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Spy Shots: 2009 BMW 7-series LWB

 
16 4,686 views June 21, 2008

bmw lwb 2009 7 series motorauthority 001

Spy Shots: 2009 BMW 7-series LWB

Spy Shots: 2009 BMW 7-series LWB

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Yesterday we saw images of BMW’s next-generation 7-series saloon testing at the Nurburgring and now we have the first shots of its long-wheelbase (LWB) cousin. As expected, the LWB model features an extended wheelbase and stretched rear doors to accommodate extra space for rear-seat passengers. The latest spy shots also reveal more of the car’s rear-end, revealing the outline of the new bumper plus the design of the exhaust tips and diffuser.

The new BMW 7-series is expected to be officially revealed next month before make its world debut at the London Motor Show. It will eventually go on sale at the end of the year as a 2009 model.

Some of the premium features of the car include a new torque-splitting differential on the rear axle, an upgraded radar cruise control system and a camera-based lane departure and blind-spot warning system. There’s also expected to be a new night vision system with pedestrian and speed sign detection features. The new 7-series is also expected to debut BMW’s new hybrid technology, the same two-mode system developed jointly with Daimler, Chrysler and GM.

LWB 2009 BMW 7-series

2009 BMW 7-series spy shots

2009 BMW 7-series renderings
LWB 2009 BMW 7-series spy shots
BMW 7-series spy shots
Preview: 2009 BMW 7-series

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Comments (16)

  1. By Gus Posted: 6/21/2008 10:46am PDT

    Sometimes you wonder, does a Long Wheelbase limo type car really need to be tested a Nurburgring? of course it should handle well, but the Nurburgring? I'm starting to think that manufacturers see the ring as more of a publicity forum than a testing ground...
     
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  2. By Gunnar Posted: 6/21/2008 12:06pm PDT

    It needs to be tested at the Nurburgring if its a BMW. It's kind of like trail rating a Jeep.
     
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  3. By Turkle Posted: 6/21/2008 1:37pm PDT

    I agree with Gus on this one. I went Huh! The LWB 7 Series on the ring. Come on, definitely a free publicity event. How many of the stuffy shirts that are going to buy this are interested in pushing the limits of this car? From the back seat of all places!
     
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  4. By Layne Posted: 6/21/2008 1:47pm PDT

    I absolutely detest those big grilles, but the rest of the car looks pretty good. It doesn't look anywhere near as good as the E38 generation though.
     
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  5. By rnsaza Posted: 6/21/2008 3:15pm PDT

    BMW’s are performance sedans. That is all that one needs to know to understand why BMW would test everything from a 116i to a 7XXiL at the ring! If you don’t get it, go buy an unfocused MERC or AUDI! It’s all about Sheer Driving Pleasure!
     
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  6. By Gus Posted: 6/21/2008 7:43pm PDT

    rnsaza's underwear is checkered blue and white...
     
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  7. By jajay Posted: 6/22/2008 7:28am PDT

    They should wahcked some mer badges on it and s500 on it when testing so everyone thinks hmm is that the new s class
     
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  8. By rnsaza Posted: 6/22/2008 11:15am PDT

    Gus, I will not deny that BMW's provide what I look for in a car but in saying that I must also say that I would rather and am currently driving a car that imho provides as good usable on road performance but at less of a purchase cost. In South Africa ALL BMW's are sold with a 5yr/100k km full & comprehensive maintenance plan, i.e.. the owner supplies tyres, glass(if broken) and fuel for the period and that is all. A good option only closely mached by some Audi products. BMW has had this "Motorplan" for prolly 2 decades or more now.(in SA)
     
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  9. By NaBUru38 Posted: 6/22/2008 9:17pm PDT

    "rnsaza’s underwear is checkered blue and white…"

    I red boarisch, you know, but that doesn't mean I love every BMW just because of its badge. The current 7er and X3 are awful; the X6 and 1er Coupé are ridiculous; the X5 is too big. But a decent BMW is way above a decent Mercedes.
     
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  10. By Gus Posted: 6/23/2008 2:20pm PDT

    It's a publicity stunt.
    You can get a handle on the handling of a limo without going to the ring.
     
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  11. By alan Posted: 6/24/2008 5:22am PDT

    The headlights look like from 5 series.
     
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  12. By Javier Del Solar Posted: 6/27/2008 10:38am PDT

    BMW will do this one right......I have no doubts the new 7 series Flagship will conquest the world.
     
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  13. By BMWilliam Posted: 6/27/2008 1:40pm PDT

    With great joy and lots of awe of the public, I drive a orientblue/creamleather LWB 7 V8 of model E38, last version of 3-2000. I decided to wait for the new one, since the E60 abhorrs me, facelifted or not. Especially the controls are a shame. In my car every function and selection has a blindly found pushbutton or turningknob. Now that I see this prototype with the same window/roof appearance, I do hope it's a fake, just for testing! It appears to have an extra 17cms, in stead of the former 13cm, all in the back. Could be because it'll base the small RollsRoyce as well.
    I guess, though, that I'll hold on to my E38 until the end of times, which could be dec 2012 according to the Mayas, or 2025, when it will be totally taxfree in Holland, and I'll be 74.

    About testing these kind of cars at Nordschleife, Nurburgring, Germany: first of all, the track consists of about 20kms of narrow and steep hillside road, with less than average surfacequality - resembles the worst normalroad conditions you can ever have to master, sun, rain or snow; secondly, these cars are mostly used in reinforced version for carrying big shots with one or two guards, and have to be able to race away and escape in case of attacks; lastly, in Europe it is more and more difficult to test cars at really high speeds at mainroads, because of terrible traffic jams.
     
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  14. By Javier Del Solar Posted: 7/2/2008 1:51pm PDT

    We are only five days away from the release of the real information on the new 7, let`s just wait and see.
    I am indirectly part of the BMW North America Group, you guys will be surprised.
     
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  15. By Carlos Sanchez Posted: 7/24/2008 1:45am PDT

    I caught it in Los Angeles too
    http://flickr.com/photos/carlossg/2697135810/
    http://flickr.com/photos/carlossg/2696319881/
     
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  16. By JONATHON Posted: 7/28/2008 10:20am PDT

    It'll definitely be sportier than an S-class, but then again, Jeremy Clarkson says "Who wants a sporty limo?"
     
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