BMW 7 Series: Various kidney grille based on the optional equipment

Benny, our editor from BMWToday.de, discovered an interesting thing regarding the kidney grille of the new 2009 BMW 7 Series. Some of you might have already noticed a slightly different grille on some of the 7 Series models.

Here is the BMW 7 Series sporting 13 struts in each kidney:

And just a few days ago, we have seen a 7 Series with clearly smaller kidneys, 9 struts each.

Apparently, the 7 Series models that come equipped with the Night Vision System are the ones that are sporting the 9 struts kidneys. As you can see in the photo above, there is apparently a camera in the right kidney, which is part of the Night Vision System and serves as traffic detection and awarness.

In the past, I know many people have complained about the excessively large and not-so-good looking grille found in the new 7 Series, but judging from the photos above, to me it seems that the 13 struts kidneys are in a way more attractive. I’m wondering if people will base their decision on that when they will choose wether to install the Night Vision System.

[Source: BMWToday.de ]

2 Responses to “BMW 7 Series: Various kidney grille based on the optional equipment”

Jamesh says:

September 25, 2008 at 1:41 pm

I was about to pose the exact same question to this blog until I discovered the answer in today’s released 7 series catalog. I was thinking along the lines you mentioned; if I were to purchase a 7 series, I’d select the night vision simply based on my preference for teh 9 slat grille.

Dustin says:

September 25, 2008 at 4:48 pm

The kidneys are the same size on both cars – just a difference in the number of slats. I can’t really tell which I prefer. Guess I’ll have to wait to see them in person.