Spy Shots: 2009 BMW 7-series LWB

Posted on Saturday 21 June 2008


Yesterday we saw images of BMW’s next-generation 7-series saloon testing at the Nurburgring and now we have the first shots of its long-wheelbase (LWB) cousin. As expected, the LWB model features an extended wheelbase and stretched rear doors to accommodate extra space for rear-seat passengers. The latest spy shots also reveal more of the car’s rear-end, revealing the outline of the new bumper plus the design of the exhaust tips and diffuser.

The new BMW 7-series is expected to be officially revealed next month before make its world debut at the London Motor Show. It will eventually go on sale at the end of the year as a 2009 model.

Some of the premium features of the car include a new torque-splitting differential on the rear axle, an upgraded radar cruise control system and a camera-based lane departure and blind-spot warning system. There’s also expected to be a new night vision system with pedestrian and speed sign detection features. The new 7-series is also expected to debut BMW’s new hybrid technology, the same two-mode system developed jointly with Daimler, Chrysler and GM.

[Update: We're now 99.9% sure we caught the 2009 7-Series.] [Update 2: Let's go ahead and make that 100%.] Well look what we caught. Levy was headed out to Las Vegas for a bachelor party in a Ford Flex when he came upon a couple partially camo’d BMWs. He called me explaining he’d seen the refreshed 3-Series and the new 5-Series. The same 5-Series that had been caught lapping the ‘Ring a few days back. But then I took a closer look and I’m about 80% sure the car pictured above is in fact the new 7-Series. The first hint is the night vision camera just to the side of the license plate mount. The head lamps look different, too. Other clues are the CS Concept style twin-kidneys which are quite different from the grill seen on the ‘Ring car. You’ll also notice the door handles are above the cut-line — a 7-Series design cue. Also note that the rear-end is almost identical to these spy shots taken in Dubai. The trapezoidal tail pipes, rear lamps and reflective strip above the rear plate (another 7-Series cue) are present. Still, the wing mirrors are exactly the same as the spied 5-Series, which is why we’re hedging our bet. Levy also said that once the BMW crew noticed his manufacturer’s plates, a Euro-plated 3-Series pulled up and obscured the view. More pics after you jump.