Frankfurt 2015: BMW 7 Series’ magnificence is in its details

Prior to this show the we had the new BMW 7 Series on our ‘should see but nothing new’ list, yet having a good look over the car here is proof that press images relay only part of a car’s character.

On a macro, exterior design level, the new 7 Series is as you might expect – perfect proportions and a strong stance – much more so than the old car. In fact we caught Daimler Chairman Dieter Zetsche give his moustache a respectful wiggle when one cruised passed him outside the show halls.

But what he wouldn’t have appreciated even from those relatively close quarters is the phenomenal attention to detail that has been lavished over every single aspect of this car.

Every exterior surface, while in no way extrovert, is perfectly resolved, as is each shut line and detail. From the intricate laser lamps to the single-piece window surrounds, look for a fault and you’ll look for a while.

But it’s the interior that truly hits the high notes. Virtually every physical button – both in the front and rear – is machined from solid metal and laser etched for illumination.

The rear door furniture is also from metal and is pure sculpture. The B-pillar is fitted with a lamp that gently glows through its art-deco shade to provide diffused illumination for rear-seat activities for when you’ve grown tired of playing with the pin-sharp touchscreen between the seats that controls everything from rear-seat entertainment to the position of the front passenger seat. And that’s before you get to the extremely advanced HMI that now features gestural control. We’ll have to wait for another time to test that particular feature.

Yes the cross-stitched upholstery and suede-like headrest pads are very much inspired by the new Mercedes-Maybach, but this is a step up even from that.

We’d go to say that this is the best car interior in the world.