Following leaked images that made the rounds online, BMW has officially taken the wraps off the 2020 7 Series. The latest update to the German manufacturer’s luxury line plays host to an almost comically oversized kidney grille, slimmer headlamps, and some zestier powertrain options.
However, before we get into technical and mechanical upgrades, we need to address the elephant in the room. The 7 Series’ new styling is not inelegant, but that grille occupies an alarming amount of space. BMW updated the look to more closely resemble its new X7 SUV and decided that meant installing a similarly massive chromed beak.
Fortunately, the rest of the car’s exterior sees more tasteful updates. A set of thinner headlights flank the hulking metal maw and a redesigned front bumper gives the car a more luxurious but less sporty image. Out back, a set of integrated tailpipes adorn the bumper, above which lie updated taillights that, again, are reminiscent of the X7, but work well enough with the sedan.
The interior is largely the same as before and is still very easy on the eyes — and probably on the ass, thanks to standard Dakota leather seats. You can upgrade to Nappa or Merino leather if you want to spend the coin. If you’re the sort of person who like being chauffeured in your 7 Series, you may also want to consider the executive rear seat package. This option removes the bench and replaces it with a pair of ultra-plush lounge seats, complete with their own entertainment systems.
As for the truly important changes, the buffet of tech offered in last year’s model has only grown larger. The 2020 7 Series’ standard equipment includes air suspension, wireless device charging, soft-close doors, a panoramic glass roof, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, ambient lighting, and gesture controls. There’s also thicker glass on higher trimmed models to keep the cabin even quieter than it already was.
Still, it’s probably the engine (and price) that dictates which trims most shoppers settle on. The 740i houses a 3.0-liter inline-six making 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. BMW claims it’s good for a 0-to-60 blast of 5.3 seconds. The 750i adds more power and a couple of cylinders with its upgraded V8, which boasts 523 hp and 553 lb-ft. Thanks to mandatory xDrive, the automaker says 60 mph can be had in just 3.9 seconds.
The V12 M760i is also xDrive only, which should come in handy when owners deploy its 600 horsepower and 627 foot-pounds to the pavement. However, if that’s not your bag, BMW has a plug-in hybrid model, the 745e, which mates the base inline-six to an electric motor. Combined, the duo makes 389 hp and 442 lb-ft. The upsized 12.0-kWh, lithium-ion battery should also improve the vehicle’s maximum range, but BMW isn’t ready to say by how much.
An eight-speed Sport Steptronic system will be the sole transmission on all trims. Standard safety equipment includes blind spot monitoring, forward collision warning with automatic braking, parking sensors and a 360-degree camera. Electronically controlled dampers and two-axle air suspension with automatic self-leveling are also standard, as is he ability to up the ride height by 0.8 inches with the touch of the button (in case you find yourself confronting a rather nasty speed bump or steep driveway).
The only thing we were surprised to see as an optional extra was BMW’s Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go — not because it’s commonplace within the industry, but because this is an upper echelon luxury sedan. But you can still get it if you have the cash, as well as goodies like BMW’s trick Back-Up Assistant, rear collision prevention, cross traffic alerts, lane keeping with assist, and so on. Basically, if the technology exists, you can probably tack it on.
Sales for the new 2020 BMW 7 Series should begin in April 2019, with pricing to be announced in a month or two.
[Images: BMW]
Everything is awesome about this car.
But that picture of it in front of the house just completely ruins it. That’s more obnoxious than the Toyota/ Lexus grilles. They should have plastered a Rolls Royce grille on that.
I can’t agree. The Lexus grilles take over the whole front end of the car. This is big, but definitely doesnt do so, at least not to the same degree. I find this far more tasteful.
John’s right, this thing got nothing on the Lexus mug.
The massive grill and extra chrome look like BMW created its own Maybach or Horch ultra luxury segment.
Mercedes resurrected Maybach in protest at being outbid on RollsRoyce / Bentley.
If only BMW had such a luxury marque that they could play with big faux-Roman grilles.
I don’t know what those quotes are for, but the grille is MOST DEFINITELY comically oversized.
The grill on this model seems bigger than the grill on the previous model.
BMW needs to be really careful here. This latest front-end iteration looks less “kidney grill” and more “buck teeth”. The circulating jokes about it on internet are not a good sign.
I’m betting that grille doesn’t make it to 2020. If there is a god.
I’ll take buck teeth over the old kidney design. This is an improvement.
Define old. The F30, for all its faults, wasn’t a bad looking car if you ignore some minor details. The line across the hood is the biggest offender, and personally I didn’t particularly like the headlights-connected-with-grille theme. The pre-facelift E90 wasn’t that pretty either, with the weird mustache on top of each kidney. E46 was perfect, with the hood extending all the way to the sensibly sized grille. E36 had the quirky but tasteful blockiness that 90s European cars had.
This is just ridiculous. I’m not a fan of the G20 design either, and with the omission of a manual transmission, it’s pretty much dead to me.
Should be good for $9500 in about four or five years.
Yeah – I’m sure. I’m also sure your 2003 Corolla is depreciating much slower.
I’m serious, these sink like stones once their warranties expire.
MY13 BMW 740i RWD
BASE MMR
$12,100
Avg Odo (mi)
87,653
Avg Cond
3.1
Typical Range
$9,875 -$14,350
MY13 BMW 740li XDrive
BASE MMR
$13,950
Avg Odo (mi)
99,803
Avg Cond
3.6
Typical Range
$9,525 -$18,400
@conundrum
Ah, ideas!
Probably with BMW-sized repair costs still standard equipment! BHPH fodder for the second owner!
In another observation, BMW is supplying their cars of late with rimless electrochromic inside mirrors that look decent, with more than enough area for good visibility! Unlike damn near every other manufacturer who is using mirrors which resemble the facial expression of a goth, demonic, demented clown, whether from Gentex or another supplier! I can’t see what it is about those things that some people see as “stylish!” They make me want to hurl!
Yeah it’s always a blast trying to explain to someone with an out of warranty BMW, Benz, Audi, etc what their car is worth.
OK, well you started with “$9,500 in four or five years,” then provided numbers for a six-year-old car, the cheapest in the 7-Series lineup, with a median wholesale value of around $12,100, for a car with a base MSRP new of around $74,000.
Now, that’s not great, but first, that’s trade-in…and we all know that what trade-in is, is almost totally dependent upon what you’re trading it in on. If you have a 2013 740i you bought new, if you’re trading it in on another 740i, or even a more expensive 7-Series, you’re going to get a lot more than $12,100 for it.
And that would be the cheapest way to get a newish engine for your Supra whose motor you just done blowed-up by tieing the turbo wastegate control down to full closed with fireproof string. Oops. And the seats might fit too, you never know. Could give it a try. 22 way and ventilated? Nice.
You could mount the grille on the wall of your toolshed as a monument to wretched excess. Could $9500 be better spent?
Acura beak designer: We’ve reached peak beak.
BMW designer: Hold my beer.
Lexus are laughing their asses off over what they’ve goaded other companies into doing with grilles.
I am not sure who wants these grills, consumers or the automakers?
I thought, the rear is pulled streight from Avalon, and the dashboard is from Kia Telluride… or may be they developed it together.
Its more than likely the automakers, consumers would prefer something that doesnt jack up minor collision repair costs.
Each grille piece will likely cost $500 should you need another after the old one eats a ton of bugs.
All it needs is a set of Dagmar bumpers and the wretched excess will be complete.
Well design is cyclical, ya know.
Well can we hurry up and sycle back to 1992?
Did BMW’s grill designer happen to receive their inspiration from the mascot from a certain Central-Texas chain of mini-markets? It should be re-named the BMW Buc-ee.
And come with a supply of free Beaver Nuggets.
Yes!
I packed my luggage with Beaver Nuggets on my last trip back from Austin…as well as Shiner merch.
Maybe I’m getting old but anyone else just feeling extremely meh about new cars the last couple years?
Not too long ago I’d be all excited and amazed about a new 7. And now I just don’t care much at all. It’s ugly. But so what. I wouldn’t care either if it looked fantastic. I’m sure it is a nice car. But meh.
New Supra. Meh. New Z4. Meh. New Ranger. Does it’s job I’m sure but meh. New Explorer looks nice. Will do it’s job exactly. But meh.
I just feel pretty meh about everything. So much feels the same. So much looks the same. So much has the same powertrains. So much has AWD. Luxury now just seems to be how much electronics you stick in a car.
I almost feel we are at the point where there aren’t really any special vehicles anymore or anything that is truly unique about a brand. Dare I say that nearly every car minus say a Miata or Mustang or Wrangler has reached appliance or commodity status? Like buying a fridge where they’re all the same except for a door handle here or WiFi connectivity there.
I don’t know. Just realizing this auto show season I finding I just don’t care. No passion. No pizazz. No emotion.
Getting to the point where I wonder if a V6 Camry or a Ford Fusion Titanium or a loaded up Nissan Murano is all the car I really care to have anymore. With maybe a Miata or Wrangler for fun. The rest of what’s out there just feels cynical to me. $25,000 more for “better” leather and some gimmicky sunroof or something. Oh and a badge that means nothing anymore.
Ok back to 7 series discussion.
I like big expensive sedans. They still have class the way a sub never can outside maybe a Range Rover. And I still don’t like this 7.
I’m pretty much the same, although the recent Elantra and Golf wagon articles got my interest. But then I’m kinda weird.
I’m right there with you, buddy. Put a gun to my head and make me buy a new car tomorrow and it would likely be an Accord LX. I think Honda did a great job with the last redesign.
That being said, I think the 7 Series is perfect in it’s basest form. Inline 6 and no options. When I had a leased 3 series, my dealer used base model 7 series as shuttles, and I loved riding in the back. I think they’re flat lying when they rate the inline 6 at 335 horses. I would strongly consider buying one that was 4-5 years old if the price was right, knowing of course that I would have to budget for repairs and maintenance.
I’ve personally had renewed auto enthusiasm over the past 12 months.
But not about this 7-Series.
+1
Well said
I bought a Kia Stinger, despite the brand. It’s fast, comfortable, fun, and to address your point, doesn’t look boring.
Oh my, what a big kidney grille you have Bimmer
Just think – pre-sliced roadkill.
That… is just so so terrible.
Damn.
Did they not ask anyone in the room, anyone??
As one not steeped in BMW love or lore I’m not seeing anything egregiously ugly here, merely a modern desperation for uniqueness in a very tired and declining market segment.
Thank you! I don’t get all the hate either.
Gads, that’s awful.
An offensive grille seems to be de rigueur in late capitalism. But what I find more interesting is that BMW is breaking zero new ground with the interior layout; it is virtually identical to the F30 3 series which is just about to be replaced…
The massive kidney grilles destroy what little elegance that design had left.
It is a good thing that the interior is a wonderful place to be. At least owners will feel well-treated inside and can feast their eyes on that gorgeous leather.
Chris Bangle is sitting at home giggling to himself.
But only Dakota, Nappa, or Merino leather as the supply of fine Corinthian leather has been exhausted
I’ve seen with my own eyes (here in the West) that the North American Naugha has made a comeback in population. It might be time to start harvesting their hydes again, simply to manage the herd.
Well the good news is that you can’t see the grill from the drivers seat.
Why do so many upscale cars have quilted leather interiors? Do designers always have to copy everybody else? I’m guessing it’s a Chinese thing — along with the chrome.
BTW, that grille flips up level. There’s a propane heater in the trunk and some BBQ tools. Bored while watching polo? Whip up some lunch for you and a few friends. Marinated tri-tip for me.
Quilted leather is the new Brougham, Yo.
I’m reminded of those folks, I don’t know how many there are anymore who cook various foods in their engine compartment or on the exhaust manifold. They would use foil or some sort of metal box.
Marinated tri-tip -20 miles. Chicken breast -10 miles.
Manifold cooking is almost a thing of the past.
Sigh….
There might be a few around “Look I can get some chicken under the plastic engine cover just next to the o2 sensor before the catalytic converter”. “I can fry a hot dog on the hybrid battery inverter”
I think BMW is in trouble….
It’s a bit odd that all the car makers are going full-frontal grilles while at the same time EVs are becoming ever more popular/trendy and they lack grilles.
This is atrocious, but I’m more disappointed by the new VW grilles. The new Jetta looks so bulbous and awkward and the enormous grille just adds to that.
Maybe sedan sales are down because grills. From Lincoln to Lexus, everyone’s rolling out a horrible front on their rides or dialing back the mistake. Can’t wait to see new S-class with yard-wide star on the nose. Seems to be a trend.
LMAO. Seeing the other pics put that square into perspective. I’m sorry but if you all are gonna bag on Lexus and other brands, this has to be bagged on as well. Good god almighty, thats as big as some of the truck grills out there. Thats is seriously a comically huge grill for a car.
That little vapor truck startup Atlis publishes way better renders than BMW does for its flagship?
I absolutely loathe today’s big grilles (on car or trucks) and very much prefer the grilleless look of EVs and older cars like the 92 Civic and 92 Crown Vic. And no doubt this BMW’s grille is made of plastichrome. Does anyone make one in metal?
And it shall be called…Bucky. As a long-time BMW fan, this one hurts. Bad. But they’ll show up in multitudes of music videos, what with all of that in-your-face-bling. I miss the tasteful restraint and elegance of the E38…
I’ve heard a couple of designers state in their market studies the thing people have asked for the most is a larger grill. Who the hell are these people!? I’ve bitched so many times in internet comment rooms about large grills in current car design. Just when I think the trend has to be dying an automaker goes with something horrid like this. It’s not just the large grill but all the slats and openings on the front, side and rear. In a time we’re supposed to be more efficient designers put additional non-functioning air disrupters all over the car.
I don’t believe that for a second. Every one I know chuckles about the Lexus and Audi grills, among others, being “Way over the top”. Between the giant grills, the angry squinty bug faced front ends in general, and the just weird rear ends, and my being old, I guess, it just seems to be that car designers have totally lost their minds. I hate the looks of so many of the cars I see daily.
“Look away. I’m…I’m hideous!”
The Chinese like their grilles big and toothy, so BMW is giving it to them
It’s like the E38 never existed.
“Either really small, or RIDICULOUSLY HUGE!”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KqF9G_DQls
Am I the only one tiring of gray cars?
(Asked by the owner of a gray BMW)
Needs to come with warning label, keep small chlldren away from grill when motor is running.
I usually love waterfall grilles, but this one is obnoxious. They should have increased the number of slats, using thinner ones, and spaced them closer together.
I dunno what bugs me more, the grille or the absolutely stupid face.
D
8]
D