The prototypes next generation BMW 7-Series running around Europe have progressed to a point where they now contain an early version of the final product’s interior design.
What immediately stands out is a completely new UI for BMW’s iDrive infotainment system, which now appears to use a horizontal row of icons instead of the current vertical list. The iDrive controller looks like the current version, but the buttons surrounding it are now flatter and look like they’re made out of metal.
The metal button look continues throughout the rest of the cabin – they’re featured around the air conditioning controls and the DVD drive as well. The air conditioning panel looks like it’s a big display using virtual buttons instead of physical ones. Other than that, the steering wheel and shift knob are new.
The G11 still wears plenty of disguise on the exterior, but the general shape of it is very recognisable as a large BMW sedan. The front kidney grilles look as prominent as ever, and they’re flanked by headlamps that should feature LED lighting as standard, with optional laser high beams as seen in the BMW i8.
In previous spyshots, we saw that the G11’s signature ‘corona ring’ daytime running lights aren’t the typical U-shaped design. The inner “U” extends further towards the grille, giving it the appearance like a question mark lying on its side. We’ve seen this new design on the BMW Vision Future Luxury concept, the BMW Concept X4 and the BMW Concept 4 Series Coupe.
Word is that the new 7-er will debut in the second half of 2015. It’s said to have undergone big weight reductions of up to 200 kg, with BMW focusing on integrating key learnings from the BMW i project to its regular series cars. The chassis – said to be codenamed ‘5up’, is supposed to allow the 7 Series to compete with lighter cars like the Audi A8 and Jaguar XJ when it comes to kerb weight thanks to the use of aluminium, magnesium and carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP).
What do you think of how the G11 is shaping out to be?
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Looks like the German auto makers are following in Audi’s footsteps in making all their cars look similar to one another. Not saying it’s a bad thing, but each model could use some individuality instead of all looking alike. This 7-er looks to be a bigger F30 3-er by the looks of it. Even the interior shots point to it. Let’s just see what it’ll actually look like when it is unveiled.
dont like the Ipad styled screens in cars today.. looks like an after thought
Doesnt the interior looks like the new Sonata !?
Urmm.. I’m sorry, but what is a full sized luxury car doing with a tablet screen sticking out from the dashboard like an afterthought? Its a bit un-luxurious looking. Even Mercedes decided to go with a built-in (and huge) screen for the S Class. They decided that the tablet look is ok for the C Class & below. But for the E Class & further up, it’s a no no.
Otherwise, the interior is a nice (though unremarkable) update of the current tried & tested BMW interiors. Its no Audi A8, which still has the best interior in its class. That car just balances style, functionality & luxury.
i agree with you. wat da fk r they thinking when their competitors got better ones and they still stuck at traditional things.
The tablet thing for Mercedes extends beyond the models you mentioned. Cls and ml face lifts get it as well so it’s certainly not cheaper cars only
It’s already dated before revealed, coz it doesn’t look too dissimilar to current models. Rich people wants luxury, give them what they want coz they pay!
The new iDrive UI got me interested since BMW knows best on how to design it so it will be very interesting to see how much better it is now.
Also looking for the new 5up chassis to trickle down to the 3 and 5 series…lightweight design ftw
At least it don’t need to remap like Iriz
you are suppose to be funny ?
you see the red button on the dashboard? the same thing that Iriz had during development stage. but, lots of people question about it. why people not question the same thing on BMW?