I have been taking a bit of heat for that post about the BMW 7 series. I happen to like the old car. When it came out it was not well received but over time it gained a strong market acceptance and was soon copied by many other cars.

Whenever I see one of the them on the road I know instantly that it is a 7-series. This new one from the back? Is it a BMW? Is it a Hyundai? You have to check the badge to be sure. From the front and sides there is no mistaking that it is a 7-series.

I am sure with time, just like the last one, this will be a popular car.

BMW 750Li Exterior Styling

The flagship of the BMW line is the luxurious 7 series. It get the new toys first and if you can cram it into a car it likely has it as standard feature.


Click on any image for a larger version.

The styling of the 7 has always been a point of debate over enthusiasts. Some want it simple for an older clientele and others want it sporty for the young up-and-coming executives eager to show their position. Either was to drop $110,000 on a car means you really love the car, or at least the image the car portrays.

The front looks much like the old model, very classic BMW. The major changed seems to be the back. Many people criticized the back of the old one as looking too much a like a space ship or something. This time the designers seemed to have chosen a bland neutral look. Not my first choice but I am sure this is was their market research says the customers want.

Overall it is a striking car, just the massive size alone gives it a lot of presence. Love or hate the styling the badge carries a lot of weight that is sure to get you a good parking spot in the valet section.

The big draws at the BMW booth were their lineup of M powered cars.

On display were the current M6 and M5 models. Both have an incredible 500 HP (if you throw the switch) but are civilized enough to be a daily driver.

The big news is the M3 coupe and sedan, which goes on sale soon. Probably around the $75,000 CDN area. They are based on the current 3-series but have enough power to help you outrun everything but the fastest car on the road. With their legendary handling they can run around twisty roads with the best of the best.

[Show as slideshow]

And yes, that is a carbon fiber roof on the M3 coupe. I heard that saves somewhere around 80lbs of weight.