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You've already seen the outside of the car, but in the current issue of Auto Express magazine there's a spyshot showing the interior of the next-generation BMW 7-Series.
Previous big Beemers have never shown the same character as their smaller siblings, but the new contender proves beyond doubt that large cars needn't be dull. Taking its styling cues directly from the Z9 concept – unveiled in hard-top guise at the Frankfurt Motor Show last year – the unconventional dashboard is a convex shape and bulges out towards the centre of the car. The cabin itself is sparse, with functions selected by a large knob next to the handbrake. There's no gearstick, either, but manual gearchanges are made via steering wheel-mounted controls. An auto setting will also be available.
The cambered centre console is pure Z9, too, with only a built-in CD and stereo system interrupting the styling purity. Note also the large, central screen, which promises advanced sat-nav and in-car communication options.
In typical BMW fashion, build quality and attention to detail are second to none. Commenting on the similarities to the concept, a spokesman told us: "The Z9 was developed as a styling exercise. It goes without saying that elements which were deemed successful would appear on future BMWs. With the 7-Series being the first, it isn't surprising to see some of these coming through." The forthcoming '7' is expected late next summer and, with the dynamic new Mercedes Maybach set to hit showrooms around the same time, things are hotting up in the battle for luxury sector business.
Expect the BMW to get a diverse range of engines, including 3.0-litre six, 3.5 and 4.4 V8s, plus a whopping 6.0-litre V12 and 4.0 V8 diesel.
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