German Car Zone

Here are close-ups of the 2 versions of the grille..They seem to differ not only in the count of slats, but the outer chrome frame seems to be different 2 ? One seems to be 'recessed' , the other not

The size of the spaces between the bars depends on whether you have the nightvision or not. Notice the small (well, its too large for the space between the bars on the lower picture) sensor in the upper picture on the right. It must have clear sight and therefore no bar infront.

What I also noticed on the latest pics is, that we have a nicely iluminated dash - in red/orange (at least at night). So the fear of not having the red lights anymore has become obsolete.

From 7-forum.com member (translated by Google):


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New BMW 7-series design explained (by BMW AG):


The design process.


Design as an expression of character on the new BMW 7 Series.

The design process is made up of three phases: From the start, the process of design means close cooperation with all other deparments and specialists involved in the development and production of a new BMW. The starting point is to define the fundamental features of the new product, which leads to the character of the new model and sets the basis for the complete range of technical and interdisciplinary development.

Apart from the key values of the brand, particularly natural presence, superior sportiness, and precise elegance throughout the exterior as well as an inviting, modern style and charming function were identified from the start as crucial to the character of this outstanding new model. So from the beginning, this definition sets the decisive benchmarks for both the design and the technological highlights of the car.

Considering the large number of contributing factors, the first phase of the design process requires a high level of integration. After all, all technical innovations available are to be implemented here in an appropriate manner subsequently perceived as perfect in their function and thrilling in their design by the user of the car. At the same time other demands and requirements made by Marketing, Sales and Production also have to be taken into account.

The criteria crucial to every new design concept include the demands and knowledge gained in materials research, production technology, safety, ergonomics, and aerodynamics. And while these factors may impose limits on the design of a new car, they may also open up new freedom and further options for both the designer and developer.

Yet a further point is the clear orientation to the customer with his specific wishes and needs. The ongoing process of coordination conducted as a result ensures an efficient mutual exchange of ideas and concepts, the Design Engineering Department acting as the link between the designer, on the one hand, and the engineer, on the other. Indeed, the specialists in this Department make a decisive contribution in establishing a common view of all functions involved in the development process, focusing on the many demands and requirements made of the new car.

The first phase of the design process also serves in particular to establish and define the right proportions. Particularly the graceful look of the car from the side reflects its fundamental character, the new BMW 7 Series interpreting the classical look and design of a saloon in a truly sporting manner typical of the brand.

The perfectly balanced interplay of elegance and sportiness is therefore clear right from the beginning, firm and taut surfaces around the wheel arches and the doors as well as the slender shoulder area above the character line extending from the headlights at the front all the way to the rear light clusters at the back emphasising the elegant character of BMW’s new luxury performance saloon.

The greenhouse with its particularly light and agile look sets clear signals for sportiness above all through the slender window frames and pillars, the contours of the greenhouse giving the new BMW 7 Series a coupé-like look of particular elegance. This special style extends from the low-slung transition of the engine compartment lid into the steeply raked A-pillar along the low roofline all the way to the gentle, sweeping rear section flowing down to the bootlid.


The design of the new BMW 7 Series: the result of keen competition among the best creative designers.

The BMW Group’s process of designing a new vehicle and finding the ideal shape is based on a concept of keen competition. In the development of each new model, several design teams compete with one another in their design of the exterior and interior in a truly creative contest. Made up of designers and modellers, the teams then, in the second phase of the design process, complete models in original, 1:1 size clearly showing the aesthetic harmony of the car’s proportions and surfaces. To do this they use a simple but very important material in the design process – clay. It is indeed fair to say that only a few car makers attach such great significance to 1:1 models and refine them in such a unique, highly detailed manner.

To conclude this phase in the design process where intuitive and creative design interacts with a straightforward, methodical approach, the clay models are covered with a special film similar to the subsequent paintwork of the final car. This allows the beholder to realistically consider and judge not only the car’s proportions and dividing lines, but also and in particular the surface of the modelled sculpture under all kinds of different light conditions, ultimately choosing the model which fulfils all requirements and complies with the target vision in every respect.

Following the verification of technical requirements already completed by this time, the decision-makers are able to focus in full on aesthetic and emotional aspects in judging and appraising the design models. On the successful design of the new BMW 7 Series, the model which ulti-mately won the contest, the concepts of natural presence, superior sportiness and precise elegance, as defined in advance, were all implemented in ideal harmony. The most significant and striking expression of the car’s presence is the extra-large, upright and particularly low-slung kidney grille dominating the front end of the car and seemingly standing upright within the body.

The elegant character of the saloon is accentuated above all by the shoulder-line at the side stretching from the headlights via the door openers all the way to the rear light clusters. The rear view, in turn, emanates a combination of power, sportiness and supremacy, the rooflines flowing down dynamically along the flanks of the car to the bumpers and horizontal light edges emphasising the sheer width of the car.

The interior design likewise follows the philosophy of inviting, modern style and charming function, the structure of the cockpit, the choice of materials, the lines themselves and the colour scheme all interacting to give the new BMW 7 Series its characteristic overall look. The result of this consistently applied design concept is an ambience focusing on generosity, superior command of the car, and modern luxury all in one.


The final design phase: optimisation at the highest level.

Enhancing the design chosen into a series production car is an equally demanding and challenging task. After all, a sculpture refined by human skill and style is converted in the third and final phase of the design process into a product reproducible by machines in the production process.

The first step in this case is to convert the clay model in a CAD design process by laser scanning into a three-dimensional feasibility model serving from now on as the technical reference point for ongoing development.

From now on the final phase of the design process means optimisation at the highest conceivable level. Each and every detail is fine-tuned to the last millimetre in a constant exchange among designers, engineers, modellers and production specialists in order to ensure perfect implementation of the premium standard on the final product in each and every detail.

At this point the designers and modellers show all their creative passion on both the exterior and interior, searching for perfection and proving their finesse in the refinement of all surfaces and lines.

Such refinement of the original design not only enhances individual details to the highest standard following the concepts of specialised design teams, but also serves to perfect the overall impression of the new vehicle so crucial to the car’s design and its emotional impact. Like every other BMW, the new BMW 7 Series owes its unmistakable character clearly recognisable at very first sight from every perspective to this process of ongoing enhancement and refinement.


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More explanations about particular design elements & details in the attached .zip file (contains .doc document):

Yes, the instruments are still orange after all!

Nothing really striking about the exterior of the new 7er IMO.

Sure buddy
I don't know what pic to choose from the catalogue picsoubmw posted above, but they're all mind-blowingly stunning. This is by far the best looking sedan I've ever seen, inside out

The pictures become better and better, I love it!

If you look at the official brochure you can see very much some of the Australian and New Zealand shoots. I guess the Sydney Harbour bridge gave that away.

Isn't inside the second grille same as what we see inside the grilles of EfficientDynamics cars?

So 735d is coming? That's good news.

BTW when will the first customers get their new 7ers?