New BMW 7 Series Unveiled

When we first saw the pictures of the current BMW 7 series for sale we had to conclude the designer had lost his way half way through. But he hadn’t (apparantly), because the ‘afterthought’ boot found its way on to other BMWs. It certainly helped the aerodynamics, but it didn’t help the aesthetics one bit! And then there was the i-drive. A good idea in concept, but it really was poorly executed. Far too fiddly and long-winded, especially as Audi’s MMI showed how it should be done.  All of which was a real shame, because the 7 series BMW was, and is, a very good car.

BMW is due to unveil the all new 7 series in September, but the first pictures have now been released. And it seemd they listened to all who complained with the last 7 series. The ‘add-on’ boot has gone, and the i-drive gets a new interface. All good news. The 7 series is, if you enjoy driving, much better than the S class, but it’s always lost out in the perception of class stakes; never perceived as the ultimate luxury transport. But that could change with this new 7 series and with the rise of the Chinese market, which seems to have a preference for the 7 series over the S class. Maybe they enjoy driving more than their European and North American counterparts. But it will have to be special to overtake the S class. I ran a 740 for a couple of years, but ended up in S classes for 4 or 5 years after. Yes, the BMW was the better drive, but the S class really did have more class. It would be interesting to see the new 7 series turn the tables.

So, apart from the styling changes and i-drive revisions, what will the new 7 series offer? It would seem there will be a 4 wheel drive version (to take on the A8) and the introduction of BMWs new 8 speed box. The current diesel will be dropped in favour of the more modern twin-turbo 6 cylinder engines that you find in the X5 and X6, and there will still be a range-topping V12 and undoubtedly a hybrid of some description.

Lots to look forward to.

To enquire about any car in this article, new or used, just click here