid is driving daddy's car?

[ASAP]

looks great to me... for a luxo and tech showcase it does well... i feel a luxury car of this price has to be a bit riduculous and it is... so it will sell well... hell i am even ok w the two tone...

the m3 idrive 8 setup on the other hand...

[KoenG]

Originally Posted by stein_325i

I think BMW just does it because they have a reputation that they rely on. If your tagline is "The Ultimate Driving Machine" your car has to represent that. With the Jag XJ gone, the 7er has to be the driver's car of its class, even though a class such as this does not prioritize that at all.

As for the S-Class, I own the W223 S580, and it does handle well for its size, but I wouldn't say they are making it into a real driver's car. I think additions such as modern technologies like active suspensions, rear-axle steering, as well as EPS steering which will feature a quicker ratio than older and heavier hydraulic racks, gives the illusion of it being more of a driver's car, when in reality its more so just the modern tech working with the chassis better. and creating a more balanced handling vehicle, that also happens to be very comfortable.

To be honest, I better understand the S-class proposal than the new G70, for EU and probably US markets that is. I now have the impression that the G70 is targetted much more extremely towards the Asian market. Since presumably, the issue most of us have is again in the massive grill and the weird split lights, no? On the other hand, when it drives this good, it could be the car you want, inspite of its' looks, no? Ouch... I'am getting a headache over this car. What a strange (ugly) but at the same time gorgeous machine it is...

[yousefnjr]

Goddamn I love it. What I really need is this interior and EV drivetrain in an X7 though. That would be the tits.

[KoenG]

Originally Posted by yousefnjr

Goddamn I love it. What I really need is this interior and EV drivetrain in an X7 though. That would be the tits.

Because you already have the ugly face with the X7?

[NGT2]

So what happens to the Chinese car market if they hit a wall and have a huge financial crisis? Because that's probably going to happen. They're extremely over extended and Covid has caused unreliability in their manufacturing.

[TheBingoBalls]

Originally Posted by KoenG

That I've also seen several times in the past (youngsters driving Lambo Huracan, 911 TTs or F8Tributo recently). But I always tended to believe that the kid is driving daddy's car?

I hate to play on the stereotype but I've seen it, I've witnessed it and I'm even friends with these type of people - there is no "daddy's car" that you would typically assume with Western cultures. Sure, these parents financed or funded these toys, but Daddy has his own car, and kids are given the money to go get their own car(s).

[ResIpsaLoquitur]

I'll leave target markets and design language and different cultures out of this and simply say this; I don't ever want to drive this, but I do certainly want to be driven in it.

I need to find a really really short driver so both my wife and I can recline in the back.

[E66er]

Originally Posted by KoenG

Also, what confuses me, are there actually human beings of 38 that buy a G70 with an integrated widescreen screen for the backseat to bring their children of presumably 5 to 10 yrs old to the preschool!? Where is this world going to!? Since obviously, this is not a car optimised for the drivers delight, is it? Or am i missing something?

If you watched the reviews of the G70, it is very much a driver as well as passenger focused luxury barge.

Usually the question of BMW vs Merc is do you drive yourself or are you driven around? The S-Class always wins if you're driven around, until now - maybe the G70 will kick butt for being driver AND passenger focused.

[F32Fleet]

Originally Posted by NGT2

So what happens to the Chinese car market if they hit a wall and have a huge financial crisis? Because that's probably going to happen. They're extremely over extended and Covid has caused unreliability in their manufacturing.

IMO it will have no effect based on the shear number of potential buyers. The 7-series has always been a low volume seller anyways.

[Ratius]

Originally Posted by hittheapex

You would think they would put a digital backup camera in regards to the tv covering up the view. Seems like a major oversight

Absolutely right!

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by F32Fleet

IMO it will have no effect based on the shear number of potential buyers. The 7-series has always been a low volume seller anyways.

Maybe so. I live in a smaller city in the south and I see a lot of them. Not as many as 3 series and X5's. But a lot. I know it's lower volume, relative to the others, but it seems like they still sell a lot of them. Not exactly a rarity.

[rexus300]

I am really liking the new look! Its aggressive and in the right direction for the 7 series. Im contemplating ordering the I7 now. Got the 2022 Audi RS7 as my second car.

[F32Fleet]

Originally Posted by NGT2

Maybe so. I live in a smaller city in the south and I see a lot of them. Not as many as 3 series and X5's. But a lot. I know it's lower volume, relative to the others, but it seems like they still sell a lot of them. Not exactly a rarity.

Living in Atlanta I rarely see the current model and occasionally see previous generations.

I'm thinking BMW sells perhaps 1,000 units a year in the US.

[E66er]

Originally Posted by F32Fleet

I'm thinking BMW sells perhaps 1,000 units a year in the US.

not many, but not that few

https://www.goodcarbadcar.net/bmw-7-...sales-figures/

Year sold
2005 18,165
2006 17,796
2007 14,777
2008 12,276
2009 9,254
2010 12,253
2011 11,299
2012 12,221
2013 10,932
2014 9,744
2015 9,292
2016 12,918
2017 9,276
2018 8,271
2019 8,823
2020 5,985
2021 7,705
2022 3,903

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by F32Fleet

Living in Atlanta I rarely see the current model and occasionally see previous generations.

I'm thinking BMW sells perhaps 1,000 units a year in the US.

Per an internet search, it's going to be 4,000-5,000 likely in the US for 2022.

Looks like 2019, pre pandemic, they sold about 8,800 in the US.

[JK479]

Originally Posted by DocWeatherington

You found the car has personality

I did. I over-reacted, judged too early.

Change is good- and it's aggressive in a way I wasn't ready for.

But now I see why people like it.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by JK479

I did. I over-reacted, judged too early.

Change is good- and it's aggressive in a way I wasn't ready for.

But now I see why people like it.

Needs an additional trim line, I think.

[DocWeatherington]

Originally Posted by NGT2

Needs an additional trim line, I think.

Proper M