The Development History of BMW 7 Series

[Archer]

The development history of BMW 7 Series is as follows: 1. First Generation BMW 7 Series (1977--1986): The birth of the first BMW 7 Series introduced three models: 728, 733, and 730, all featuring the "kidney grille" design. Among them, the 728 and 730 were equipped with engines fitted with Solex four-barrel carburetors. 2. Second Generation BMW 7 Series (1986--1994): In 1986, the second generation BMW 7 Series was born, with significant changes to the front grille design, adopting a dual-port grille that made the front look more harmonious. The exterior body also underwent many changes, most notably becoming larger and longer, giving it a more imposing presence. 3. Third Generation BMW 7 Series (1994--2001): The launch of the third generation BMW 7 Series showcased the silhouette of a luxury car, with its wide and elongated body and full-bodied lines, making it very stylish and grand. 4. Fourth Generation BMW 7 Series (2002--2008): By the fourth generation, the BMW 7 Series featured very smooth and grand body lines, appearing very wide and long, giving it a more business-oriented look. This model was also extensively imported into the domestic market. Significant improvements were made in terms of power, with the top-tier 760Li model equipped with a V12 engine. 5. Fifth Generation BMW 7 Series (2009--2015): The fifth generation BMW 7 Series offered a range of models from the entry-level 730Li to the M760LixDrive, catering to various consumer preferences. The exterior design was more aligned with contemporary aesthetics, with substantial improvements in both power and configuration. 6. Sixth Generation BMW 7 Series (2015--Present): As a mid-cycle refresh of the BMW 7 Series, the new model adopts BMW's latest design language, especially the front kidney grille, which is approximately 40% larger than the current BMW 7 Series.

[OBrady]

I remember the BMW 7 Series was launched in 1977, with the first-generation codenamed E23. It still had a boxy design back then, but was already equipped with advanced features like electronic fuel injection for its time. By the second-generation E32 in 1986, BMW for the first time stuffed a V12 engine into its flagship sedan, directly challenging the Mercedes S-Class. What impressed me most was the fourth-generation E65 designed by Chris Bangle in 2001 - its controversial rear design, jokingly called the 'Bangle Butt', sparked huge debates. Yet it was this generation that debuted the iDrive system, pioneering the use of a central control knob to operate the screen, an innovation later emulated by all automakers. The seventh-generation G70, unveiled in 2022, completely broke conventions with its oversized grille and split headlights, even introducing the pure-electric i7 variant. Over forty years and seven generations, BMW has consistently dueled with Mercedes in luxury and technology, with each model change detonating like a bomb in the premium car market.