It sounds as if the F01/F02 will borrow some of the proportions of the Phantom. Exciting!!!

I guess this time we'll not only be expecting a radical design but wishing for it as well.

We'll be far better prepared for a shock than the E65 launch.

This time it's gonna be positive shock...I'm sure...

Isn't it a bummer guys? BMW shocked us back when shocking design was unwelcome and unexpected. Then, by the time we warmed up to the new look, BMW had already directed their way back twoards more accessible designs. Now that said accessible designs are on the road, we want the shock back!

I think the E65 7er and the Z4 were the first cars in a very long time to have such a potent "fashion accessory" factor. Not only were they top-shelf status cars, but they also said something about owner embracing forward design, regardless of weather the results were pretty or not. For a while there, we had cars that felt truely "futurist."

Hopefully BMW realizes that the infernal machinations of the Bangle design regime were part of a winning formula that elevated the perception of BMW on the street. I can only hope that BMW looks back at how the E65 played out, and resolves to push the envelope once again.

Wheels24 have some spy pics of this car:

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One thing's for sure - it's got big nostrils.

take bloody pictures of the bloody interior

Bigger, more prominent twin kidney grille with 3D effect reflects "new generation" design. All the future BMW will get them (the first being X6, 7er, Z4, F5 etc). 2er cabrio & coupe will feature a "hybrid" grille - a transition between current & next generation.

The visual ties to the E38 are overwhelming, I'm confindent this car willl be a looker as it's grandfather was. The fact that it looks more like a big sedan (equal length doors) than a "luxo barge" (leave that ot the Phantom) is very encouraging, this way it will have even more character than the competiton from an external standpoint.

Until BMW decide on how to Bridge BMW to the entry level Rolls-Royce cars the 7er will be the missing block in the structure for now.
How BMW are approaching the 7er is where the excitement begins - Although having looked at the S-Klasse amongst others for performance and handling benchmarks BMW have two Maserati Quattroporte's In which they are testing back to back With BMW shifting the luxury sedan to a have a more sporting and performance edge which will be enhanced by BMW's next generation Turbo charged V8 . Quality and finish are being evaluated by the same team that devise the standards for the Rolls-Royce division . If things proceed as well as they are the first appeareance of an M badge on BMW's top end sedan could become a reality . Although BMW have discussed the idea they have not even considered such a model for production.