Quote:
Originally Posted by SCOTT26
The implementation of a Luxury BMW sedan more exclusive and above The 7 has always been an idea at BMW.
Back in the late eighties BMW developed Project GoldFish - An idea under then Research & Development chief to "one-up" Mercedes-Benz on rumours that the V12 W140 was coming as a response to the BMW 750iL V12.
He envisioned a luxury sedan above BMW 7er, The 9er. Topped by the V16 which would be the true symbol of Reitzles flamboyance and engineering skill.
However it's development was halted when the late eighties Financial crisis happened which also killed the BMW 8er Cabrio, BMW M8 and a re-engineered 8er Coupe which was to extensively overhauled to include the M8s B Pillar to add more structural rigidity. It's main failing.
Now we have The 8. And The X7 to spearhead BMWs new luxury order as well as a forthcoming Update of The 7. Which appears to be extensively updated to feature elements from the VFL concept car such as Slimmer headlights and a extremely large kidney grille that dominates its front end.
The VFL after its debut in Beijing was taken across the world and shown to particular customers in order to gage a response to see whether a BMW would fit within this market.
Potential customers did add that they would like a BMW that not offers exclusivity but also still be a large sedan that they could drive themselves as well as being chauffeured in the rear in luxury. Cars in this market are more for to be driven in but not driving alone. The Maybach is one example that driving on your own means you that you more likely to be mistaken for the chauffeur.
VFL proved that the market exists for more exclusive BMWs particular ones that can be driven. It is this research which has led to The 8 and The X7. Which X7 will be available with optional Individual rear seating. Which will allow the X7 to not be about utility but also a level of exclusivity and luxury unseen in a BMW SUV. Having seen the composition in an X7 M50d it will make the X7 hugely appealing in key luxury markets where the SUV is king.
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I remember that burgundy e32 at the old mobile tradition building a few years back with the v16 and the radiators in the back. Reitzle did seem like a character back then.