Carwow renderings preview the next 7 Series G70 / i7 / M7

[clutchdj]

omg

[pookiemalibu]

Originally Posted by Germanauto

The "dinosaurs" here aren't bitching about design decisions from competing brands like Porsche, Land Rover, Audi, or Mercedes (save for EQ line).

Ever care to think why?

Yea but they are bitching about the cost of accessories (Porsche), the infotainment (Land Rover), scarcity (Audi) and elitism (Mercedes G-Wagon). Dinosaurs can afford Porsche ADMs. They'll sit on the waitlist for and Audi RS or a 911 Turbo S. But they can barely use an iPhone let alone iDrive, so clunky user input/interface with infotainment isn't an issue. They'll deal with horrible Mercedes lease residuals and money factors. Younger folks have less tolerance for Ze Bullshit of Ze Other Germanz. And ohh, I'm sorry, but there's not a single SUV in any of their lineups, save maybe a tricked out G-Wagon that I'd take over my F95 dollar for dollar.

Originally Posted by NorCalAthlete

Bahahaha. And you all thought the 4 series grill was bad. This is 10x worse.

edit : re dinosaurs and model lines - read this.

https://squelchdesign.com/featured/choice-paralysis/

Take a look at Tesla as an example. They have just 4 models, with extremely limited customization options, and most customers tend to go for the "all out" builds. They're selling like hotcakes.

Take a look at Ford's lineup. They have a grand total of 20 model lines, with a decent amount of customization within each, but their big primary seller is the F150 by far. Like, it's not even close, and it absolutely dominates all other brand's sales numbers for any given model except maybe if you compare it internationally to the Civic or something. For the US market though F150s sell at about a 3:1 rate over Civics.

BMW has about 19 models, with a plethora of trim lines to choose from within them, tons of customization options, etc...but it could well be spreading too thin at this point. The 3, 5, X3, and X5 are the clear standouts, selling at 4x or more other model numbers. Surprisingly, the X7 is close behind as well, selling nearly as well as the 5 series but lagging at 1/2 the rate of the X5 and 1/3 the rate of the X3.

So...yes, they actually COULD likely stay afloat by simply focusing on refining and catering to the few core demographics. The 7 series sold a total of 6,443 cars in 2020. For comparison, the 3 series sold 41,442 cars. The 5 series sold 26,785. Even the new 4 series with it's oh-so-ugly grill sold 9,495 cars. The only models that sold fewer than the 7 series were the Z4, i3, i8, and 6 series. Literally everything else sold more.

IMO, the people going for the oversize sedan still are more the dinosaurs - anyone who wants the extra space these days opts for an SUV or crossover, and in BMW's case it seems clear the 7 series buyers have shifted over to X5 / X7 models (X5 : 50,642; X7 : 20,579).

Having just a few choices that you execute really well on is a perfectly valid business decision. If BMW chopped the 2 series entirely, kept the 3/4/5, chopped the 7, kept the 8/8GC, I think they'd still do just fine as far as passenger cars go. Replace the 2 series with bringing back the 1 series for those who want the smaller compact cars, keep it at a 2 door coupe only option, even if they kept it only as an M1 coupe, and I think they'd be fine.

edit: disclaimer, I just woke up and caffeine is still kicking in, so if this sounds totally bonkers I may not be firing on all cylinders yet.

The numbers are BMWNA, not BMWAG. Thanks to my New 50 years of ///M book, I learned that the F95 retails for €144,000. I'd imagine, perhaps wrongly, that the G05s, manufactured in Spartanburg, South Carolina carry a similar premium overseas. BMW is not just trying to pacify the American consumer base. BMW Europe sold 118,369 3-Series in 2020. That's nearly triple the American Market. Sure we buy X-Series with reckless abandon, but the customer base outside of the US seems to be more than just soccer moms. Half the taxis in Paris are mid-level BMWs and Mercedes (5s and E-class). European sales numbers of the 7 were nearly 30-50% higher than the US. That's to say nothing of China.

To the poster who spoke on BMW becoming too Chinese...or whatever...really homie? Assuming the parallel universe where that's the case, would it be wise for any worldwide conglomerate to ignore the tastes of 20% of the World's population. Sounds like a solid business move to me...

[spuntyb]

Originally Posted by MachinesWithSouls

How can it With all those headlights…

It's a *very* confused design…I know it's a render, but…yeah.

[skier219]

If this is anywhere near accurate, Clark Griswold will love it.

[AlpineBoost]

I find all their recent designs repulsive, including these, but believe that they'll sell just fine. People are into some strange stuff these days

[clutchdj]

Hard to disagree with that.

[Germanauto]

Originally Posted by skier219

If this is anywhere near accurate, Clark Griswold will love it.

He'll buy it once his Christmas bonus finally arrives.

[cbertels]

Originally Posted by cncmastr

I've been really impressed with the new design of the genesis, Kia and Buick brands lately.

We have a Telluride for family duty and I'm eagerly awaiting the Blackwings to potentially replace the F80.

[BimmerMat135]

Bmw's new philosophy take an ugly design and make it uglier.

[pz619]

I’m not the target market for this… ummm… “design”. But GOOD GOD. What is BMW doing?

[Jimjamz]

Stupid. Don't know what beauty is. Really living up to the stereotypes about old German car design. Luckily others in the region are holding the torch.

BMW exterior design seems to be living the adage of luxury and sports car buyers looking for an emotional connection to their car. Unfortunately the only emotion at play here is an affinity to vomitous repulsion. Who would possibly buy this over a S class other than a hire car firm looking for a quick discount?

[hinckley]

Although I'm not in the market for a 7er, I'm its target demographic (at least in the West) and I'm a strong NO. BMW seems to have strayed so far . . .

The S-Klasse already outsells the 7er by 3-to-1 and the new model is a tour-de-force. Nothing polarizing about it. Or the Panamera. Or the Model S. This is not a market that wants a polarizing design.

But the worst part about it is how half-ass this design (if accurate) is. Look at the Tesla Cyber Truck. They went full on Blade Runner. No compromise. But this design tacks a brutalist front end on a Buick body. If you're going to go for a strongly different design, go for it.

[xlover]

Artist has the split headlight concept all wrong, BMW said in the XM press intro the split light look is to highlight a narrower more interesting drl on their premium models.
The primary headlights will be blended into the design not standing out with a secondary drl

[Tacoma]

Originally Posted by Daaaadadundun

BMW has become a Chinese manufacturer. The design might be a hit in China but in the rest of the world it's not. Don't know how long this strategy will last.

Where's the marketing research, survey, poll or any data that BMW's recent designs might, may or is definitely is a hit in China? I keep asking, searching and the inevitable conclusion is there is no evidence.

Yes, China is taking a bigger piece of the world automotive market pie, but that does not translate to BMW favoring China and ignoring the views of the rest of the world; it also does not translate to the Chinese liking these grilles any more than other countries. Don't you think that if beaver grilles are beloved in China, then Chinese car manufacturers would be copying them and you'd see them everywhere in China? They are not.

There are things that China may be responsible for, but when it comes to recent BMW fugly designs, it ain't it. The buck starts and stops with Domagoj Dukec and BMW Executive who gave him the power.

[BRAKE!]

Lately every time I see a new BMW unveiled, my gut says something is wrong and my head says to not pass judgment too soon.

I know my gut is right but I’m trying to practice nice manners… what is happening

[Bimmer Jeff]

You all must have fallen off yer rocking chairs??

This design language is HOT !

BMW is finally all in on the modern / tech / sporty look

Mercedes' can have their "style" and "elegance",

I'll take this new look from BMW all day, every day

[GERMAN M3]

Good Gawd! Absolutely AWFUL!

[Sedoy]

[KevinC]

[Cortexiphan]

Originally Posted by rideontwo

I predict greater sales for MB and Audi. Dare I say even Cadillac and Genesis.

This kind of predictions are always wrong. They were wrong with Bangle cars, wrong with G8X, 7 series, X7…

[Cortexiphan]

It has a Rolls Royce vibe. If I wanted a giant luxury car, this is perfect. Looks intimidating and bold… pretty cool. New 5 renders look so dull in comparison.

[________]

Originally Posted by Bimmer Jeff

You all must have fallen off yer rocking chairs??

This design language is HOT !

BMW is finally all in on the modern / tech / sporty look

Mercedes' can have their "style" and "elegance",

I'll take this new look from BMW all day, every day

The problem here is that you're not their target market, not the demographic that will buy this car.

And you won't.

Prove me wrong and show me your 7 series in 2 years.