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

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.