Something old, something new

Many new cars are merely old cars brandishing new bodies, They look new but deep down it's the same old story. BMW's new 7-Series is the reverse: it's a new car that looks just like the old one. Although a flatter and wider 'kidney' grille, faired-in headlights and a lower bonnet - all borrowed from the 3-Series - give it a lighter, more aggressive look, most punters will be hard-pressed to tell the difference. Under the skin there is no confusion. Although the engines and gearboxes are carried over (there's a choice of 3-litre six, 4-litre V8 and improved 5.4-litre V12), the rest is new. The rear suspension comes from the big 850i coupe, promising parity with its rival, the pot-hole absorbent Mercedes S-class. The new 7-Series goes on sale in Britain in August, at pounds 39,800 for the basic 730i and pounds 46,700 for the 740i. The top-range 750iL, on sale from December, will cost pounds 65,900.

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