Very nice scott - it seems like the new 7er will be a proper BMW... Very much unlike its porky self today.

As how the S-Class manages to achieve, the 7er would do well to excel in both agility as well as comfort.

In what way did Maserati fail? They didn't sell a lot of QPs because of the darn gearbox - now with the auto, mark my words... They will be selling MUCH more than ever before, I'd go as far to say twice the previous number. Statistics coming in are already saying 90% of new QPs are autos.

yeah like the S class sure..maybe even abit better..
but thats still agility in the world of luxury
as i understand, they might be in for finding that extra agility..wich makes the car a REALLY decent handler.. as in compered to non luxury cars even..
to do so i feel the essential parts of what is important to the luxury market must not be compromised..

lol i hope you understand my point..

PS
and about maserati failing..you said it yourself not many sales..
and it doesent do space,luxury,quality and comfort very well
on the other hand it does design and agility well
but thats a compromised product for this class of vehicles...
and my theory is, that this is the reason it doesent really sell that well
on the other hand you could be right and it could just be about the tranny and nothing else..
only time will tell

ohh and dont get me wrong..im sure it will gain some nr´s beacue of these recent upgrades..
but are they enough?

I understand the point you make about agility; while a luxury car should be a decent handler, it also must ferry top execs to their meetings without them breaking out in cold sweat as well.

I do not quite agree that Maserati has made a compromised product in the Quattroporte... Having been in one many times, I can say that Maserati has made this car more of a comfort GT than that of a sports car. Maserati has time and again emphasised that with the introduction of the auto QP and auto GranTurismo, it is now entering the mass-market seriously head on against BMW and Mercedes, and Audi. It's no longer the boutique, low-volume entry level exotic that it once was - it's just not financially viable, and Maserati has to be where it's supposed to be. Maseratis of old have never been sports cars, they have been building GTs and usable, everyday powerful cars... They left the sport car making to Ferrari.

With that, I also say that the car is agile... But it doesn't compromise on its comfort. At low speeds, the car may be a little bumpy and jerky, but when cruising its actually very comfortable, it even surprised me. Now that's a compromise I can live with.

It has luxury, bucketfuls of it. Poltrona Frau clads its interior in leather, and the switchgear is of sufficient quality. I wouldn't say that its well-built... But it certainly gives an impression of luxury. I agree with you on space though, the car's a little tight.

I believe Maser will sell enough Quattroportes by this year's end... We shall see then, if the auto QP has done any good for the Trident.

yep i agree..it should be agile.. like a luxury car agile..im fine with that
but not agile like track ready agile..lol

the masers comfort (ive been in one) is on par with the 5er or E class maybe..
thats 1 class lower then its supposed to be..
like you i could live with that compromise cause its just so hot..
but not many in this segment are willing to compromise..

my bad about luxury..it has alot.. but thats not hard to add..so no biggie there

Im with you that the auto QP will do good for the trident..
but lets see how good

I wonder how the greater differentiation for the next 7er between its SWB and LWB models will pan out... I haven't seen any other manufacturers do this before. Stuff like different design makes the two versions almost different cars.

Will we see a concept in september?

Damn it the first pic it actually looks quite sporty!

Models like the 7er don't get a concept-like preview... they are introduced when they are completely ready... or am I wrong?

PS. in those pics you can see the actual door handles of the new 7er