by - A former 2010 BMW 7-Series F01 was transformed into a 2024 G70 impersonator.
- Indian builders cut the body of the flagship sedan and built replicant components.
- The result looks quite convincing, though keen observers will notice several inconsistencies.
In the world of automotive design, polarization doesn’t always mean bad – it’s just a sign that people take it seriously. And when it comes to…, a few designs have truly sparked discussions. Well, except, of course, for one whose name isn’t even worth mentioning.
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However, some BMW fans are ready for the bold new look, even if their wallets (or current cars) aren’t quite agreeing with it. For example, one particularly motivated owner in India set out to transform an old 7-Series into a surprisingly successful mockup of the latest model.
From F01 to Faux G70
The donor car is the 7-Series F01, which BMW manufactured from 2008 to 2015. Compared to its predecessor, the notably re-styled E65 in the Bangle era, the F01 leaned towards conservative elegance. It was less aggressive than the subsequent G11. But after more than a decade, time has shown that the owner decided it was time for a major visual redesign.
The transformation was handled by Autokrafte, a body shop based in Ahmedabad, India. To achieve this, the team sourced replicant parts of headlights, taillights, bumpers, and other exterior panels that recreate the G70’s design language with stunning accuracy.
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Of course, swapping body constructions between two very different generations isn’t a simple matter. Autokrafte had to entirely cut the front and rear ends of the F01, reconstruct the fenders and hood so that the new parts fit into the new image with reasonable logic.
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From the front, the car now features the signature split headlights of the G70 and a large double nephron grille. At the rear, thin LED lights update everything to modernity, and black inserts in the bumpers and matching side skirts mimic the M sports package. The redesign even includes diamond-cut alloy wheels and a dual-tone Oxide Grey Metallic/Santorini Black paint for winning touches.
However, if you know your BMWs, the differences are hard to miss. The cabin cell, doors, handles, mirrors – all these are original F01 parts, creating some visual inconsistencies. Upon closer inspection, you’ll also notice panel gaps that don’t quite align, and elongated protrusions slightly disrupting proportions. The wheels, although stylish, seem a bit small for the aggressive new look.
Autokrafte does not mention any updates under the shell, so it’s assumed that the interior, chassis, and powertrain remain unchanged. The price also remains a mystery, but with a significant drop in the value of used 7-Series, it’s likely that this facelift cost considerably less than the real thing.
Growing Trend in Budget Facelifts
Projects like these are becoming increasingly popular in Asian markets, offering owners an affordable way to upgrade their vehicles. Some conversion kits are even available online, making such projects more accessible. For instance, the latest kit allows owners to add a touch of luxury to their executive sedan without breaking the bank.
As for this particular BMW, the G70 is undergoing its update. Don’t be surprised if this owner visits Autokrafte again, aiming to stay a step ahead of the curve.
