Skip advert
Advertisement

2019 BMW 7-series review – more talented than its image might portray - Design

The 7 is not as 'cool' as an SUV, but its recipe is one with lots of appeal, and is just better than a big luxo-SUV could ever be

Evo rating
  • Truly magnificent ride quality and driving sophistication, 750i brilliantly fast
  • Some image issues? Grille has dual purpose as a campaign fundraiser barbecue

Design

Let’s just approach the caged elephant in the room. The new 7-series was, on its launch, perhaps most noted for that grille. It’s big (far too big, in fact) and one designed not only to appeal to the Chinese market, but also to throw a gauntlet down in this typically conservative market segment in a bid to get some attention beyond being an attractive buy for airport transfer companies.

Advertisement - Article continues below

If we look past the grille though, there is plenty to like, with the caveat of the M Sport model and its more challenging aesthetic. To start with, standard models actually have a fairly clever lower clip that uses subtle brightwork to inform folded openings that also integrate the ‘air-curtain’ which smooths out airflow over the front wheels.

The rear end incorporates the now industry-standard rear light bar, but overall the design remains cleaner and more resolved than that of many recent BMWs. Keep it in a dark colour (not black) and avoid the M Sport pack as if it were a tropical disease and the 7-series is just about acceptable, so long as you always park it nose-in in car parks.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Ford Focus ST (Mk3) – the car world's greatest misses
Ford Focus ST Mk3
Features

Ford Focus ST (Mk3) – the car world's greatest misses

We’d hoped the 2015 Focus ST would share a good dose of its little brother’s magic. Sadly, it didn’t
28 Apr 2025
The Ferrari 296 Speciale has arrived, and it could be the most thrilling Ferrari ever
Ferrari 296 Speciale – front
News

The Ferrari 296 Speciale has arrived, and it could be the most thrilling Ferrari ever

The 296 Speciale is the latest in Ferrari's line of mid-engined road racers, packing 868bhp and LaFerrari-beating pace on track
29 Apr 2025
Manthey Racing Porsche 911 GT3 RS 2025 review – the ultimate Nürburgring toy
Porsche 911 GT3 RS Manthey front
Reviews

Manthey Racing Porsche 911 GT3 RS 2025 review – the ultimate Nürburgring toy

Did the 992 GT3 RS need to be made more extreme? Posssibly not. We're glad Manthey Racing has done it, though.
28 Apr 2025