BOLD & beautiful
GQ South Africa|April - May 2023
With its new 7 Series, Walter Hayward believes BMW has a future classic on its hands. Purists, calm down
Walter Hayward
BOLD & beautiful

A LUXURY, HIGH-END VEHICLE IS SUPPOSED TO BE LOW-KEY AND SOPHISTICATED, gliding past on its way to the nearest government building or fancy hotel. But this latest generation of the BMW 7 Series could be as influential (read controversial) as the E65 was back in 2001.

But just as the Chris Bangle-era of BMW design was heavily criticised, so is today's Jozef Kabaň's.

The Bavarians have been on a roll in terms of mould-breaking designs. Going against the norm seems to be paying off as nothing keeps you in the limelight like endless forums and think pieces about "angel eyes".

Let's start with its interior. For all its techy-ness and hyper-conceptuality, the material quality here is impeccable. Every touchpoint is soft and pleasantly textured, conveying a real sense of refinement. In terms of fit and finish, the segment-leading Mercedes-Benz S-Class struggles to compete.

This story is from the April - May 2023 edition of GQ South Africa.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the April - May 2023 edition of GQ South Africa.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM GQ SOUTH AFRICAView All
58 Do's and Dont's for Getting Dressed Right Now
GQ South Africa

58 Do's and Dont's for Getting Dressed Right Now

Is it ever OK to repeat outfits? Should your socks match your shoes? Are Henleys cool? GQ staffers weigh in on all the most pressing style questions of the day

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2023 - January 2024
A man of many talents
GQ South Africa

A man of many talents

Fhatuwani Mukheli is a true trailblazer, carving a unique path in his multifaceted career. His journey is captivating story, always evolving and filled with surprises

time-read
1 min  |
December 2023 - January 2024
The man who doesn't play by the rule book
GQ South Africa

The man who doesn't play by the rule book

CEO of Red Rocket, Matteo Brambilla is aman onamission to improve big energy

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2023 - January 2024
Mastering your money: Financial resolutions for the new year
GQ South Africa

Mastering your money: Financial resolutions for the new year

Setting smart goals and resolutions for 2024 can help you achieve greater financial stability, reduce stress, and work towards the future you envision

time-read
7 mins  |
December 2023 - January 2024
BUSINESS CLASS TRAVEL
GQ South Africa

BUSINESS CLASS TRAVEL

YOU'D EXPECT NOTHING ELSE BUT COMFORT AND LUXURY FROM A RANGE ROVER OR LEXUS. A HYUNDAI NOT SO MUCH. SO WOULD THE STYLISH PALISADE PROVE A SURPRISE? OUR MOTORING ED DIETER LOSSKARN WAS KEEN TO FIND OUT...

time-read
2 mins  |
December 2023 - January 2024
The Italian Stallions
GQ South Africa

The Italian Stallions

Named after breathtaking Italian mountain pass roads Alfa's SUVs are not only but lots of fun to drive. GQ motoring ed Dieter Losskarn took the Tonale across South African mountain passes, and the Stelvio to De Hoop Nature Reserve attractive to look at, some spectacular

time-read
2 mins  |
December 2023 - January 2024
10 Perfect Summer Fragrances
GQ South Africa

10 Perfect Summer Fragrances

Whether you're heading to a beach party, a rooftop bar, or just a casual day out, here's a curated list of scents ideal for those hot summer months

time-read
1 min  |
December 2023 - January 2024
An audience with a master perfumer
GQ South Africa

An audience with a master perfumer

Francis Kurkdjian, French perfumer and artistic director of Maison Francis Kurkdjian, shares the sources of inspiration and discoveries on his journey into the world of luxury fragrances

time-read
5 mins  |
December 2023 - January 2024
CURATED SUMMER ESSENTIALS
GQ South Africa

CURATED SUMMER ESSENTIALS

Our Fashion Director Luke Diva shares his summer checklist, from refreshing cocktails to trendy wardrobe items

time-read
1 min  |
December 2023 - January 2024
Taste Makers
GQ South Africa

Taste Makers

The Marble Group the team behind three of Johannesburg’s top restaurants, Marble, Saint and Zioux take us on an urban adventure in dining

time-read
2 mins  |
December 2023 - January 2024