2009 BMW 7 Series - First Look

cpruitt submitted on 07/08/2008 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 12:38 PM
from: www.motortrend.com

Tags: 2009 BMW 7 Series, First Look

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2009 BMW 7 Series

First Look

2009 BMW 7 Series - First Look

When BMW's previous-generation 7 Series, which introduced designer Chris Bangle's "flame-surfacing" styling and new technology such as iDrive, first hit the road in 2002, the car signified a sea change compared with the outgoing model. Many loved the way the new 7 drove, but struggled with its, um, more controversial aspects.

Now the Munich automaker has released information on its U.S.-spec, fifth-generation 2009 BMW 7 Series due in U.S. early next year. With updated styling, lightweight construction, a new twin-turbo V-8, and tons of new safety, technology, and luxury features, BMW's latest flagship represents another significant -- though less divisive -- leap ahead.

Available in the U.S. in normal and long-wheelbase versions as the 750i and 750Li, compared with its predecessor the new 7 Series sports fluid, cohesive lines and a decidedly muscular appearance. Rounder headlamps flank BMW's signature kidney grille treatment, and the controversial "Bangle-butt" rear of the previous car is now a more traditional design that highlights the sedan's wide stance.

Inside, the car emphasizes a clean look that focuses on the driver, with many controls accessible from a new three-spoke, multifunction steering wheel. BMW's new "Black Panel" technology makes much of the instrument cluster appear blank when not in use, and the new transmission lever moves back to its traditional place on the console. But don't think BMW is taking a step back from the previous car's techno-wizardry. Using its E-shift system, the transmission ditches a traditional gate for an entirely electronic control that's "tipped" in one direction or another to select drive or reverse. Park is engaged by pressing a button.

While the new 7 Series may mark the end of BMW's experiment with column-mounted shift levers, the automaker's iDrive system lives on. The much-maligned multimedia interface originally made its debut in the 2002 7 Series, and a completely new generation has been designed for 2009. Read Article

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silver1 - 7/8/2008 1:54:44 PM

-11 Boost

Agreed....This is the "Ultimate Boring Mobile"

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silver1 - 7/8/2008 1:56:37 PM

-7 Boost

S-Class please.....

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EL34 - 7/8/2008 2:00:07 PM

+10 Boost

Michael, you're still palyin' with your little red wagon, of course you don't like this BMW.

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Maverick2020 - 7/8/2008 3:12:47 PM

+8 Boost

Michael,

The Lexus LS--whose virtues you praise at every conceivable opportunity--is the most bland and passionless (and derivative) vehicle in its category.

Of course, you admitted that you drive the ultimate bland and passionless vehicle in existence: the Toyota Camry.

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EL34 - 7/8/2008 8:55:19 PM

+2 Boost

Michael, I've got 3 letters.

FWD

:-D

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Agent63 - 7/9/2008 12:51:53 AMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

If you drive the Camry you wouldn't know how the LS would be so what credibility do you have? You're still the website's troll.

There's nothing sporting about the Camry my friend.

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silver1 - 7/9/2008 12:22:20 PM

-2 Boost

"Agent63"

Have you driven the Toyota Camry SE 3.5 V6 Verison with the modified 17-inch wheels, Sport Tune Suspension??? After long extensive rides in this model car I can say it is very sporty, more sporty than a Acura TSX I've Driven which was one of the most boring cars I have ever drove. Nothing Smooth about this car. I haven't driven a regular version Camry So I don't know how those ride...

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american_made - 7/9/2008 1:01:16 PM

-2 Boost

Agreed!! and I like how all the BMW fans get a hard on when something negative is said about BMW anything.

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Agent63 - 7/9/2008 8:52:32 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

"Silver1"

- No I haven't driven a Toyota Camry SE 3.5 V6 Version with the modified 17-inch wheels, Sport Tune Suspension. I have driven the TSX A-Spec version but there's still missing that sportiness that I look for in a medium sports sedan. The Camry however is more powerful than the TSX so in that regard the V6 packs more punch. But generally when you think of Camry it doesn't remind you of a sporting car. But Mr. Taylor over there probably hasn't even driven an LS before so say the comments he has been making for awhile now. I live with one of those on a daily basis and it's by no means even close to sporty but the luxury is far from a Camry that's for sure.

I've never liked the bangle-butt 7 so that's why I stuck to my brand Mercedes with the S-Class so when compared to this 7 I would still pick the S over it.

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silver1 - 7/8/2008 1:55:12 PM

-10 Boost

Yawn...

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EL34 - 7/8/2008 8:56:57 PM

-2 Boost

We've got a bunch of children on this board :-(

Homer007 - 7/9/2008 8:20:10 AM

+1 Boost

Except, EL34 :)

silver1 - 7/8/2008 1:58:04 PM

-14 Boost

I just can't believe we are going to have to live with this out-of-date grandma's car for the next 5-6 years

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maikoazu - 7/8/2008 6:36:09 PM

+1 Boost

Sorry to burst your bubble, but most likely you cannot afford this vehicle. So what are you *itching about?

GTR35 - 7/8/2008 1:59:54 PMView My AgentSpace

+10 Boost

^^^^ Three Lexus comments talking about the 7 looking "Boring"^^^
How ironic. What does that make of the Extra Large Camry-LS?

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silver1 - 7/8/2008 2:02:18 PM

Show Comment -16 Boost

Notjustlex - 7/8/2008 2:36:10 PM

0 Boost

Lexus has always been know for being conservative and not pushing the design boudries too much. BMW on the other hand is always cutting edge, and pushes design and technology, according to some. Now the shoe is on the other foot. IF YOU CAN DISH IT OUT YOU BETTER BE ABLE TO TAKE IT. You will be taking in for the next 5 years, thank you BMW

SVXXX - 7/8/2008 4:30:28 PM

+2 Boost

Please cut the childish comments people. And learn to give credit where it belongs for any Brand.

devitocoke - 7/8/2008 2:35:11 PM

+5 Boost

I love it!!! This is another hit, just wait until you see it on the road. BMW took it to another level without over doing it.

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BmwVoyager - 7/8/2008 2:59:52 PM

+6 Boost

Ok ok im loving this! (no really I am ;D )
but where in the world is the 760Li? x.x

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mpwr - 7/8/2008 3:05:08 PM

-1 Boost

BAD, WHAT HAPPENED TO THE PROPORTION OF THE KIDNEY GRILLS, HOLY CRAP I JUST CANT BELIVE THEY WOULD DO THIS AGIAN, IF ANYONE IS COUNTING THIS IS STRIKE TWO. THERE NOT GOING TO DO THIS TO THE FIVE ARE THEY? ITS BAD ENOUGH THEY HAVE THOSE RETARDED EYEBROW HEADLAMPS, ADD THESE GRILLS AND THEY WILL HAVE SUCCEDED IN THERE CLOWN FACE LOOK. I CANT BELIVE THAT I LONG FOR A SERIES 2 GENERATIONS BACK, WHILE ITS COMPETATORS CONTINUE TO GET BETTER STYLING

WTF

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mpwr - 7/8/2008 4:12:22 PM

-1 Boost

or maybe Ill wait to see it and then cry, but I hope not. sometimes pictures can exaggerate disproportions or at least thats what im going to tell myself in the meantime

Speedoholic - 7/8/2008 3:06:04 PMView My AgentSpace

+5 Boost

I just love it! Amazing car. I can't judge until I see it in person!

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530N52 - 7/8/2008 3:15:27 PM

-1 Boost

I saw one yesterday. AWESOME!

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BmwVoyager - 7/8/2008 8:36:00 PM

+1 Boost

In what world?

lewishamiltonpimp - 7/8/2008 3:16:57 PM

-3 Boost

As a long time BMW owner who would have taken an S Class over the 7, I have to say I am very disappointed. I hope it looks better in the flesh just like the 135 and the X6. I really do.

Bland!

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AgentOrange - 7/8/2008 4:02:42 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

Bangle Bashers will love it!!!!!!!!!

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PlanB - 7/8/2008 4:11:53 PM

0 Boost

OK, after calling it a dud last week my feelings have toned down a bit. I don't think its a complete dud, it sounds like (on paper for now) a very capable performer. And it really doesn't that look bad. I think BMW just went in a "slightly" too conservative design theme that, when compared to its closest competition, has a look that does nothing to stand itself apart. Especially to the younger generation of car enthusiasts. Its like they completely ignored the CS concept (and any other bold concept) and said to themselves, "If the previous generation 7 series never existed, what design direction would we have taken 7 years ago?" And here it is.

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spiritfilled - 7/8/2008 4:27:06 PM

+1 Boost

I am sure it will look good in person. However, I was hoping for something more elegant and forward thinking. This looks too much like a nice refresh of the current 7, and it somehow doesn't look Bimmerish anymore, it's straying away somehow. I like it though, but I can't see it competing with the S Class and the upcoming A8 for the next 7 years. There will be refreshes and facelifts but this design language is too so so for me and this is coming from a BMW fanboy. Bangle, where art thou?

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cyco - 7/8/2008 4:49:14 PM

+2 Boost

Hey alright! Another new 7 series article. :|

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JUGNU - 7/8/2008 5:33:53 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

Till now, the only thing i like in this new 7 series (exterior design wise) is the headlights shape and also probably the big kidney grilles. Rest is so mediocre. Uninspired and boring.

JUGNU

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nsmatt - 7/8/2008 6:33:50 PM

0 Boost

I have to say, when I first saw it I was slightly disappointed, but it's growing on me very quickly, I'm beginning to love this car.

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Yonder7 - 7/8/2008 7:54:04 PM

0 Boost

BMW designers were dry. no ideas, so they took the current model and work on it to transform it in somthing bigger and longer with almost the same shape. Sad, no inspiration. I hope Mercedes and Audi does not get infected with that virus.

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Dr550 - 7/8/2008 8:29:11 PM

+1 Boost

Once the CS/8 series is released, the 7 series will make sense. BMW's MO is usually conservative design after "radical" elements are introduced in previous model. It takes time for other auto makers to catch-up and the styling cues are accepted by the general public.

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Lexus - 7/9/2008 12:21:00 AM

0 Boost

I can't who design uglier car Hyundai or BMW? actually Hyundai now has some really good design. This thing is just hideous and I thought the last Gen BMW 7 Series was ugly. T

alk about ugly, but of course it was made in German and has a "BMW" logo on it. So it has to good right? NOT....

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Dr550 - 7/9/2008 12:41:56 PM

0 Boost

Try the Lexus SC430. This was Lexus chance to design a convertible from a clean sheet and we got that.

Lexus - 7/9/2008 12:24:15 AM

+1 Boost

correction,

I can't think of who design etc...

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cl0wn - 7/9/2008 4:28:21 AM

-1 Boost

silver1 is BROKE... buy an LS floater...if you can even afford it... hide the money yall there's a poor retard around

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