New 7 series leaked on BMW Austria configurator

[N & M]

Originally Posted by hinckley

I think it looks fine. Evolutionary. Nothing ground breaking. Nothing special. Just as expected. And that's the problem.

This car needed to be a major leap forward, and despite all those rave reviews of the private, in-person viewings, it's nothing of the kind. Other than the questionable chrome side cladding, there is not one new design element in this car. BMW is falling further behind its competition - and yes I mean the S-Klasse. As a life-long BMW fan boy, I'm disappointed (but not surprised).

The car is evolutionary, but it far better looking in the real than the images portray. I would have liked to see a more daring direction but can live with the "safe" design.

The standout impression is quality especially in the interior. Could it have been more creative? Yes, it should have been, but the final image is one that does not fail to impress. The application of tech and quality of the finish is far better than anything in its class.

As with all BMWs, the key is specification and I believe ticking the right boxes will make a difference.

[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.

[B///MWGuy]

This is bad.

Not that the design is terrible, but at first glimpse, I thought I was looking at 3 series.
I'm trying to be as objective as possible, and I don't think the design is "BAD" but its underwhelming, very underwhelming.
Although this is enthusiast, BMW fan site, people seem to be very disappointed. This is also another bad sign.
I honestly think 7 series has to look impressive since its a flagship model.. I hope they do some revision.. although this seems way too late in the game..

Or... are they planning to do their customary marketing of "underwhelming pre-LCI" with intentional problems here and there, and release of "concept-like LCI" with improvement to the problems in a later year?
Their marketing is becoming way too obvious and obvious marketing is not very pleasant. Especially in customer's perspective..

[Antares]

I doubt that even the Chinese market lacks enough in taste to buy this new Phaeton made by BMW.
With this car BMW says goodbye to Luxury; welcome to second Volkswagen.

[Enza]

holy moly that's hideous.

[M3_WC]

Originally Posted by bobloblaw

BMW teases us with the awesome Vision ...

Only design carryover is the chrome rocker panel and bumper trim

The worst part too.

The giant chrome L belongs on a Lexus.

[ORIGIN M.]

You'll see.

This car handles like a 5er.

[ORIGIN M.]

Originally Posted by M3_WC

The worst part too.

The giant chrome L belongs on a Lexus.

It is distinctive and can be Color matched or black out if you want it different.

[Antares]

Originally Posted by red-sauerkraut

You'll see.

This car handles like a 5er.

and has the feel and looks of a stretched 3er

[misterbeemer]

Originally Posted by ZEEM3R

The S65 is just on another level. Props to your friend on buying the rarest of all the S-Class models.

Words can't describe that S65 AMG! I wanted to lick that car. Yes, I can do car porn. The lines, the attention to every minute detail, the sound of the car and way it just cruised around...it felt good to be in. I will confess, I was caressing those curves and I could not stop looking at the car.

This is how I felt when I would see BMWs of the past - in photos and in real. They looked so good in photos, I could not wait to see them in person, unlike the BMWs of today - extremely bland and soulless. The older ones invoked a special emotion. I remember just staring at them and feeling each and every line and curve of those BMWs and those head lights and kidney grilles - looking at the car from every angle. I remember the BMW films - one starring the 7 series (Ambush) - my father is selling that car after 14 years. Compare those films to the junk commercials they have now.

I'm in my mid 30s. My family has always owned BMWs. Sad to see them grow old and eventually be replaced by something that stirs the soul more. Out goes my father's old 7 (no room for it) to be replaced by a new S600.

[JOHNBMWM5]

Looks built for the Chinese market, all that cheap looking chrome.
Sad day for BMW.

[Pentium]

Originally Posted by gary88

Let's hope it drives well because the S Class gives it a beatdown in the looks department.

Exactly...because the S Class just looks fantastic!
and isn't this the most leaked BMW ever?

[misterbeemer]

BMW should make the L chrome detachable - Hey who wants to play impromptu hockey? We have two hockey sticks on my car.

[omegaSMP300]

Originally Posted by rolltidef32

Best to not try to go head to head with Merc on luxuriousness and looks, that's what they do best.

A 7 series is an athletic expression of the executive sedan. Won't know if it's boring until a drive. It's an understated car, but the 7 always was. It's purpose driven and all business; like a fine tailored suit on a futballer or whatever.

The S class has no competition, it's sits alone on the iron throne of luxury.

Very well said.

[Antares]

Originally Posted by Pentium

Exactly...because the S Class just looks fantastic!
and isn't this the most leaked BMW ever?

let's hope the sunroof holds better, or the 7 series will double as a swimming pool at the hint of the first rain

[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.

[DaveChapin]

Originally Posted by burrito007

the late 90's 7 series looked much cooler than the S class at the time. only since then has it suffered.

This.
That E38 was a terrific, elegant design.

Still hoping the 7 looks better in person; sounds so good on paper.

[SpokenHands]

Words cannot describe how disappointing this G11 reveal is: as a production car that is meant to be a flagship, and as a design direction!

Coming after the amazing Audi Prologue concept and the amazing Mercedes S-class sedan and coupe; and in many ways diminishing the design ideas in their own Gran Lusso concept, I am really disappointed.

On the interior, when everyone else is trying to improve quality and refinement, this Chinese-wooing aluminium trim is just wrong for style. I hope it is an option.

I am sure Scott26 will find some marketing bu!!shit to dress this up.

[Antares]

Originally Posted by SpokenHands

I am sure Scott26 will find some marketing bu!!shit to dress this up.

he's readying the pouring

[Yay-Z]

Very craptacular.

[petritnikqi]

More pics

[Antares]

@petritnikqi
that red SOS button is interesting: "save me from this car"- "urgently".