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
Reader Comments
Sat Jun 21 2008 10:46 AM
Gus says
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...
Sat Jun 21 2008 12:06 PM
Gunnar says
It needs to be tested at the Nurburgring if its a BMW. It's kind of like trail rating a Jeep.
Sat Jun 21 2008 1:37 PM
Turkle says
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!
Sat Jun 21 2008 1:47 PM
Layne says
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.
Sat Jun 21 2008 3:15 PM
rnsaza says
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!
Sat Jun 21 2008 7:43 PM
Gus says
rnsaza's underwear is checkered blue and white...
Sun Jun 22 2008 7:28 AM
jajay says
They should wahcked some mer badges on it and s500 on it when testing so everyone thinks hmm is that the new s class
Sun Jun 22 2008 11:15 AM
rnsaza says
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)
Sun Jun 22 2008 9:17 PM
NaBUru38 says
"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.
Mon Jun 23 2008 2:20 PM
Gus says
It's a publicity stunt.
You can get a handle on the handling of a limo without going to the ring.
Tue Jun 24 2008 5:22 AM
alan says
The headlights look like from 5 series.
Fri Jun 27 2008 10:38 AM
Javier Del Solar says
BMW will do this one right......I have no doubts the new 7 series Flagship will conquest the world.
Fri Jun 27 2008 1:40 PM
BMWilliam says
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.
Wed Jul 2 2008 1:51 PM
Javier Del Solar says
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.
Thu Jul 24 2008 1:45 AM
Carlos Sanchez says
I caught it in Los Angeles too
http://flickr.com/photos/carlossg/2697135810/
http://flickr.com/photos/carlossg/2696319881/
Mon Jul 28 2008 10:20 AM
JONATHON says
It'll definitely be sportier than an S-class, but then again, Jeremy Clarkson says "Who wants a sporty limo?"
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