Eight is not enough: BMW shows 7-plus flagship

BMW's Concept CS is demonstrative proof of two facts -- the growing importance of the Chinese automotive market; and that BMW is keen to push ever upwards in the prestige stakes.

In the first instance, the importance of the Sino auto marketplace was demonstrated by BMW's decision to unveil the Concept CS at last week's Shanghai Motor Show. With China expected to be the fastest growing prestige car market in the world within five years, both BMW and Audi (more here) lifted the covers on important new models at the show this year. Expect to see other makers following suit.

In the second instance, the Concept CS is proof positive that the Bavarian marque is leaving no niche 'stone' unturned in its quest for growth.

The CS has been tipped as everything from a Benz CLS fighter to a born-again 8 Series. Though it is unlikely the car will make it to production as is, it certainly exhibits the basis of BMW's ultra-luxurious, ultra-performance new 7 Series-plus flagship -- estimated at between two and four years away from production.

BMW says the Concept CS presents the "vision of a unique four-door car which combines the exclusivity of a genuine luxury Gran Turismo with the fascinating thrill of a high-performance sports car."  The concept also introduces "a new definition" of BMW design culture.

Says the carmaker of Concept CS: "Concentrating on powerful, expressive design, materials of the highest quality, and quality of finish in perfection, this unique new model offers a completely new understanding of premium quality. And within its interior, the BMW Concept CS combines stylish luxury with the most uncompromising ambience full of class and value."

BMW describes the CS as possessing a "low-slung, dynamically stretched silhouette". In this it echoes the artists impressions already published of Porsche's Panamera four-door front-engined flagship-to-be and the Rapide, Aston Martin's soon-for-production four door.

VW-owned Bentley has talked of moving into this segment. Interestingly it's even been suggested BMW could share architecture between a car like CS and a new smaller (in limousine terms) Rolls Royce.

BMW has not released full details on the CS but at 5.1m in length and just 1.36m tall, the CS is 245mm longer than the current M5 and almost 110mm lower. Tellingly, the CS is also 60mm longer than the current 740i (and over 120mm lower). It rolls on 21-inch wheels.

Despite its long sportscar-style bonnet, the company says passenger accommodations are generous -- though limited to four. BMW also claims the dynamism of the vehicle is not just focused on the driver -- the CS it says offers passengers the "same experience of sporting performance and luxurious pleasure."

In addition to a significantly upgraded interior presentation (note the changes of late from the starkness associated with the E60 5 Series original to the latest 'softer' update), the CS pioneers a number of features set to make it into production in existing Beemer models.

One such feature is new headlight technology. The CS uses LED units which feature reverse projection to deliver better light presentation and spread while reducing dazzle to oncoming drivers.

No news on the powertrain under the CS's new generation coachwork. We'd guess that the M5's V10 will make an appearance in any production version, or perhaps there might even be a new bespoke mill. BMW recently debuted a V8 version of the M-engine for the upcoming E93 M3 -- what price a V12 for the productionised CS?

On current dimensions and specific outputs, two extra pots would place the engine at 6.0-litres and around 447kW. Just the thing to take on Mercedes' flagship biturbo AMG 65 powerplant...

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