2009 BMW 7-Series Breaks Cover Early
Despite its being embargoed for publication until the 5th of July, official information and images of BMW’s brand new 7-series luxury sedan have found their way on to multiple websites today, leaving us little choice but to share the good news with our readers.
The 2009 7-series has been cleaned up considerably for its fifth-generation, forgoing the slightly tormented surfaces of the former car in favor of altogether more conventional sheet metal. The sedan’s muscular shoulder line, aggressive stance on its wheels, and lowered headlamps give it a menace that’s rather welcome in this typically staid segment. That said, we can’t say as though we’re fully onboard with the upswept, curvy rear light clusters, which look a little awkward where severed by the trunk lid.
At launch, U.S. BMW dealerships can expect to get two versions of the new Seven, a 750i and a slightly longer (5.5 inches) 750Li. Both cars will be powered by the400 horsepower 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 now found in the X6, and hooked up to a silky six-speed automatic transmission. The automaker is also promising an even more sophisticated version of its high-tech suspension system, improved fuel economy, more “weight-efficient” construction, and of course a brand new stab at the well-liked i-Drive user interface.
Browse the gallery above for a whole load of 2009 BMW 7-series images.
Comments
Iain
This goes into the 'why bother' category of redesigns, especially the interior. Exterior looks better than the last effort but is hardly leading - side view looks like they copied the 3 series and hit XXL. The irony for me is that when Bangle took over BMW design, he said the company could no longer afford to keep producing cars that looked alike - I think he said 'sausages of different lengths'. Now a decade later, that is exactly what his team is doing.
I looked at buying a 750i twice in the last four years (when my lease was up) and each time moved to something else - the interior drove me nuts. The new version looks little different except the gearshift is now back in the console.
Anonymous
Very conservative. Too conservative. This doesn't seem like much of a platform upgrade -- more of a restyle of the current car. It looks okay, I just expect more engineering from BMW.
chartguy
Is that an ashtray in the door? Didn't think they were still putting them in cars.
Ducati Minor
Like all Sevens, this one is dull. Not ugly, but dull. How about the CS concept? That's the first Bimmer since the 507 that I would call stunning.
Mena
With all the complaining that went on with the first Bangle cars this design doesn't surprise me a bit. When in doubt, style it like a Camry. These will sell by the boatloads.
fantasyfreddy
I just don't understand why they still manufacture their gasoline cars when their diesels are at least 50% more efficient, pollute the same, and have incredible performance. Notice the little "d" on the car in the photos? That's what we need here now, in every car they make. This could be done overnight.
Jeff
Unfortunately we can't get Euro diesels here that quick. There are major differences in fuel formula and emission standards between the US and Europe. That said, I too wish something could be done to bring more of those great diesels here. As far as the critics of this new 7, I think it's great. As far back as I can remember, BMW has always been known for exceptionally engineered cars that were very purposeful and conservative in their design. Nothing real groundbreaking in the 2002i's design as I recall yet that car is iconic. Also, how many vehicles do you see out there with the turned in rear quarter glass? I felt BMW lost it's core direction when it tried too hard to be fashionable, when in reality it already was.
"Just because you read the manual doesn't mean you can drive the car."
Anonymous
Sure, that's what we need, everyone drive a diesel, an already stretched resource that frankly, we need for our heavy transportation system.... Why not, we don't NEED trucks on the highways of the U.S. do we?
Anonymous
This car is obviously designed for the Chinese market in mind. Very conservative, almost Chinese Buick like in details, like the overly large and formal grille and trunk lines.
Ducati Minor
Yeah...the diesel thing ain't gonna happen. I hate to break it ya'll. In case you haven't noticed, diesel is skyrocketing in cost, is already stretched in global demand, and isn't popular in the US.
If BMW shipped tens of thousands of diesels to the States...it would have a huge surplus. They aren't bad vehicles; but American BMW owners don't care. If you can afford $40,000 for a 135i, you're not going to worry about the 22 mpg your getting from your 300 hp twin-turbo straight-six. And if you can cough up $80,000 for a 750i, you're not fretting over the 20% improvement in mileage from the diesel equivalent.
I will complement this 7 on its streamlined shape that echoes the present 5. I never liked the boxy shape of the old Bimmers or the bulbous lines of the 1990s models. Not a car that would make my wish list, but it'll probably be a class-leader.
Mena
Yeah...the diesel thing ain't gonna happen.
Yep. A lot of people here (yep..just here) don't seem to understand that BMW's and the like in America are luxury vehicles not beaters. People HERE only buy these things when they're doing well financially. These aren't Camry replacements. Sure, plenty of people commute in them and buy groceries and stuff. But they're luxuries first, transportation third (yes I said third). Once you get this, then you'll understand Ducati's comments above. He's exactly right.
Big Lou
You folks are all wrong. This new 2009 7 is a vast improvement over previous 7's. Streamlined, more fuel efficient, technologically a wonder, sophisticated. Its not for the Camry crowd. Lets face it many of us don't wish to take our lives in our hands with a scion or mini cooper. This is a car to be enjoyed, not a means of transportation.