MUNICH — The current BMW 7 Series is a sales success, especially in North America and Asia, but its controversial looks have been a downer for the luxury brand. Not surprisingly, the appearance of the flagship will be changed with the next-generation model as insider sources tell Inside Line the next 7 Series, coming in late 2008, will be less radical-looking, smaller and sportier.
The next 7 Series is in the works now, under code name "F01" for the standard 7 and "F02" for the long-wheelbase version, which will reportedly be about 5.5 inches longer. Major changes are to the rear end, which will have wraparound lights and a more sculptured look. From the side, there will be three creases rather than the current two, and door handles are positioned lower. The shift lever will be moved to a more traditional location on the transmission tunnel. The much criticized iDrive electronic controls will be "more intuitive," sources say.
A hybrid version is expected at some unspecified future date, and the basic design of the next 7 Series is said to become the basis of a "business class" Rolls-Royce that will be priced under $200,000 and will come out by late 2009.
What this means to you: A completely different-looking 7 Series is something worth watching for, if only to see what BMW will come up with next.
The next 7 Series is in the works now, under code name "F01" for the standard 7 and "F02" for the long-wheelbase version, which will reportedly be about 5.5 inches longer. Major changes are to the rear end, which will have wraparound lights and a more sculptured look. From the side, there will be three creases rather than the current two, and door handles are positioned lower. The shift lever will be moved to a more traditional location on the transmission tunnel. The much criticized iDrive electronic controls will be "more intuitive," sources say.
A hybrid version is expected at some unspecified future date, and the basic design of the next 7 Series is said to become the basis of a "business class" Rolls-Royce that will be priced under $200,000 and will come out by late 2009.
What this means to you: A completely different-looking 7 Series is something worth watching for, if only to see what BMW will come up with next.
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