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This is the new BMW 7-series, the fifth generation of the model that BMW hopes will dramatically revive the fortunes of its flagship executive saloon.

The new BMW 7-series will go on sale following its public debut at the Paris motor show in late September, with right-hand-drive UK sales set to kick off in November. It can't come quickly enough for BMW; sales of the current 7-series have fallen to record lows in recent months.

Developed completely from scratch, with record inves...Read the full article

Whoever clicked '+50%' on the kidney grille during the design process did this car no favours. 

This new design brings back the elegance and classic look that the last design lacked.  I do think it's longer than it needs to be and the L version looks awkward because of its extended wheelbase.

I also think the car would look better in the metal than it does in photos.  I personally prefer this new 7 styling to the S Class Merc.

The interior design looks cohesive and logical - true of every BMW all the way down to the 1-series.

Hopefully the ride is not ruined by run flat tires.  It will be interesting to see the curb weight data once BMW releases the specification of this new 7.

I know everyone thinks this new design looks tame, but conversely I think it will still look fresh 7 years from now.

 I think it looks pretty good inside and out, but like NiallOswald said, it doesn't look quite right front-on.

I think it looks better than the current model, and it isn't as frumpy as before, but I still think they could've been a bit more daring inside considering the new front and rear lights. The dials are still old-looking, with no special interest. Compare these to those found in an S-Class or an Audi A8, and the 7-Series starts to look slightly bland. But I think the proportions of the new model are better, and it is overall a little prettier. It's still awkward in LWB format, but it's a sure improvement, and if they can apply the less-fussy details to future BMWs, then I think they'll start to look a bit more appealing again.

I see yet another ugly car from BMW, the 7-series always was a dog.  They are living up to their name in styling, Blind Mans Wheels.

If you want class and technical excellence then stick to the best, the Mercedes S-class.

I don't believe it.  Is that IT?  First impressions, how incredibly dull and bland - hope it looks better in real life - 2nd impressions - um..... why is there absolutely nothing of any note in the exterior design to applaud?  Why didn't they graft on the front end of their CS Concept?  It looks dated and old-hat already.  And that bonnet!  Yuck, yuck, yuck.  How can the CS Concept look so good and this THING so awful?  The pre-bangle 7 series looked better! MUCH better.  

Unbelievably unexciting. I had three E38s in the 1990s and later models never floated my boat. They just looked like boats. As with rivals this one's clearly been styled to appeal to the people most likely to buy it: Americans and Chinese factory owners. In white with chrome wheels, natch.

"The Sexiest Seven Ever?

For starters, it’s vastly better looking. At 199.7 inches, it is now 1.3 inches longer than before and just as wide; height is down a half-inch. The subtle redesign does wonders to mask the new Seven’s enormity—something the previous model, with its slab sides and blunt fascias, never did. Rather, with its lower nose and tidier tush, the ’09 model’s overall appearance is more lithe, less like a land whale, and more befitting a BMW flagship."

 

Check this out. Can't believe they think it's good looking! Although it looks slightly better in black.

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/car_shopping/latest_news_reviews/2009_bmw_750i_750li_7_series_official_photos_and_information_car_news

Personally. i found the previous generation 7 series polarising but it had real presence... This new generation looks bland and bloated from the front, great from the rear and well acceptable from inside. I think final judgment will have to come when i see it in the flesh.. BMW needs some Mercedes design flair!