We think it’s safe to say that the new G11 BMW 7 Series was a bit underwhelming when it first debuted. It’s no bad car by any means, as it’s handsome, boasts an excellent interior and is lovely to drive. It’s just that its design, both inside and out, its luxury and comfort, while impressive on their own, were lacking when compared to its other competitors. Most specifically, the 7 Series lacked when compared to the almost unstoppable Mercedes-Benz S-Class. So BMW has been working on a bit of an LCI (Life Cycle Impulse) refresh for the 7er and we’ve just received some insider information about it.
Continue Reading Below
At the 2018 Paris Motor Show, BMW gave a select group of people a closed-room look at the newly refreshed 7 Series. We weren’t part of that group, unfortunately, and there were no mobile phones or cameras allowed, so there are no photos of it. However, someone who was there gave us some info about what they saw.
At the front, the newly refreshed 7 Series gets a similar new face as the upcoming BMW X7. So there’s clearly going to be a ‘7’ style to both cars. So it’s likely to get massive new Kidney Grilles and skinny headlights flanking them. It may even get the new lower front air intakes as most new BMWs we’ve seen.
It also gets a new rear end design, which is where its exterior changes the most. It gets taillights similar to those of the new 3 Series, just with an LED light bar that spans the length of the rear end. That may have been done to take on the new Audi A8, which also sports a tail-wide LED light bar. It’s said to look better than before.
Where the 7 Series needed changing most, though, was on the inside. The 7 Series’ interior is lovely but it’s just not quite as lovely as the newly-refreshed S-Class nor the brand-new Audi A8, which is even better still. However, the new LCI 7 Series doesn’t change much on the inside. It does get BMW’s new digital instrument panel, and likely its newest iDrive system, pulled from the new BMW X5 and 8 Series. So it gets a bit more tech but its design and level of luxury are basically the same.
We know nothing of comfort, performance or driving dynamics but we don’t expect much to change, mechanically. The refreshed 7 Series will likely remain competitive in the segment but just how competitive remains to be seen. There are some interesting new cars in this segment, like the new A8 and Lexus LS500, so these new changes to the 7er are going to need to be good.
i think the 3rd paragraph should read: At the front, the newly refreshed X7 gets a similar new face as the upcoming 7 series
Sounds good. Looking forward to seeing more ‘adventurous’ styling on the 7.
By virtue of size, rarity & detailing 7 has always stood out for me, S Class always seem more generic fleet bland conservative by comparison. But I guess it’s a conservative segment.
Looking at new interiors of X5, Z4, and 3er, totally new 7er will be handsome inside and more fresh than g11 was back time
I think the grille from the X7 won’t be a bad idea. Barely changed interior doesn’t sound too good though.
Since BMW Individual exists, is “Barely changed interior…” even possible? Don’t know about Individual, but Rolls-Royce have a waitlist on bespoke.
Guys, I know this is a blog, but let’s be realistic. When the new 7 was presented, it became the point of reference regarding Technology, Build quality and dynamics. I rode the MB, Audi and there is no way the other 2 came near the 7. Only after MB launched the facelifted S, was it able to (just) look fresher, but in terms of technology, comfort the 7 is the king. The 7 was so seriously advanced, Audi had to cancel its A8 launch and start from scratch for the new car. Design is subjective, that is why I am not going to mention that. I think articles like this, are the ones that put the undervalue at the BMW brand by just always assuming the S is more luxurious and the Audi is more technological. Please dig more into the Press releases and you will find that BMW still does a lot that does no always scream about and likes to keep it low profile (sometimes too much).
Let´s not kill the brand and start comparing the real facts please.
Anyway, thanks for our effort on keeping us informed.
Best regards from Germany,
Nicolas
Well said
It’s true. I am frequently surprised at how often the 7 is derided. Speaking as an owner of a 7, and frequent driver of the competitors, it belongs amongst its peers and has its own competitive advantages over them.
The 7 is more advanced than the S, and only now is the competition catching up with refreshes and new models.
The 7 is also more athletic than the competition. Maybe the S is a little cushier and the 7 handles better, but realistically, they’re all variations on a theme. To say it’s lacking in luxury or comfort compared to its peers is just not accurate.
The quality of the interior in particular is just as good as its competitors. Whether it’s material refinement or build quality, I would put them all toe-to-toe any day. Maybe the new A8 has some advantages by virtue of being the latest and greatest, but it’s not night and day.
Design is subjective, so I can’t quibble with that. But I find the design inside to be more formal and upright, closer in aesthetic to a Rolls-Royce, which has its own appeal. But reasonable minds can disagree.
Still no OLED huh?
What’s that to worry. I drove my MSport G12 750 through the mountains and back cutting through 85 bends with incline, decline plus uneven surface. It’s just so awesome to drive, the interior comfort, materials, controls, plus equipments are absolute top notch. Only whiners are going to complain. This is the perfect large size sport saloon that has the best of everything.. what’s not to like…