Stephenson’s critique is positive, and offers some suggestions. However, it is much more positive than the recent BMW designs.
It is difficult to balance beauty, safety and aerodynamics in exterior car design. While attractiveness is subjective, there are some extreme examples of car designs that are loved and hated by everyone. Frank Stephenson, an ex-BMW designer, has provided a unique perspective about the design of iconic BMWs.
Frank Stephenson, an experienced car designer, is a familiar name. His impressive resume includes supercars such as the Maserati MC12 and Ferrari F430. He also designed every modern McLaren, from the 12C to the 720S. Stephenson is also known for his design work on supercars like the BMW Mini Cooper, Fiat 500 and the BMW X5. Stephenson’s extensive design experience gives him unique insight into the design of the 2023 BMW 7 Series. He is able to see the exterior from an expert’s perspective.
As the latest BMW flagship sedan, the 2023 G70 BMW 7 Series was unveiled earlier this spring. BMW will offer four versions the G70 7 Series: a base, inline-6-powered 740i, V8-powered 760i and a plugin hybrid 750e. BMW also plans to offer the i7, an electric version of the G70 7 Series.
Stephenson’s initial assessment of the G70 BMW 7 Series was more positive than his reactions regarding other recent BMW designs. Stephenson thinks the grilles are too big for the 7 Series but they still define modern BMW exteriors. Stephenson says that BMW used a safer design approach for the G70 BMW 7 Series than other BMWs and simplified some of its design cues.
What would Stephenson make to the G70 BMW 7 Series’ exterior? A smaller grille will give the vehicle a more proportional look. Stephenson recommends integrating the running lamps into lower headlamps for a unique look that is reminiscent of the days when pop-up headlamps were popular.
Stephenson is a positive person from a side perspective. The controversial chrome hockey stick ornamentation from the 7 Series’ previous model is gone. Stephenson is proud of the clear crease running across the car, from the front headlamp to its rear taillight.
What do you think about the G70 BMW 7 Series’ design? Are you more impressed by it than the previous 7 Series generation?