BMW Vision Future Luxury Concept previews the next 7-Series, not a new 9-Series

The BMW Vision Future Luxury Concept (pictured) is our first look at the next 7-Series

The general consensus, when BMW revealed it was taking a concept to preview their vision of a luxury future to the Beijing Motor Show, was that it would be the first look at a new, range-topping BMW 9-Series. But it’s not. In fact, the BMW Vision Future Luxury Concept is a preview of next year’s new BMW 7 Series and previews both the design and technology we can expect when BMW rolls out its challenger to the new Mercedes S Class in 2015.

In terms of design the Vision Future Luxury owes more than a passing nod to the Gran Lusso Coupe BMW took to Villa d’Este last year, but with some of the more designer bits taken out.

The front of the concept gets a big grill and slim laser headlights, OLED tail lights, suicide doors for the back on the contoured flanks, carbon fibre air deflectors and a back end that is short, but looks elegant.

The construction of the Vision Future Luxury Concept also points to a new 7-Series that takes some of its structural composition from BMW’s new ‘i’ cars, with a carbon fibre inner structure on the side which points towards the next 7-Series being a chunk lighter.

Inside, the concept is more of a concept than a reality, with four individual seats, 3D graphics, surfeit of buttons and brushed aluminium and wood, but BMW are clear that if you strip away the concept nature of the interior the overall flow and technology will be incorporated in a future 7 Series.

It’s an impressive-looking BMW with a lot of clever design and technology, and if this is the next generation BMW 7 Series – bar the concept fripperies – then BMW look set to give the new S Class a run for its money.

By Cars UK