Have you lot eve wondered what goes behind the scene, before a machine actually goes into production? What are the steps in the design procedure? How is information technology done? Each time I come across a video showing the making of a car, I become fascinated with the whole process and to me, this backside the scene documentary is more heady than the bodily official launch.

With this beingness said, wouldn't you love to meet what went behind the scene of the all new 2009 BMW 7 Series?

Behind the design of the BMW seven Series

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7 Serial Interior designer Nader Faghihzadeh seen here taping

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The design of the new BMW vii Series: the result of keen competition among the all-time creative designers.
The BMW Group's process of designing a new vehicle and finding the ideal shape is based on a concept of keen competition. In the development of each new model, several pattern teams compete with one some other in their blueprint of the exterior and interior in a truly creative contest. Made up of designers and modellers, the teams so, in the second phase of the design procedure, complete models in original, i:i size clearly showing the aesthetic harmony of the car's proportions and surfaces. To practise this they use a unproblematic simply very of import textile in the design process – clay.

It is indeed off-white to say that only a few auto makers adhere such great significance to one:1 models and refine them in such a unique, highly detailed style.

To conclude this phase in the design process where intuitive and creative design interacts with a straightforward, methodical approach, the clay models are covered with a special film like to the subsequent paintwork of the final machine. This allows the beholder to realistically consider and judge not only the machine'south proportions and dividing lines, simply also and in detail the surface of the modelled sculpture under all kinds of dissimilar light conditions, ultimately choosing the model which fulfils all requirements and complies with the target vision in every respect.

Following the verification of technical requirements already completed past this time, the conclusion-makers are able to focus in full on artful and emotional aspects in judging and appraising the blueprint models.

On the successful design of the new BMW seven Serial, the model which ulti-mately won the contest, the concepts of natural presence, superior sportiness and precise elegance, equally defined in advance, were all implemented in ideal harmony. The well-nigh significant and hit expression of the auto'south presence
is the extra-large, upright and particularly low-slung kidney grille dominating the forepart of the car and seemingly continuing upright within the torso.

The elegant character of the saloon is accentuated above all by the shoulder-line at the side stretching from the headlights via the door openers all the style to the rear light clusters. The rear view, in turn, emanates a combination of power, sportiness and supremacy, the rooflines flowing down dynamically along the flanks of the car to the bumpers and horizontal lite edges emphasising the sheer width of the motorcar.

The interior design likewise follows the philosophy of inviting, mod way and charming function, the construction of the cockpit, the option of materials, the lines themselves and the colour scheme all interacting to give the new BMW seven Serial its feature overall look. The event of this consistently applied design concept is an ambience focusing on generosity, superior command of the machine, and mod luxury all in one.

The final pattern stage: optimisation at the highest level.
Enhancing the design chosen into a series product car is an equally demanding and challenging task. Afterward all, a sculpture refined by human  skill and style is converted in the third and final phase of the pattern process into a product reproducible by machines in the production process.

The outset stride in this case is to convert the clay model in a CAD blueprint procedure by light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation scanning into a three-dimensional feasibility model serving from now on equally the technical reference signal for ongoing evolution.

From at present on the last stage of the pattern process ways optimisation at the highest conceivable level. Each and every detail is fine-tuned to the last millimetre in a abiding exchange amid designers, engineers, modellers and production specialists in lodge to ensure perfect implementation  of the premium standard on the last product in each and every detail.

At this point the designers and modellers show all their creative passion on both the outside and interior, searching for perfection and proving their finesse in the refinement of all surfaces and lines.

Such refinement of the original design not simply enhances individual details to the highest standard following the concepts of specialised design teams,  but also serves to perfect the overall impression of the new vehicle so crucial  to the automobile's design and its emotional bear on.

Like every other BMW, the new BMW 7 Series owes its unmistakable graphic symbol clearly recognisable at very first sight from every perspective to this process of ongoing enhancement and refinement.

The front end:
clear structures and generous surfaces ensuring natural presence.
Seen from the front, the new BMW 7 Series offers a articulate, at-home and collected appearance through its large and smoothly designed engine compartment chapeau. The profile lines on the engine compartment merge into one another at the front, pointing towards the BMW kidney grille merely like the headlight units peaked towards the inside.

The kidney grille itself sticks out far to the front, ensures a precise and articulate- cut look, and is integrated in the forepart air dam without any seams or openings in between. At the same fourth dimension the kidney grille, through its upright bars, accentuates the vertical stance of the forepart end equally an essential chemical element giving this new luxury performance saloon detail presence and calibre.

The wide air scoop at the lesser extends across the unabridged front end air dam all the way to the sides. Foglamps in clear glass await positioned far to the outside at the edge of the air intakes serve to additionally emphasise the wide track of the car. This special look is further accentuated past a chrome band bordering on the air intake at the height. Generously designed dual round headlights, equally withal a further feature, ensure that concentrated expect over again and then typical of BMW. Indeed, this item await is outstandingly striking on the new BMW seven Series, resulting, first, from the corona rings for the daytime driving lights and, second, from an additional lights bar positioned on top of the dual circular headlights like an eyelid to provide a particular optical effect at the superlative.

Yet another new design characteristic is the management indicators formed past 8 LEDs on each side and arranged in ii upright rows at the outside next to the cylindrical light units.

Sculptural surfaces and precise lines at the side. Modern pattern of the diverse surfaces giving this luxury performance saloon truly unmistakable character is withal another feature feature of BMW in general and the new BMW 7 Series in particular. The combination of skilled craftsmanship, precise engineering and a perfect feeling for the unique flair of a BMW creates a truly unique sculptural effect.


The interplay of concave and convex surfaces so typical of BMW generates highly constructive light and shade lines accentuating both the powerful and dynamic expression and the refined elegance of the automobile in every respect and from every angle. A good example is the side expanse appearing to grow out smoothly and gently towards the rear wheel of the automobile, without a typical bike curvation in the conventional sense of the discussion.


The subtle enlargement of the side surface area created in this way is a detail upshot of the work done on the clay model and therefore a product of the close and highly constructive cooperation of designers and modellers practised within the BMW Group.

Design features and refinement of this calibre call for decades of experience and supreme competence in finding the right blueprint and in the subsequent production of the car's torso.

The long shoulder line adds further elegance to the side view of the car. Directly beneath this precisely chiselled line the side surface is carefully modelled in a highly attractive convex look, while further downward on the doors the side surfaces accept on a concave curvature. Again even further down, this surface borders on the high-ascension doorsill line.

Interacting with one some other, the shoulder and doorsill lines give the automobile a particularly sleek and stretched look from the side. And at the same time the high-ascension doorsill line adds the impression of a particularly slender and athletic trunk.

A chrome-plated gill insert complete with fully integrated side direction indicators between the front side panel and the driver's and, respectively, front passenger's door adds a further visual upshot and touch on of style. The character line of the cycle arch merging gently and smoothly into the doorsill line starts at the forepart border of the side gill which, every bit a particular proportional feature on sporting cars, accentuates the long distance between the front axle and the instrument panel.

Many other details ostend the clear focus of BMW'due south designers on precision and individual variability, thus highlighting selected design features in especially subtle style. The headlight units and rear light clusters of the new BMW 7 Series, for example, just similar the side window graphics, are surrounded by frames literally chiselled into the surface of the trunk.

This again confirms the high standard of adroitness and the perfect command of even the most complex production processes BMW has accomplished over the years. In detail, this upshot emphasises the opposite line at the lesser of the C-pillar well-known equally the BMW "Hofmeisterknick".

The window graphics are exceptionally elaborate and, at the same time polish and sleek thanks to the particular design and wait of the chrome bar surrounding the glass surfaces and fabricated in 1 piece.

The side view of the BMW 750Li and the BMW 740Li again boasts all these item design features. With their wheelbase extended by 240 millimetres or almost 9.five″, these long-wheelbase models give even greater emphasis to the superior comfort and, indeed, sheer luxury offered on the rear seats. The extra body length is provided entirely along the rear doors, thus ensuring particularly comfortable and convenient access to the motorcar.

Both long-wheelbase models furthermore characteristic a uniquely designed roofline and C-pillar contours giving the automobile a side view clearly related to that of the standard-wheelbase saloon and combined with extra headroom on the rear seats.

Horizontal lines at the rear for a item touch of power and supremacy. The sculptural design of the car's surfaces also ensures smoothen transition of the side panels into the rear end of the new BMW seven Series. The striking character line, for case, continues into the lights cover on the rear-light clusters where this item blueprint is taken up past the graphic design construction.

The rooflines flow across the flanks of the machine right down to the bumper, encompassing the rear cease by dynamic lines again providing a particularly sporting touch on.

Horizontal lines and light edges, in turn, help to give the rear cease a particularly powerful and superior overall look. The chrome band positioned above the numberplate support and connecting the entire width of the bootlid from one lite cluster to the other is a peculiarly hit characteristic. The low-cal edges on the luggage compartment hat and the rear bumper so run parallel to the chrome ring, which also surrounds the rear lite clusters. The sheer width of the rear stop is highlighted and accentuated both by this boosted structural design of the rear bumper and past the two reflectors positioned far to the outside.

The 2-piece rear low-cal clusters on the new BMW 7 Serial over again avowal the Fifty-shaped contours so typical of the BMW brand. Inside, the rear lights are dominated past wide, horizontally arranged lite bars in a iii dimensional look rising up from the inside to the outside and thus post-obit the contours of the light units.

Fed by LEDs, the light bars generate a warm and homogeneous lighting effect. The direction indicators likewise feature LED engineering, just as the third brake light positioned on the upper edge of the rear window and the numberplate illumination utilise light-emitting diodes.

Mod, luxurious, inviting: the interior. The interior design and configuration of the new BMW 7 Series combines all features and characteristics destined to brand both active motoring and the shortest or longest ride in this outstanding saloon a truly impressive and highly enjoyable feel. Gently flowing contours, high-class materials and stylish colour combinations create an aura of generosity and seductive, modern manner in a truly unique ambience. The clear, driver-oriented structure of the cockpit offers ideal conditions for a truly superior feel in the auto. Intuitive organization of the controls and instruments, in turn, makes it fifty-fifty easier for the driver to mastermind all functions easily, smoothly, and without the slightest defoliation.

The new BMW 7 Series expresses its private character likewise through its modern interpretation of luxury, advisable use of high-class materials in conjunction with first-class quality of finish enhancing both the exclusive flair of the car and the charming function of the interior.

Apart from the car'southward unique space and grace with more generous kneeroom, headroom and elbow room meeting the highest standards at both front and rear, the item design of the interior in the new BMW 7 Series conveys the impression of luxury in truly disarming and modernistic style. The entire ambience is exclusive and sophisticated – and, in particular, very inviting.

Clear horizontal and vertical arrangement of all controls and instruments again serves to optimise the orientation towards the commuter, successfully integrating highly circuitous technology and a wide range of functions inside the car.
The controls and instruments required directly for motoring are clear and well-known to the driver right from the start, with intuitive control as well of uncomplicated condolement functions such as the ventilation, ac and audio system.

The very positive initial impression conveyed past the motorcar'southward interior is immediately enhanced by the high-quality, sophisticated materials used throughout the passenger compartment besides as the distinctly sectional quality of finish. The event is a calm, disarming and, indeed, overwhelming ambience making information technology easier for the driver and the passengers alike to find their orientation and feel pleasantly at home.

Correct from the start, the driver encountering the new BMW 7 Series volition be thrilled by the feeling of decision-making the near sophisticated high-performance technology in a truly exclusive ambience. The musical instrument panel is split up into several levels one to a higher place the other, separated by horizontal lines running parallel across the entire width of the interior.

Both the instrument cluster and the Command Display come on 1 level, simply beneath the decorative trim likewise extending beyond the entire width of the instrument console and comprising the controls and buttons for all major functions.

The controls border at the lesser on a chrome bar, over again providing a touch
of class emphasising the horizontal orientation of the cockpit.

Thanks to the use of innovative display and surface applied science, the Control Brandish does not require the usual binnacle protecting the instrument
from sunglare – withal another bear upon promoting the clear quiet and shine structure of the cockpit.

Cockpit design for more superior motoring.
The horizontal subdivision of the instrument panel makes a significant contribution to the ease of command and safety at the wheel the driver volition relish so much. This issue is so farther enhanced by the sensible and there-fore like shooting fish in a barrel-to-retrieve vertical arrangement of the instruments and control units. All information and controls relevant to the process of driving the car are on the side facing the driver, while all displays, controls and switches serving to provide comfort functions are positioned more to the middle of
the car.

The arrangement of command units on the multifunction steering wheel follows the same logic, again giving the commuter supreme security and ease of control at the bicycle. In order to take upward information or activate a role, the driver is required – if at all – to merely briefly accept his eyes off the road. On the other paw there is no demand to spend a long time looking for buttons and switches used only rarely, since all controls are positioned conspicuously where they should be in logical arrangement.

As an important example in this context, the driver help controls suppor-ting the driver in his perception of traffic weather and his sensation at the wheel are positioned appropriately on a control panel in the immediate vicinity of the lights switch centre.

This clear structural arrangement of the cockpit gives the driver superior routine inside a very brusk time also in the use of additional functions not required under all conditions. Hence, the wide range of technical features and options offered by the new BMW vii Serial is experienced as an enrichment of the driving experience, immediately giving the commuter supremacy at the wheel of the BMW 7 Series without the slightest effort or learning process.

Ideal combination of ergonomics and aesthetic design.
The commuter-oriented design and configuration of the middle console is yet another feature typical of BMW. Slightly inclined towards the driver, the centre console houses the control units for, among other features, the air condi-tioning, the audio system book command, and the iDrive favourite buttons.

In their design and configuration, the Controller and its direct selection buttons were influenced by both aesthetic and ergonomic considerations. When using the Controller, the driver's arm is in a similar position as when operating the selector lever on the automatic transmission, the comfy position on the armrest enhancing the standard of motoring comfort and facilitating precise operation of the Controller.

Being smaller in diameter than on the showtime generation of iDrive, the Controller, together with the direct selection buttons arranged in the immediate vicinity, enables the driver of the new BMW vii Series to gear up and mastermind the functions desired with minimum movements of his arm or hand.

Black panel engineering science: well-known feeling, new options.
The innovative – if not to say, revolutionary – design of the musical instrument cluster offers new and extremely versatile options in presenting information of import to the commuter: For the start time the unabridged instrument cluster incorporates black panel technology as a high-resolution color brandish presenting status and part data, navigation information, information from the Check/Control, feedback from the various control switches and Service Interval data in four round dials arranged in the traditional style of a sports car.

When not in utilize, the display forms a smoothen, homogeneous, black and stylishly glowing surface where but the chrome-coloured surrounds open up to the lesser, the needles and scales on the circular instruments equally well as the scarlet alert zone in the musical instrument panel are constantly in place and there-fore permanently in sight. The needles on the circular dials, in turn, together with the integrated displays for current fuel consumption and the motorcar's range, are presented electronically and therefore only become visible, like all other symbols on the brandish, when activated.

In developing this solution absolutely unique in the earth of motoring, BMW's designers were inspired by high-tech products in entertainment electronics.

The result is an ideal combination of mechanical and electronic data feedback. The circular dials providing information on road and engine speed as well equally the fuel supply and engine oil temperature all come in the style and wait of a classic cockpit and, equally styling elements, form an analogy to the corona rings on the headlights now and so typical of BMW.

Through their well-known construction and organisation, the scales facilitate the uptake of information, while the indicator needles moving in the rev counter and speedometer provide direct feedback on the commuter'south deportment. And with their surrounds and indicator needles beingness positioned as iii-dimensional elements on the otherwise apartment display surface, their significance to the blueprint of the overall concept receives item emphasis.

Black console engineering science also featured in the air conditioning display on the centre console serves to present a wide range of information in clearly legible and visually attractive form. The superior part of the musical instrument console is furthermore enhanced by the variable use of the individual zones in the brandish, with the commuter thus being able to focus consistently on information and data particularly relevant in each specific situation, concentrating even more than usual on road and traffic weather.

Colours and trim: harmonious, puristic, finished in perfect craftsmanship.
The configuration of the cockpit is further enhanced by the design of the individual elements, the colour scheme, and the choice of materials. The horizontally bundled colour and trim scheme on the dashboard continues into the doors and from there on throughout the interior. The door panels are also finished in decorative trim bordering on a chrome bar at the bottom.

The upper door console forms a sweeping line along the bottom edge reaching its lowest indicate at the B-colonnade and so rise again gently towards the rear.
In combination with the armrests hinting exactly the contrary orientation, the complete door department forms an elegant combination of heady surfaces and features.

The interior of the new BMW 7 Serial combines the nigh sophisticated materials and excellent quality of terminate in supreme adroitness and ultimate precision. Visible seams along the instrument panel and the doorsills, likewise equally the primal air vents in dual surrounds, once again carry testimony to the great attention given to each and every detail. The instrument panel comes as standard in a newly developed soft skin material featuring an extra-soft surface reminiscent of the grain otherwise to exist found only on the very best leather.

This exclusive touch is further accentuated by the black colour scheme and the double seam cease.

Special nappa leather on the instrument panel is bachelor as an option. The perfect blend of design and function is also borne out, by way of example, past the integration of the door openers in the chrome trim on the door panels. And forming part of the decorative trim, the door endmost handle on the door panel combines superior elegance with practical function.

Unique: controls and switches made of high-tech ceramics.
The wide range of interior colours, trim surfaces and seat upholstery available offers the customer absolute freedom of option in living out his – or her – personal style in customising the auto. Through an appropriate combination of colours and trim, the customer is able, for example, to accentuate the classic, sporting, elegant or prestigious character of BMW's new luxury performance saloon. And regardless of the material chosen, the chrome bar serving as a detail highlight on the lower edge of the trim surfaces adds a further bear on of sophisticated style.

BMW is the starting time car maker in the world to use loftier-tech ceramics as a particu-larly sophisticated material for selected control units. Replacing the galvanised metal otherwise used on such components, this special ceramics material is bachelor as an option on the iDrive Controller, the electronic gear selection lever, as well equally the rotary knob on the automatic air conditioning and audio system.

This special cloth so far used only on especially sectional mobile phones or other high-tech appliances, is non but especially strong and massive, merely likewise conspicuously cool and, at the same time, pleasant to feel and touch.

The paintwork on the new BMW vii Series is available in no less than twelve colours, 4 of which were adult peculiarly for BMW's new luxury performance saloon. New colours in the range are Mineral White Metallic and Milano Beige Metallic likewise as Sophisto Grey and Imperial Blueish in brilliant effect finish generating a constantly changing play of colours under direct light.

BMW 750Li and BMW 740Li: setting a new standard in rear-seat motoring comfort.
The interior of the BMW 750Li and BMW 740Li offers ideal conditions for an fifty-fifty college standard of long-distance touring comfort. The extra infinite provided by the longer wheelbase benefits the rear-seat passengers in total, while the uniquely styled roofline provides additional headroom at the rear. Conspicuously, this enhances the Sheer Driving Pleasure so typical of BMW by the further special luxury of being chauffeured whenever the customer wishes or, alternatively, still enjoying the actual driving feel itself.

The pleasure of being driven in a chauffeured saloon is enhanced to an fifty-fifty college standard by the option to choose the rear passenger area with two single seats and a panel in betwixt. These single seats adjust upwards to 79 millimetres or three.1″ in length and provide individual seat bottom and backrest angle adjustment too equally individual adjustment of the headrests. And to provide the last touch, the roof lining on the long-wheelbase version of the new BMW 7 Series comes with ii vanity mirrors featured every bit standard.

Further optional features are automated air conditioning at the rear with separate control, additional air vents in the roof lining with their own control elements, seat ventilation and massage seats as well every bit two dissimilar versions of BMW's high-cease entertainment system for the rear complete with a DVD player and two monitors integrated in the front seat backrests. The entertainment functions are masterminded either past remote control or by an additional iDrive Controller in the eye console at the rear, enabling the rear-seat passengers to actively contribute to their personal enjoyment and motoring experience.

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