BMW’s future starts with the M7
Concept CS shows new design direction - Bigger than a Bentley, lower than an Aston DB9 - Production version could get 6.0-litre V12 We were expecting a two-seat sports car, but instead BMW pulled off a major coup by unveiling its new design language in a saloon concept at the recent Shanghai Motor Show. And it could also be a pointer to a forthcoming M7. The Concept CS is a large four-door, four-seat sports saloon in the mould of the Aston Martin Rapide and Porsche Panamera. But there’s more to it than that. It gives us a look at the beginning of a new design direction for BMW as it starts to move away from the look pioneered by design director Chris Bangle and first featured on the current 7-series. The car’s heavily sculptured look will set the tone for the next generation of BMWs. “We wanted to do a big, sporty car without making it appear heavy,” said BMW design boss Adrian van Hooydonk. BMW puts a lot of emphasis on the car’s sporting potential, saying it “combines the qualities o