BMW beautifies Bangle's barge

Newswheel staff :: 19 February 2005 :: Filed under Saloon, BMW, BMW 7 Series, Europe & UK, US,

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Flagship 7 series gets a mid-life nip and tuck

It’s the best selling Seven ever. So says BMW of the current 7 Series. But that hasn’t prevented BMW from putting it under the knife little more than three years after the model made its debut. Of course, it’s also the first, and perhaps still the most controversial, of the Bangle-era Bimmers.

 Whatever, the result is certainly less challenging than the outgoing car. But it doesn’t add much to the art of car design, and that’s a cause for sadness. Along with the underwhelming new 3 Series (underwhelming aesthetically, that is), we can’t help feeling that BMW is beginning to lose its nerve. We’re also starting to fear for design supremo Chris Bangle’s future at the Bavarian firm if this is the way his “best selling” designs are going to be treated.

 At least there’s some juicy new kit under the dumbed-down clothing. After debuting in the 6 Series coupé,  BMW’s unspeakably impressive new magnesium-alloy six cylinder petrol engine makes another appearance, again offering 254bhp from just three litres. The V8s jump to 302bhp from four litres and a hefty 362bhp for the new 4.8-litre lump. The diesels also get a boost with the 3-litre now boasting 228bhp and and 384lb ft, while the 4-litre V8 oil burner (not confirmed for the UK) churns out a monstrous 516lb ft and 300 ponies on the nose.

 Meanwhile the chassis gets a 14mm wider track and weight saving measures make the latest Seven marginally lighter than before.