67 Votes

BMW Puts Lexus and Mercedes on Notice - But Did BMW Go Far Enough With Their New 7-Series?

Agent00J submitted on 7/5/2008 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 12:00:07 AM

128 user comments | Category: New Cars | Source: www.autospies.com

AutoSpies.

com is proud of the fact that we were the first to break the full details of the New BMW 7-Series, and many of you have already sounded in with your opinion, Stud or Dud the fact is the New 7 is coming our way and will become a fixture on our roads.

While the last generation 7-Series was certainly revolutionary, this next version is evolutionary. Surprising is how many of you have commented on wanting to have seen more from this generation suggesting that BMW was too conservative with this complete makeover. There are styling cues that look resolved from the current generation, and there are some design details that look as though they were lifted off of competitors drawing boards including the exhaust outlets that mimic those of the Lexus LS. Agent 001 has suggested that BMW went conservative with this new 7 to help differentiate it from the upcoming CS.

Will the BMW 7-Series send Mercedes-Benz and Lexus back to the drawing boards, or will this next generation appeal only to those who appreciate the handling virtues that only BMW offers.

The 2 closest competitors to the 7 are of course the Mercedes-Benz S550 and the Lexus LS460. When dealing with cars of this caliber, choosing one over the other really isn't "settling," rather it is a decision that reflects what really is important to the buyer. The Lexus nails the luxury nail on the head while Mercedes combines luxury with performance. BMW certainly leans more to the performance aspects while catering to the luxury market, however BMW more than the other two marques really lets its sporting intentions be known.

So which car is best? Seeing as NONE of us have driven the new 7-Series yet, this is purely speculative, but still fun to debate. Did BMW go far enough with this new generation, and will it be enough to compel potential Lexus and Mercedes buyers through the doors of BMW dealerships for consideration?

Time will eventually tell, for now I think BMW has a winner on its hands, but we want you to be the judge.

Official New BMW 7-Series Full Details

BMW Puts Lexus and Mercedes on Notice - But Did BMW Go Far Enough With Their New 7-Series?

About the Author

Life is too short to drive boring cars...
— Agent00J (View Profile)

User Comments

While I will say the profile of the 7 is the best out of the three pictured above, it's taillights & grill are major design flaws, not new industry styling cues in which we'll all get used too.
— MunichRob (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 12:42:35 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

"While I will say the profile of the 7 is the best out of the three pictured above"

Of course it does- the other two are not to proportion. It is a rather blatant image trick- I can only hope that the impetus for such a modification is not nefarious.
— cdoke (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 3:04:07 AM | | Votes: 10

here, videos have been posted on YouTube of the new 7-Series in motion

http://youtube.com/watch?v=A01GvnDeyvs

The reservations I had about the front end are gone, in motion that's a pretty slick, aggressive looking full size luxury car.
— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 12:19:05 PM | | Votes: 4

by the way, what's the Autospies record for comments on one particular topic? Between the three threads currently running on the new 7-Series, all of which are basically the same thread and the oldest one being three days old today, there are already 338 comments. Either Autospies is good at stirring up debate or BMW is...
— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 12:26:48 PM | | Votes: 5

www.bimmerfile.com has video of the interior, iDrive, and diesel engine on the new 7-Series. iDrive looks pretty cool, and much faster. That brown interior looks gorgeous.

<object width="400" height="300"> <param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /> <param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /> <param name="movie" value="http://www.vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=1284983&server=www.vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" /> <embed src="http://www.vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=1284983&server=www.vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="300"></embed></object><br /><a href="http://www.vimeo.com/1284983?pg=embed&sec=1284983">2009 BMW 7 Interior and iDrive</a> from <a href="http://www.vimeo.com/user505069?pg=embed&sec=1284983">BimmerFile.com</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com?pg=embed&sec=1284983">Vimeo</a>.
— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 12:32:32 PM | | Votes: 1

Teknik, you're back. I'm going to just start posting after your drivel, maybe then the moderators will eventually ban you.

No one listens to anything you say. You're a troll, in the same vein as MichaelTaylor, Staar, AmazinBimmer, etc. I get it, every real person who actually reads these threads gets it, but for whatever reason the people who run this site do not. If you really wanted to have people rally against the 7-Series you'd be better off posting about how GREAT it is, because the majority of actual users on this site will post the opposite of whatever you do just on general principle.

Now since I'm bored at work and I will kill the next hour cutting and pasting comments behind whatever you say to draw attention to the fact that you shouldn't be allowed to post in the first place.
— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 5:02:52 PM | | Votes: 1

Regardless of how they look in the picture above it's not like I haven't seen their profiles many times elsewhere (S-Class & LS), so don't bite my head off for it! That said I do still feel the new 7 has a much sleeker & stylish profile than the LS & S.

However the grill & taillights are just plain awful design elements that in turn make the new 7 the ugliest car in this segment.
— MunichRob (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 5:55:29 PM | | Votes: 2

the ls and s class pics are squished! of course that makes the (once again ugly) 7 series profile look better! even though its not.
— lexusrox123 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 7:12:23 PM | | Votes: 3

Teknik, no, BMW doesn't pay me for "cheerleading", and this had nothing to do with BMW. I'd have responded to your idiocy the same way if this had been a thread about an Audi, Mercedes, whatever. If I can draw attention to the flame starters on this site who have nothing real to say but like to post BS all over the place, then maybe the rest of the users will ignore them to the point they'll go away. I'd say we're off to a good start -- you're desboosted everywhere, and everyone will certainly remember you after this thread. If the moderators won't take the trash out, we can.
— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 7/7/2008 8:26:21 AM | | Votes: 1

I'd rather be an old person than a "baller", if given the choice.
— nsmatt (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 1:31:04 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 13

Baller Shmaller! The LS is for broke people! It's the cheapest out of the three!
— CLK63BlackSeries (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 4:27:06 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -7

bimmerfan!
i m totally agree with you!
i love that generation the most! thats the most "BMW" BMW.
— dayday (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 10:15:36 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5

Michael Taylor,

Old people buy "7-Series" BMWs, Young people buy the 3-series, 5-series, 1-series, and x3/x5. BMW still doesn't have a car like the Lexus ES350. which is a small luxury sedan that only old folks buy. Every time that I see a ES350 it is being driven by a geezer. You cannot say that about any smaller BMW.

Lexus is the Japanese Buick.
— LexSucks (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 10:59:01 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

The current BMW 7-Series look better than this new BMW 7-Series. Between the BMW 7-Series, MB S-Class, and the Lexus LS460/LH600, the Lexus LS win base on look alone.

And where is the Audi A8, it should have been in this competitor as well.

1st, Lexus LS460/HL600
2rd, MB S-Class
3rd, Audi A8
4rd, BMW 7 Series
— Lexus (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 2:00:45 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -9

More like

1) S-Class
2) A8
3) LS
4) 7 series
— Agent63 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 4:15:22 AM | | Votes: -3

More like

1) BMW 7 series
2) Mercedes S class
3) Audi A8
4) Lexus LS

Point is, this is objective.
— M53R (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 6:09:13 AM | | Votes: 2

I agree... hey Agent00J where is the Audi A8? It is equally at home with any of these cars...
— atomicbri (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 10:20:38 AM | | Votes: 3

Teknik, here's a hint: no one listens to anything you say. You're a troll, in the same vein as MichaelTaylor, Staar, and AmazinBimmer. If you really wanted to have people rally against the 7-Series you'd be better off posting about how GREAT it is, because the majority of actual users on this site will post the opposite of whatever you do just on general principle.
— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 5:04:06 PM | | Votes: 4

correction,

it should've been in this comparison as well!
— Lexus (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 2:02:24 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

"It's what ballers roll in"

Well I definitely wouldn't buy the Lexus then

— Deutschland (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 2:13:11 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5

Beautiful Evolution.
— BimmerFan (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 2:33:33 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

The new BMW 7 puts Mercedes and Audi on notice, but not Lexus.

Lexus competes with Lincoln and Caddy.
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 2:42:37 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 9

Not Lincoln but Cadillac for sure. This MichaelTaylor guy makes me hate one of my own cars LOL. The guy's a troll who knows nothing about cars.
— Agent63 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 4:19:51 AM | | Votes: 9

'And a fan of Japanese guys'

Trying to tell us something?
— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 7:15:50 AM | | Votes: 6

So what if he likes Japanese guys?
— delan (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 7:41:16 AM | | Votes: 8

"LOL

Embarrassing spelling error. I meant Japanese cars. I am not gay. I have a girlfriend."

I'll be the second one to laugh out loud to that LOL!!
— KZ258 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 8:41:14 AM | | Votes: 6

That isn't a fact but an opinion. Your opinions have ran rampant all over this website how dare you say you haven't put down any other car maker. I own a Lexus LS but I don't think it's a class leader. The Marquee model and company in this segment is the S-Class (which is my other car). Just because Toyota is the second largest automaker doesn't mean they own every segment.

My views:

S-Class: Well balanced luxury marquee that lives up to it's name. Great quality, good handling for it's size and performs well.

LS: Very safe design from Lexus. A comfortable place to be while pounding up and down the motorways. However it lacks the wow factor, curb appeal, and handling that even a very conservative A8 would better.

By the way Mr. Taylor:

I'm sorry for offending you. Everyone is entitled to have their own sexual beliefs. I never knew you were so into Japanese products even their men.

Anyways,

We have trolls and we have trolls. By the way what car do you drive? so everyone knows how you're basing your comments. Thoughts based from what you read and actual experience is totally different, just so you know. :)
— Agent63 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 9:15:32 AM | | Votes: 5

MichaelTaylor, let us know when the wedding is?

I'll be happy to attend and drive my new BMW 7-Series up to San Fransico.
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 11:13:03 AM | | Votes: 4

spelling error? You were merely telling us the truth.
— MercedesBenz00Z (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 10:03:27 PM | | Votes: 3

His subconcious took over his hands
— ILikeLambo (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 11:57:45 PM | | Votes: 3

While the new 7-Series looks decent, it's definitely not sending Mercedes or Lexus back to the drawing board. I actually think that Mercedes and Lexus sent BMW to the drawing board.
— kut17 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 2:48:00 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 9

well judging by the desighn cues interior and exterior that the LS and S have of the current model 7 which was released in 2002 I would say just the opposite.........It couldnt have been the S class to put on BMW notice as its more radical styling borrowed the idea from the current 7.....or the more chromed look of the LS this new 7 took desighn cues from neither...the biggest it seems is the complaints that the current 7 didnt look like a BMW(for decades BMWs have been very conservative cars except a few models here and there), and was to radical. While oddly enough it outsold each previous generation ultra conservative 7 so Im curious to see how the market will take the return on the conservative more elegant BMW
— bmwdrvr (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 9:33:01 AM | | Votes: 4

You forgot breaks and self-parking.
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 2:54:38 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

lexus beats mercedes in luxury & performance? did u ever see a mercedes? did u ever drive one?
not that i´m listening to hip hop, but how many lexus do you see in those rapvideos?
why does toyota suck in the f1 while investing the biggest amount of money?
yes, they beat them in sales (at least in the u.s.), but i guess you have never thought about the relation between price and sales
— 100octane (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 3:55:55 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5

Actually NO. MichaelTaylor..NO.

You don't own any of these cars you talk so highly of. You've probably never even been inside one. I drive an LS on a daily basis and drive my S Class on a nightly basis. There is no way in hell Lexus beats Mercedes in luxury and performance. Who are you trying to kid here?. You make up words like you make believe in your own mind.

The LS dominates in sales, performance, and luxury?. Keep in mind the North American market isn't the only market in this world so grow out of it.

You are so full of baseless information it makes me sick to my stomach.
— Agent63 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 4:18:23 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 8

100octane-
not to be offensive, but you see more Mercedes' in rap videos because they have more snob appeal than Lexus does. Rap artists love to show off their wealth and most people look at the purchase of a Mercedes as a sign of wealth.
— kut17 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 4:37:41 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

'Look at Russia and China and the UK. Lexus sales are totally outclassing their European competitors in those markets.'

Why do you insist on talking complete lies?

Lexus sells about 10% of what Mercedes or BMW or Audi does in the UK, Audi is the sales leader in China, and while I don't know about Russia, it is a small market as most people are poor. Lexus isn't even sold in India yet!

'The world is looking at the American market and thinking "These guys are smart in their purchases. They buy a Lexus over _____ which means something. I am going to buy a Lexus too!"'

I'm not going to America-bash, but if you really think we all look at the US and think 'Wow, how cool are they', you're wrong. We have our own cultures, our own trends, our own music and film, and our own tastes. We don't just take America's leftovers. Surely, if as you say, we see America's car trends and buy what they buy, the F-150 would be a sales hit here, as would the Explorer? Cadillacs would surely have been the sales leader at some point. But no, that doesn't happen, because Europe is not just America downsized. It's different. And until Lexus recognises that and sells cars that suit the European market, they will not do well. Someone on another thread proudly stated 'Lexus sells V8 minimum in the LS, and V6 in the IS and GS'. Well there should be 4 cylinder IS and GS models, and a V6 LS if they want to make some headway. Lexus is being obstinate if they refuse to listen to the market.
— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 7:28:09 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

I wouldn't get rid of my S if I had an LS. I have both so why would I? I'm a Merc fan deep down but I bought the Lexus because I love their customer service. I enjoy my time in the LS but it's not as great as you make it seem.

You've never even been in an LS or S or have driven one so how can you base judgment & WHAT EXACTLY are you basing it on? Magazine reviews?, online reviews?, Youtube video reviews? BASELESS and POINTLESS unless you've experienced yourself!

Your boyfriend sure has hypnotized you into a world of confusion.
— Agent63 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 9:39:39 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Take note how the new 7-Series makes the Lexus look like a Corolla.
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 2:55:35 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3

???
— kut17 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 4:38:52 AM | | Votes: 5

It makes it looks like a compact.
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 11:15:04 AM | | Votes: 0

Actually to further Rupert's point, Mercedes-Benz and Audi are the sales leaders in Russia followed by BMW and then Lexus. To acknowledge Mr. Taylor's comment, Lexus (although it sells less than 10% of volume compared to BMW, Audi, and MB in Europe) does do very well in Russia. They do have their highest sales in Russia which accounts for a large % of their European sales volume. The RX is a bigger seller their.
— VISO (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 12:51:22 PM | | Votes: 2

EL34

i cant believe you just said the 7 series makes the ls look like a subcompact!

the LS and S class pictures are squished! duh!
— lexusrox123 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 7:20:30 PM | | Votes: 4

BMW went too far.
— CLK63BlackSeries (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 4:29:19 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

in the 3 pictures above, the BMW has been stretched out and the Benz and Lxus has been deliberatley shrunk to to make them both look stumpy
— mpls (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 4:48:52 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

who wants to be compared with rap ?
— mpls (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 4:50:07 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -7

im a bit dissapointed. Id rather spend my money on the benz or a audi a8... or even better a used s8 :)
— xlr8 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 4:58:06 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

The S8 sounds awesome!
— Agent63 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 9:40:08 AM | | Votes: 2

When BMW introduced the older 7 Series everybody was shocked and nobody liked it. Look at the sales, they were high. Now the new BMW may have been a disappointment for some of us but its customers won't change, It may even attract S-Class customers. People may like it. And you can't judge a car by just seeing photos of it. You must see it in person and drive it.
— Speedoholic (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 4:58:51 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 8

For those of you who dont like it, you ll get used to it. I was comparing it to picture of the S class, A8, LS, and XJ, and it looks the best out of the bunch. I then compared it with the current generation 7. It makes it look fat and ugly. Im begining to totally love the new design, and at the end of the day, it will sell. Watch out, the new 7 is coming.

On a side note, I can bet it will look MUCH better in real. Can't wait to see it in dealers and on roads.
— M53R (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 6:16:31 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

"When BMW introduced the older 7 Series everybody was shocked and nobody liked it. Look at the sales, they were high"

maybe to u a measure of a nicely designed car is how well it sells, but i don't agree with that.
I don't like the styling of new 7 and i think S class, LS460 and A8 looks far better than this new 7 series.
so i don't care how well 7 series sell or not.

being a BMW i won't be surprised if 7 series got good handling and sportines, but i think it should drive extraordinarily this time and also do very well in other categories like luxury, features, space...etc as it loose so much in design category both exterior and interior.

JUGNU
— JUGNU (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 6:38:53 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

let's be fair JUGNU, you wouldn't have liked it no matter what BMW did, because it was a BMW. You're anti-BMW in every single post you make. BMW could have released interior and exterior photos of a Lexus LS and just replaced the grill and logos with BMW symbols, and you'd have still said the same things about the BMW, all while talking about how great the LS is.
— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 9:12:31 AM | | Votes: 7

I never thought sporty when I drove the 7 series. It was just luxury to me. Nothing to jump up and down about.
— 0to60 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 1:50:47 PM | | Votes: 1

Teknik, here's a hint: no one listens to anything you say. You're a troll, in the same vein as MichaelTaylor, Staar, and AmazinBimmer. If you really wanted to have people rally against the 7-Series you'd be better off posting about how GREAT it is, because the majority of actual users on this site will post the opposite of whatever you do just on general principle.
— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 5:05:04 PM | | Votes: 3

they are all gizer rides
— sailnfl (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 6:43:25 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4

Lexus LS 460 and Mercedes S 550 have nothing to worry about.

...and I agree with kut17.Actually Mercedes and Lexus sent BMW to the drawing board.

...and the worst thing is we have to live with that ugly design for the next 7 years.

Yes, the new features are cool but I really don't care about them when we have such a boring looking car.
— Milton (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 7:15:36 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 7

if by "boring" you mean "conservative" I agree. But then every other car in the class is also conservatively styled. The A8 looks like a bigger A4/A6, I don't think the S-class looks like anything special without the AMG bodykit, and the LS looks like a really big Camry. All of them are nice, attractive vehicles, but none of them are pushing the envelope at all, they were designed to appeal to the broadest audience possible. I think the problem everyone is having is they expected BMW WOULD push the envelope again and NOT be conservative, sort of a 2002 7-Series redux. Obviously they went the other direction.

There are things I like about the styling in all of the cars. I think the A8 is the best looking from the front (S-class first if it has the AMG kit), the new 7-Series has the best side profile (I don't like the huge fender flares on the S), and the rear is a tossup. The interior I'll wait to judge when I sit in one, but ALL of the cars in the class have nice interiors. And that includes the previous 7-Series, which despite all the barbs it took on here, was nice enough to basically get lifted, updated and dropped right into the new S-class, even though it was five years old at the time. Until I see proof otherwise I'll give BMW the benefit of the doubt that they aren't going to come out with a brand new $90k halo car that isn't nice inside.
— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 9:33:36 AM | | Votes: 5

I love when people deboost comments without even bothering to respond and explain why. What a worthless feature.
— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 12:21:07 PM | | Votes: 2

Teknik, here's a hint: no one listens to anything you say. You're an anti-BMW troll. If you really wanted to have people rally against the 7-Series you'd be better off posting about how GREAT it is, because the majority of actual users on this site will post the opposite of whatever you do just on general principle.
— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 4:56:20 PM | | Votes: 4

More like

1) Mercedes S class
2) Jag XJR
3) Audi A8
4) BMW 7 series
— xj13 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 9:51:53 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -6

The only car I’ve driven is the S550. And my first and lasting impression was always --- it’s almost a perfect luxury saloon. Very hard to top. The complete package.

Unlike what some think, the S-Class isn’t an old man’s car. Especially with the AMG body kit, it makes the Lexus LS look like ugly Betty.

I’d have to see and drive the new 7 to make an adequate comparison. But, so far I’m not sure the new 7 has differentiated itself enough to leave the S-Class in its dust. We’d have to see.
— weaponX (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 11:22:33 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6

I will not debate until everything is even. *Cough* Pictures *Cough*. Ahem.
— Carboy (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 11:38:49 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 7

It's the truth :-)
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 1:24:43 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

"BMW may have technology and performance to their name, they (in my opinion) just dont know how to do true luxury."

What planet are you from? True Luxury should combine all elements in a great package.

Remember this is the same company that has revived the Rolls Royce marque to be the new standard of uber luxury.
— ICON (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 2:39:18 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

BMW doesn't know how to do true luxury? Rolls Royce is pretty much universally considered the most prestigious, luxurious brand in the world. BMW has done a pretty fantastic job with those.
— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 2:53:14 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6

Where have you been???

I've been fighting off the Lexbots for 2 days!!!
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 1:22:22 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

If we all take a vote, can we agree to have these two and MichaelTaylor's membership removed. Oh and star!
— 0to60 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 1:52:41 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

don't forget Staar and Teknik.
— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 1:59:19 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 8

Wow! I drive a Jeep! How cool!
— VISO (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 2:36:52 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4

Teknik, here's a hint: no one listens to anything you say. You're a troll, in the same vein as MichaelTaylor, Staar, and AmazinBimmer. If you really wanted to have people rally against the 7-Series you'd be better off posting about how GREAT it is, because the majority of actual users on this site will post the opposite of whatever you do just on general principle.
— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 5:06:21 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 7

Photos of the new "7" show an impressive
effort by BMW. There are definite similarities to the Lexus LS, but that is a good thing.
— david999 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 2:44:42 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

I have been studying the new 7'er for a couple of days (JRobUSC, thanks for posting the videos)and I have to say I think it is an elegant and beautiful auto.

I am sure that in person it will be even more impressive. It appears to have a great road presence, forceful and classy. (It won't fade into the rest of the traffic as the LS does, honestly it is so similiar to other Lex/Toyota models that you have to look twice.)

There are a lot of subtle design cues that I appreciate and add to the whole package. Can't wait to see it.

Some of the knee-jerk responses from the typical idiots on here are to be expected. The market will decide, and I will wager that this iteration will be a great success.

001 is correct in stating that this auto is part of a portfolio that will include the 2 & 4 door CS series. This will be a great stable of Luxury cars that will serve BMW well and increase the catchet of the entire brand.

Well done BMW!! Bring on the CS!!
— ICON (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 2:57:09 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

I agree 110%. This car is stunning, and will fit into there future lineup perfectly. BMW is only getting stronger with time.
— cs4444 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 3:43:53 PM | | Votes: 3

Funny how I stated MONTHS AGO that from the spy shots that this 7series was "downmarket" looking from the current one to make room for the new upcoming CS.

And now Agent001 wants to take all the credit for coming up with this "brilliant idea" that he actually ripped off of me. Give credit where credit is due. And feel free to look up my posts in the previous articles
— w209w114 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 4:22:43 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

since when did "conservative" start meaning the same as "downmarket"? I think it looks "better" than the previous 7-Series, and certainly more "conservative" than the previous 7-Series was (compared to the 7-Series before it anyway), but certainly not "downmarket" from the previous 7-Series. It may not look as aggressive as the Concept CS/8-Series, but then I don't think anyone expected BMW was going to replace the 7-Series with something that radical. Or maybe they did, based on the number of posts by people disappointed that the new 7-Series is more conservative looking than the last one.

I think it makes sense for BMW to offer a conservatively styled car that stacks up against the other conservatively styled full size luxury sedans in the class (A8, S-class, LS). That makes the smaller volume CS/8-Series the logical next step for people wanting something more aggressively styled (Panamera, Quattroporte), and it creates a niche for that vehicle to exist. Had they gone that aggressive styling the new 7-Series they'd have basically traded one larger set of buyers for a smaller other set of buyers, and eliminated the point of the 8-Series existing in the first place. Now they can sell to both sets.
— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 4:52:15 PM | | Votes: 4

Teknik, here's a hint: no one listens to anything you say. You're a troll, in the same vein as MichaelTaylor, Staar, and AmazinBimmer. If you really wanted to have people rally against the 7-Series you'd be better off posting about how GREAT it is, because the majority of actual users on this site will post the opposite of whatever you do just on general principle.
— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 5:06:54 PM | | Votes: 7

Teknik, here's a hint: no one listens to anything you say. You're a troll, in the same vein as MichaelTaylor, Staar, and AmazinBimmer. If you really wanted to have people rally against the 7-Series you'd be better off posting about how GREAT it is, because the majority of actual users on this site will post the opposite of whatever you do just on general principle.
— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 5:07:19 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6

Teknik,Staar, whatever names you are using today...STFU! You keep posting the same dribble over and over, if English is your second language I respect that, but at least try to expand your vocabulary beyond plastic,toy car,etc.

While many people may not like BMW for whatever reason - no one rational thinks they are an econo box built to fall apart.
You are a child playing with matches. You have nothing of substance to add to any conversation and insist on continually embarrassing yourself by displaying a complete lack of intellect and any cognitive thought process.
In any language you are an idiot...go take your meds.
— ICON (View Profile)

Posted on 7/6/2008 3:31:51 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

JrobUSC

First i am not anti-BMW or anti of any brand for that matter. I would have liked it if it looked good to me. Just like how i like 3 series coupe and X5. It's just that i don't like the DEISGN of most recent cars of BMW(1 Coupe and X6) and 7 series makes it third ugly car in a row from BMW. Now if u call me anti-BMW, i don't care.

I don't like the styling of this new 7 series and feel the competition offers much better designed cars.

JUGNU
— JUGNU (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 5:03:39 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

I've been on this site for years JUGNU, all the way back when you used to sign everything "JUGNU <--- the Car Guy", remember those days? In that time I've never seen you say anything but negative things about BMWs. You've been one step away from being Teknik, MichaelTaylor, and huu76. So unless you're just coming back from a very, VERY long vacation during which time you were letting someone else post under your name, you are anti-BMW and have been for quite some time. And that's ok, as long as you know and understand that you are.
— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 5:13:55 PM | | Votes: 1

S Class = class leader because of name - a black car company here has a few '07 S 550's w/ around 130K miles on them and there all F**D up! Now the '06 LS 460's w/ over 150K miles - u can rev them alllll day full 7K rpm feels like the 0 mileage '08 ones - and I know these drivers - they treat these cars like Sh** - I have relatives in the limo business so I know.
— StickShiftCamry (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 6:22:40 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

Hey Agent63 - ur S has weird buttons on back of the steering wheel to hold gears - the 460 has a real stick. Don' ask me if i drove these - I drive all the time.
— StickShiftCamry (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 6:26:53 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

I know I am controversial, but let me say this, the "NEW" design, looks almost the same as the current, But inside looks great, BMW engineering, Exterior will be back to drawing board in a few years, specialy if the sales does not improve, the design is too conservative and that could be dangerous for the personality of BMW. They have a good record as revolutionis and not as evolutionist. I was expecting a new design with several clues of the CS. I am disapointed but just in the design because we are not able to judge the engineering at least after a few years on the market but what realy impress me is the engines 4.4 V8 Twin turbos , great torque in a very wide range of RPMs.
— Yonder7 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/5/2008 11:30:05 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

JrKnob,
So where's this innovative new 8spd tranny that BMW was going to dazzle us with? Perhaps their engineers figured they'd just put a bigger propellor on this generation instead? Not like their sheep customers would even notice.
— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/6/2008 4:31:43 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

I wonder if BMW even told Bagle a new 7 was coming out? Does he even work for BMW anymore or did they quietly send him back to Fiat to get more inspiration?
— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/6/2008 4:34:07 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

I have to say that I feel a bit ambiguous thus far about the new 7 series. As a BMW owner, I'm always hoping that they'll have the latest and greatest, although I've also owned Mercedes after years of thinking the cars were the "antichrist" and find them very appealing. The S class in my opinion is one of the best out there and puts just about everyone else out there (aside from maybe the Audi a8 and specialty luxury cars like the Maserati Quattroporte) to shame, including the current 7 series and the Lexus LS. The new 7 looks great in side profile, especially with the convex character line. The front and rear, however, leave me scratching my head. The front seems too blocky compared to the rest of the body, with the hood seemingly raised too far above the fenders. The rear, although an improvement IMO from the current model sems a little strange, though much better integrated into the body than the front. It kinda reminds me of the last Infiniti M class in a way, but aside from the tailpipies I don't see a major LS resemblance. The interior looks good, if somewhat Audi-ish. As always, though, pictures do not always do appropriate justice. We're just gonna have to wait until we see the real thing.
— rscaffidi (View Profile)

Posted on 7/6/2008 4:39:13 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

The exhaust is NOT from the fancy Toyota. Toyota actually copied it from a European tuning company called Konigseder. They had that exhaust on an AUDI A4 about 7 years ago. And it looked great on the A4. So again Toyota copied someone else.
— 1BadMan (View Profile)

Posted on 7/6/2008 5:51:12 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

The fact that most here think it a dud matters not..
What's important is that those who are in the 7's target demographic group like it.
I believe they will and the 7 will outsell the previous gen 7 and make money for BMW - and that's all that is important.
— AgentOrange (View Profile)

Posted on 7/6/2008 6:55:21 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

Agree. CS concept too much "bling" for my taste. 7 series in sterling gray and BBS style rims should look good.
— Dr550 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/7/2008 1:29:26 AM | | Votes: 1

what a SH-%#$#$-T car... ;)
— c36amg (View Profile)

Posted on 7/7/2008 6:49:56 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

I must say, amid the 'ugly' design, it looks like it has the most innovative features in its class.

It looks like this, at the moment:
1. BMW 7 Series
2. Mercedes-Benz S-Class
3. Lexus LS
4. Audi A8

And before some angry Audi A4 convertible owners start screaming at me, may I point out that the 7 Series has a bucket load of new features, the S-Class too sets many new standards, and so does the LS with its gear box and auto park function. But what does the A8 do. I'm not denying that its a good car, but what special feature do(and this can account for nearly all Audi's apart from the R8) Audi's have apart from special day time led headlights. They might have a few very good ones, but at the end of the day, the innovation award goes to Lexus, Mercedes-Benz and BMW.
— motor1 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/7/2008 7:34:18 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Most Americans are unfortunately not aware of Audi's technical innovations:

ASF (Audi Space Frame)- Audi pioneered the use of aluminum as the main structural material in the A8; the net result is a much lighter, stiffer chassis
FSI (Fuel Stratified Injection)- Again Audi was the pioneer in direct injection technology resulting in greater power AND improved fuel economy (10-15%)
TDI (Turbo Diesel Injection)- Audi makes the most advanced turbodiesels in the world... look at their LeMans winning R10 TDIs, and the upcoming 6.0 liter twin-turbo Q7 V12 TDI.
DSG (Dual-clutch Sequential Gearbox)- Audi was the first to offer this technology, now Porsche and BMW have licensed this from Audi. A 7-speed DSG (now named S Tronic) will be available soon.
Quattro- the best 4WD systems in the world, look at their dominant rally cars and DTM race cars.
— joeyc (View Profile)

Posted on 7/8/2008 5:09:58 AM | | Votes: 1

Its just that jaw dropping features go to Lexus, Mercedes or BMW. Audi might develop a safer ESP or suspension stuff that makes a nanometre of difference. But at the end of the day, Lexus, Merc and BMW make the most innovative and, dare I say, creative features that are in a different class to others.
— motor1 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/7/2008 7:40:29 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Lexus is tier 2!
— kpaxx (View Profile)

Posted on 7/7/2008 9:16:48 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

yeah but it still is doing a better job than Audi (looks around for Audi A4 convertible owners)
— motor1 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/7/2008 8:09:04 PM | | Votes: 1

7-series is like a baboon, ugly from the front, ugly from the back, but ok from the side :)
— sector (View Profile)

Posted on 7/7/2008 3:04:22 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

isnt Audi A8, in redesign season, this should be great since all the players cars are out
— Denali (View Profile)

Posted on 7/8/2008 3:50:53 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

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BMW Puts Lexus and Mercedes on Notice - But Did BMW Go Far Enough With Their New 7-Series?

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