Flaring its nostrils for 2009 is the new 7-series, which like the last Chris Bangle-designed model, should take about three years to become attractive. Photos don't tell all, however, but they do reveal a smoother rear end that does away with the trunk's fat upper lip.

The standard engine is the new twin-turbo 400 horsepower V-8 shared with the X6. A V-12 should bow soon after. BMW also upgraded the iDrive interface to version 2.0, and integrated the entire owner's manual into the computer. God help them.