31 Mar 2003 | malross said...

Bold is the word that springs to mind for me. :)

I actually love the stuff Chris Bangle's coming out with, if he's the guy who styled the Z4. The swept-back style of headlight is fairly common in European cars (I couldn't comment on US cars) and these just seem like another take on it. The 5-series tail-lights, on the other hand, look awful to me. Way too downmarket.

31 Mar 2003 | Don Schenck said...

Jason, most of the comments at that site are positive. Add mine to that list.

31 Mar 2003 | Don Schenck said...

P.S. I think that Audi is horrible -- way too bland. Yuck.

31 Mar 2003 | scottmt said...

Appears they looked to the Z4 for the grill, and it does seem disproportionate. The tail lights are rather Camry-cum-mercedes 320 .. not what I would expect. We can only prey for the M5 I guess!

I'm an Audi fan before a BMW fan, but the new A8 is almost aerodynamic to the point of featurelessness, too bland. I'm sure the interior is amazing though.

31 Mar 2003 | ~bc said...

I think the new Z4 looks like a HotWheels creation, or the vehicle of the bad guy in some cartoon. And the new 5 looks much like what's wrong with the 7. That said, the 5 isn't a total loss. I think it looks good, diagonally from the corners (front corner, looking back, for example). But straight-on from front or side (don't mind the rear so much), eh, not so much. You're right on with the front headlights. says "Celica" or "Vibe" to me. And that's so wrong on a Bimmer.

31 Mar 2003 | Michael S. said...

I think the Z4 has nice proportions, and some of the creases work for it, but they're just overdone. Especially the diagonal one with the BMW badge behind the front fender.

I also think too many lines spoil the new 5. Especially around the trunk/taillight area.

31 Mar 2003 | ~bc said...

Oh, and for the A8, I think the new one is an improvement. I always thought that the magic in the look of the A4 never was able to scale up to the A6 and 8 (and it was always better on the 6 than 8). This new take gets closer, but damn, the thing still looks huge.

31 Mar 2003 | One said...

i agree JF, i really hate the new designes from BMW, Z4 is a sport car, so it should looks like "sport" not "classic", but sedan cars, like 7 series or 5 should not go to "radical" designs, BMW should improve the old design not change it.

Sorry for my english :-)

31 Mar 2003 | gianni said...

I love it... mark my words, the contreversy of these designs will make them legendary. The 7s and Z4 are badass. I have heard many people either love it or hate it, but no in betweens. The audi's look great also, but we should not compare, because the audi is just a slight revision in design compared to its predessor. BMW, is redefining it self, just as Volvo did.

If i see another generic looking BMW again, i think ill barf. Volvo had kept its boxy appearance, too long and now they are enjoying the fruits of they redesign.

Even the Cadi CTS looked wrong to me, but its design has grown on me. I believe people are not acclimating too well to the contours that the new designs are pushing, but I think they are really redefining what future cars will look like.

Oh, and here in Miami I have noticed a lot more BMW 7s since its redesign.

31 Mar 2003 | yuckmouth said...

Love the new 5. The spy photos I have seen of the 6 series - not so good. Audi's design has gotten a bit tame recently - excluding the wonderfully odd TT.

If only they would resurrect the Audi Quattro Spyder.

31 Mar 2003 | JF said...

The 7s and Z4 are badass.

They might be bad ass, but they're already redesigning the 7 because it was either too bad ass or not bad ass enough. The next iteration might be right on, but this one was way off (and BMW finally acknowledges that).

The verdict is still out on the Z4. We'll see how it plays out in the market. It's young.

Yes, Volvo reinvented itself through a redesign, but that's because it was a good redesign. Their new visual language is strong and consistent across model lines. The new BMW stuff looks like it's all over the place. I don't see a direction. When I look at the new 7, or the picture of the new 5, I feel like I'm looking through a car design kaliedoscope instead of a clear, crisp lens. The new designs are hard to figure out. What is the new direction? What is the new visual language? What is the new BMW look? Can you explain it?

I believe people are not acclimating too well to the contours that the new designs are pushing, but I think they are really redefining what future cars will look like.

How will cars look in the future? Confused? There are so many competing lines in the new BMW designs that the car looks confused. I don't think there's anything in these new BMW designs that really pushes car design forward. What am I missing? I think Cadillac is pushing more than BMW is pushing. The CTS is angular and new. And the Sixteen concept is unreal (especially in person).

31 Mar 2003 | JF said...

Audi's design has gotten a bit tame recently - excluding the wonderfully odd TT.

Seen the new Audi Nuvolari quattro Concept? BOLD. Audi's concepts usually make it to production relatively unchanged.

31 Mar 2003 | Benjy said...

I agree 100% that Chris Bangle's designs are threatening BMW. The current 3-Series has been my favorite car since it hit the road in 1999, but I don't like the updates Bangle initiated, particularly the grill and headlights.

The he presented the new 7-Series, which I hated at first and it's kind of grown on me a little, but it's still not a beautiful car.

I personally don't care for the Z4 at all because it's overdone with the creases and the rear of the car seems out of proportion. But for a sporty car, I'll let him go with the edgy design.

However, those creases and edginess have no place on a $50,000 luxury sport sedan. I've always admired BMW for the luxurious, slightly conservative exterior covering sporty mechanicals. But now they seem to be resorting to the overt visual sportiness I see as a design flaw I associate with the Japanese car designs, ie. the new Mazda 6, the Lexus IS300, etc.

31 Mar 2003 | Steve said...

Wow, I couldn't disagree with you more, JF. I like the new 5. The headlights might be a bit more than I would have gone for, but it's a nitpick. The current 5 series is a boring, stodgy car that barely is better than the grandpa E class. There's nothing in that design that says it's a driving-oriented car, unlike the absolutely gorgeous 3 series. This looks much more athletic and agile and looks more like what a great-driving car would look like.

The 7 series has grown on me. Be interesting to see what the changes are like.

And the A8 is just a big A4, and not even that interesting. There's no definition, no statement there at all. At least to my eyes.

01 Apr 2003 | .sara said...

it's not the best redesign, but at least they didn't completely ruin the back-end like they did with the 7 Series. this one still smacks heavily of the distinctive BMW-tail, whereas the 7 Series is just .. icky.

01 Apr 2003 | jedrek said...

I am totally slobering over this one...

01 Apr 2003 | yuckmouth said...

What I don't like about the new 5 is the diagonal line that runs from the top of the trunk lid to the bottom of the rear light assembly. That's the only complaint so far from this armchair car designer.

I remember reading that BMW's goal is to make each series really stand on it's own - where a 3 series would never be confused with a 5, or a 5 with a 7, etc.

01 Apr 2003 | Don Schenck said...

Tell ya what I'll do; you all contribute to my PayPal account, and I'll buy a new 5 Series and give you real-world feedback. Sound good?

:-)

01 Apr 2003 | Michael S. said...

What I don't like about the new 5 is the diagonal line that runs from the top of the trunk lid to the bottom of the rear light assembly

Couldn't agree more. Makes it look like the trunk and taillights were bolted on as an afterthought, and breaks up the otherwise-not-too-bad side/rear view.

01 Apr 2003 | Mike said...

What's up when volvo is making sexier cars than BMW???
http://new.volvocars.com/models/s60/images/s60_gallery_ext1.jpg

01 Apr 2003 | JFR said...

Seen the new Audi Nuvolari quattro Concept? BOLD.

Now that's sharp

01 Apr 2003 | Gabriel Bridger said...

Last year I had the opportunity to talk with the BMWUSA 7 and 6 series brand manager. Among other things we talked for awhile about the design of the new 7 and the upcoming look at feel of the 5 series. He told me that it was BMWs goal to create differing looks for each of their models. They didn't want as he put it in an interesting Germen metaphor, the same sausage in different sizes. They wanted the cars to be able to stand on their own while relying on the defining design principles of BMWs.

He also said that BMW doesn't want to reply on safe design evolutions. I've also heard Chris Bangle (and other BMW designers) mention that they want new designs to embrace the future and not live off of retro fads and the like. The new 5 is an example of this.

Personally I think it's a triumph that won't really be realized until seen in the flesh. Much like the Z4, the new 5 relies on light and shadow to play a major part in the look of the car. I think it's a look that will see much more of in all aspects of our design landscape.

And for those who might think the new 7 series has not been a success this past year was a record setter in terms of sales.

01 Apr 2003 | B said...

And for those who might think the new 7 series has not been a success this past year was a record setter in terms of sales.

Then why the quick redesign?

01 Apr 2003 | Gabriel Bridger said...

BMW has always done mid-model refreshes - look at the current 3 series (E46 for the BMW fans out there). With this particular refresh they will probably change some of the trunk details which is probably the weakest part of the design. Granted it's usually every 4 years and this time it appears to be 3 - but I think it's pretty telling that the 7 had so much mixed initial press yet it had the best sales year.

01 Apr 2003 | Benjy said...

I just took a look at this shot of the front of the new 5-Series. Is it just me or does the hood and grill look too similar to a Pontiac Grand Am?

01 Apr 2003 | Steve said...

Is it just me or does the hood and grill look too similar to a Pontiac Grand Am?

One could argue that it's the other way around. In fact, BMW has sued Pontiac over its use of the kidney-shaped grille, which has been a BMW trait since forever.

01 Apr 2003 | pb said...

Jeepers! How could the 7 *not* have its best sales year? Wouldn't you expect the refresh of a car after 5 or how ever many years to automatically have its best sales year? My goodness. Doesn't change the fact that it's hard on the eyes. Chrysler and BMW have really missed the mark recently.

01 Apr 2003 | Gabriel Bridger said...

pb - not necessarily. The current 5 series also had one of it's best sales years ever this past year (7 years into the model run!) and certainly if they had missed the mark in styling sales would not increase. BMW cars don't always follow the statistical norms of the auto industry.

01 Apr 2003 | Benjy said...

One could argue that it's the other way around. In fact, BMW has sued Pontiac over its use of the kidney-shaped grille, which has been a BMW trait since forever.

I realize that both BMW and Pontiac have used the kidney shaped grills for a while, but it seems to me that the proportions and the contours of the hood of the new 5 particularly match those of the current Grand Am.

01 Apr 2003 | B said...

The current 5 series also had one of it's best sales years ever this past year

Could that be because people think this is the last chance they'll get to have one of the classic, good looking, well balanced 5 series cars? It's like the last week of a beanie baby before it's retired.

01 Apr 2003 | puck said...

I can't find a spy photo, but the new 6 series has a very unflattering likeness to a Grand Am.

01 Apr 2003 | Gabriel Bridger said...

01 Apr 2003 | David Wertheimer said...

Chris Bangle misses the difference between doing different and trying to be different. The fact that lots of funky creases jar the look of the Z4's door doesn't make it more handsome; it just makes it more jarring.

The new 5-series is inoffensive enough but still not for me. The taillights look like a Hyundai's from the side, and the tall body panels don't flatter the profile.

I liked BMWs because they exuded class. As noted above, the new 5 doesn't look like it's worth $50,000, which it should--that car ought to be smart, sleek, and assured, not crying for attention.

If I wanted unadulterated styling cues I'd buy that Pontiac.

01 Apr 2003 | David Wertheimer said...

Or as my fiancee just said to me, "It looks like the Jetta and the Altima had a baby, and the Z4 had some play in there too. why why why"

01 Apr 2003 | pb said...

"The current 5 series also had one of it's best sales years ever this past year."

Well, that's even further evidence of the 7's sales being good despite its appearance.

01 Apr 2003 | Steve said...

Wouldn't you expect the refresh of a car after 5 or how ever many years to automatically have its best sales year?

No. A refresh is no guarnatee of continued sales. In fact, more than once automakers have seen sales plummet as the result of a redesign. See the Taurus c. 1995 for a prime example.

Chrysler and BMW have really missed the mark recently.

How do you figure? Chrysler is the only one of the Big 3 doing anything interesting, in my opinion. They don't always succeed, but there are some nice vehicles there. The new Crossfire looks very nice.

01 Apr 2003 | Steve said...

Could that be because people think this is the last chance they'll get to have one of the classic, good looking, well balanced 5 series cars?

Really doubt it. For one, these pictures of the new 5 series are very new. Two, only a limited number of people have seen these so far. Three, car-buying behavior doesn't work that way. People generally buy what they want at the moment they decide they're ready for a new car, and rarely will they accelerate purchase decisions based on factors like a model change.

02 Apr 2003 | yuckmouth said...

The Crossfire does look good - though the hood is a bit overworked. Some designers don't know when to stop (like me).

02 Apr 2003 | Gabriel Bridger said...

Not to beat a dead horse but I came across some interesting new photos of the BMW 5 series that might change some minds or strengthen some opinions:

side
front
3/4
rear

02 Apr 2003 | Benjy said...

Did they steal those headlights off the ES300? Why can't car designers just make simple, clean headlights that complement the overall look of the car rather then trying to make some bold statement?

02 Apr 2003 | JF said...

Those are great shots (they changed my mind a little). Thanks for posting them. I still think the back-end -- especially from the side -- is confusing. And the thin part of the swept back headlights just feels out of proportion. The other thing is that it feels like the car really requires perfect lighting to accentuate all the curves and lines. Without the perfect light, the design fades away. But, if I cover up the back, I'm starting to like it.

02 Apr 2003 | yuckmouth said...

So the car would get kind of ugly if it wasn't kept at a high sheen... It's like owning a show dog.

02 Apr 2003 | B said...

So the car would get kind of ugly if it wasn't kept at a high sheen..

I've seen this happen with the Z4. The curves and cuts gather dust like a swiffer. Every little line and curve shows. It's just too much.

02 Apr 2003 | Don Schenck said...

Whatsa matter? ... doesn't your Cavalier gather dust, too?

02 Apr 2003 | Jerry Lewis said...

It looks suspiciously Japanese in the pictures so far. The rear end is sadly reminiscent of the lamentable Infiniti I30.

I just hope it looks better on the street than in pictures

03 Apr 2003 | Benjy said...

I was sitting next to a Kia Rio on the way to work today. Notice any similarities to the new 5 Series?

03 Apr 2003 | yuckmouth said...

Yeah, 4 wheels and 4 doors...

03 Apr 2003 | alisha said...

I think yall should boycott them shitty german cars. passive, old-style, sauerkraut-eating problem-makers!

the 7-series looks like my grandpas acura and only women and fags drive the TT. Real men drive this!

03 Apr 2003 | churrisco said...

No, real men drive these. Most of the drivers of the New Mini and the Audi A4 are gay men - at least in my neck of the woods. What can you say? They got good taste in cars. And just to cover my ass, gay men are real men too.

03 Apr 2003 | alisha said...

No, real men drive these.
---
well, holy shit! that scout is Village People material.
My gay buddy Ric refused to buy a TT because only "fags" drive them (thats where I got the quote) and bought a bmw roaster instead. What a lemon! He broke his lease 1 year later.

Have you seen that great mini tv spot where they chase lamborghinis around the city?

03 Apr 2003 | Gabriel Bridger said...

Whoa churrisco - lets not put labels on Mini owners please.

alisha - the Mini is designed, engineered and built by BMW.

03 Apr 2003 | churrisco said...

That Scout in particular was made to celebrate the USA not "YMCA".

03 Apr 2003 | churrisco said...

Haha - that's a great ad! Gabriel, I tried to make the distinction that it was only in my neck of the woods. It may be very different in your home town - or very much the same. ;)

04 Apr 2003 | Gabriel Bridger said...

churrisco - no worries. I'd just rather see great cars to taken at face value and not at some assumed stereotype.

04 Apr 2003 | alisha said...

alisha - the Mini is designed, engineered and built by BMW.
---
only since 96. remember that superb British engineering is what gave the mini its base.
---
What can you say? They got good taste in cars.
---
in men too. and clothes. and lifestyle.

04 Apr 2003 | Drij said...

The rear end and the front end look horrible, the hood looks like it's ready to pop off it doesn't look like it fits. Also try coveing up the headlight corners it looks a little bit better

05 Apr 2003 | rik van den broeck said...

hi there,

i realy think this guy is badly informed. the new bmw 7 was actually well recieved by the public and it has the sales to prove it: it sold 4 % more than the former 7. and in a range like this , you cant expect an increase of 20 % with luxurycars, i say well done to bmw.

07 Apr 2003 | Full Moon said...

the new 5-series BMW is "to die for" .. aaaaaaaaahhhh I ADORE BMW .. they really have the luxurious touch. ITs a PIECE OF ART

07 Apr 2003 | Mani said...

First of all, please excuse my bad english.

And, the design of new BMW models is truly horrible.
Ive been a hardcore BMW fan since I cant remember, and NEVER ever did I have to LEARN to like a BMW model.

When the E46 was introduced there was no doubt about it, BMW had done it again! A direct hit, total success!

The key to their success is constant IMPROVEMENT and small, but not insignificant changes to the design. If you look at an E36 and compare it to E46 you can clearly see that the resemblance. Theyve kept the good stuff and made the design more lean and futuristic.

Other high-class automobiles have the same characteristics.
The new mercedes C-class are just improved, not made-over.
And the front is good looking from EVERY angle, you dont have to make believe its good looking...

Volvos makeover is NOT a good comparison!
BMW has a long tradition of fine design, WHY OH WHY would they want to throw all this away?!?!?

The Z4 is ugly, so DAMN ugly. As goes for the 7-series. When I saw spy-shots I was disgusted. When I saw it in real life, I was amazed of the total lack of esthetics (excluding the interior, Im guessing Chris Bangle had nothing to do with the inside). The back of the car is not even near okay. Japanese designers probably look at it and go: "damn, now THEY ARE making the ugliest car for a change!".

The current 5-series was a instant success, even the first spy-shots made my gas-pedal-foot itch. The new one makes me want to switch to Mercedes or other car-companies that does give a damn about their most loyal customers!

07 Apr 2003 | alisha said...

bmw sucks rancid tuna salad compared to audi.

07 Apr 2003 | Drij said...

BMW's and Audi's are both beautiful

08 Apr 2003 | alisha said...

not from the inside. audi has a better designed (functional and visual) interior. bmw revs too high for my taste. the 3 series is loud on the AB. I also prefer audis exterior design.

08 Apr 2003 | Steve said...

You're right Alisha that Audio has better interiors. In fact, Audi is generally considered to have the best-designed interiors out of any mass-produced cars. Not that BMW's suck, but Audi is very strong in the interior design.

For the exterior, Audi (damn, I keep typing audio every time) doesn't grab me that much. They're nice looking, but kind of plain. There's not enough differentiation amongst the various models, either. The A4, A6 and A8 just look like increasingly large versions of the same car. Maybe it's Volkswagen's influence; I mean, can anyone tell the difference between a Golf, a Polo and a Lupo?

And, whatever credit Audi gets for good exterior design needs to be taken down several notches for the A2. Dear god, that is one ugly car.

08 Apr 2003 | A Smith said...

I think this is the car I have been waiting for. At last the 5 series (always voted the best in its class) has shaken off its old-man image and pensioners outing clothes. Cant wait to put it through its paces!

08 Apr 2003 | Goran said...

the new bmw is futuristic, exciting, cool and bmw, a futuristic version of bmw, can you imagine something cooler? I think chris bangle is brave and has gots making so big steps in design of a car with so much reputation. I'm telling toy guys, and I'm a bmw lover too, chris is rising bmw to new levels, developing the old design further would be to make somehing safe&boring. like audis new cars which all look to similar and not exciting.

08 Apr 2003 | Drij said...

Yes I agree Audi's look very similar, but the just have this class to them, that I find them looking great! The new A3 spyshots look pretty wicked to. But back to the nasty 5 series Bimmer. To say Chris Bangle is taking BMW to new levels is just plain crazy. He's destroying BMW's unflawed design of the five series. Look at the headlights flares, it's just ugly and don't get me started on the rearend. This ones going back for a redesign hopefully. Atleast MB is "updating" their cars!

09 Apr 2003 | Ken said...

I just worked on a TV pilot where we used a BMW 7 series and BMW Z4. They both looked great in person. The new cars are ugly in pictures, but interesting in person. The Z4 has fascinating style cues, it mixes diagonals with circles, and intersects them at certain points. Even the wheel design is an alternating circle and line design. I have to say, everyone who got near it couldn't keep their eyes off it.

The 7 series however, is a piece of shit car to operate. It's like driving a laptop - it's prone to crashing. Everytime our lead actor would come to a stop and get out, the windshield wiper would go once. That i-Drive makes the car practically unusable without a degree from M.I.T.

09 Apr 2003 | Drij said...

I've seen both in person, the 7 series looked alright but the Z4 still looked hideous, it just doesn't look right, also seeing it on Speed channels test drive I didn't like it.

09 Apr 2003 | asdf said...

bmw sucks rancid tuna salad compared to audi.Having owned both, I prefer my BMW. Of course, my Audi 90 Quattro was built during the dark days of Audi.

10 Apr 2003 | carl luther said...

What the hell is this, the 5 series !!!!!! okey so let make me clear that there are so many weakness that you can find on this new model. First if you look at the interior you will reliased that there is still a manual/auto transmission and a handbrakes. This is beacause that, during the launched of the new 7 series, BMW officials claimed that, this would be a new era for automobile, and that mean some of the basics elements such as transmission and a handbrakes would be a history. But now what happend? I can still see those two elements up there. Second, the designing. Yes i know it is bad, awful and ugly especially the interior. For me, Chirs Bangle has done totally damaged not only to 5 series, but it is also to bmw itself.

10 Apr 2003 | Steve said...

Elements like the transmission and handbrake are still there in part because of legal requirements. For instance, it is law that in order to sell a vehicle in the United States, there has to be a mechanical brake with at least two methods of activation. BMW can't get rid of the parking brake because of that, no matter how much it may want to.

10 Apr 2003 | alisha said...

"Having owned both, I prefer my BMW. Of course, my Audi 90 Quattro was built during the dark days of Audi."
---
tja, when youre allowed to drive no faster than 65, 75 MPH, then you dont really feel BWMs shortcomings on a daily basis, do you? :-)

12 Apr 2003 | carl luther said...

Firstly, I would like to say thank you very much to Steve in response of my comments. In that comments, I did say that the transmission and a handbrakes are already history to automobil industry. But what I mean't here is that, if you look at the current 3 series or a new 7 series, you will notice that the bmw engineers somehow had created a new kind of transmission for example the SMG on a 3 series and a formula 1 transmission that was fitted on the latest 7 series.So why the bmw engineers suddenly has decide to use this kind of technology that is more than 10 years away?. And if I were a bmw engineers, I surely will thrown away that kind of technology. Secondly, in my comments also, I have mention that the use of a handbrakes is also a history. This is because that, if you look at the latest mercedes E class you will notice that the handbrakes are not existed anymore. Instead their have used a hydrolic handbrakes. So once again, why the bmw engineers has decide not use this kind of technology?. And as for my conclusions, if bmw wants to maintain it's competion, their must use this kind of technology, or else they will face a great consequence.

13 Apr 2003 | John said...

The 5 Series looks just like BMW's image - Self saitisfied & arrogant. They are horrible cars. Go for something with some individuality & real style like the new Saab 93!

13 Apr 2003 | Drij said...

I'll take Bavarian engineering any day! Not Swedish/US.

14 Apr 2003 | John said...

Seen the new Audi Nuvolari quattro Concept?

You mean the love child of the TT and the BMW 3-series coupe?

15 Apr 2003 | alisha said...

has anyone driven a smart roadster?
Im curious as to how it drives.

15 Apr 2003 | Steve said...

Wow, I hadn't seen the Smart roadster. Actually looks kinda cool. The lack of a roof doesn't make the thing seem as tiny as it actually is.

16 Apr 2003 | Mathias said...

BMW is a rare company in the respect of total lack of fear in bringning new design into the automotive market. Remember when the new 3-series were released in the early 90s. It was way to futuristic and no one really liked it. Now, a decade later, the design is still up to date and as a matter of fact, lots of new cars still have a lot of the design from the old 3-series.
I am sure that the new BMW design is going to be a success. The mix of sharp, futuristic and smooth, classy lines is surely a move in the right direction. Add to that fantastic performance and driveability. There is a huge distance for Audi, MB, Volvo, SAAB etc to overlap before theyre in the same leauge as the one true bavarian. Have tried them all and its just so big difference, so big!

01 May 2003 | carl luther said...

I belived that in the next couple of years, bmw will have to redesigning it's new 5 series. This is because that it has already happened to the new 7 series following the poor feedback from the customer. And I also belived that for those who hate what Chris Bangle has done to the latest 5 series and the 7 series, can put your signature on http://www.petitiononline.com/mod perl/signed.cgi?STOPCB to show that how hate you are with these new models.

02 Jun 2003 | james said...

New 7 series. New Rolls-Royce. New 5 series. Forthcoming 3 series. Ugly. Ugly. Ugly. Ugly.
BMW what have you done?
I was holding onto my current E39 until the new model. Will now be holding onto it a lot longer and then...... Mercedes, Jaguar, Audi..... but not another BMW.
That side view of the new 5 series? Those vast slabs of sheet metal. Those small windows. That rear. The interior even. Those cheap-looking instruments.
Perhaps someone should loosen a link in that chain and lose that Bangle?

23 Jun 2003 | Ernest said...

The new 5 series is a love or hate it approach. It is obviously not for everyone, at the exactly what bangle is going for. The styling approach us supposed to stand out, and away from conventional. Love or hate the design it will the best mid-size sport sedan on the market. So stop nagging people this is the new BMW.

03 Oct 2003 | Henry said...

Yes, I was also one of the sceptics when Bangle revealed the 7-series. Living with it for a while the radical new path of BMW either consumes you, or disgusts you. 10 years from now the positioning of the BMW brand will be reassessed, and I'm sure you'll find that by then it will have solidly defined it's market with no grey area, and it's buyers will not conceive buying anything else, as they will be a unique animal!

I love controversy. I invite it in my life. I love my 7. The new 5 is a marvel of styling, that will crystalise in your mind immediately, or never. BMW drivers expect the best money can buy. We ARE technology junkies. If you're a bit slow-minded, MB will love your support, and few at BMW will care. We love in your face gadgets and styling. I don't waste my time test-driving other makes. Every car-magazine repeatedly attests that each and every car in the BMW range is the class leader for driving experience. Had the joy driving the new 530d recently, with active steering and HUD. If you haven't experienced this car, you are missing out on one of the true values of life - words cannot convey my feelings!!

Well done Bangle. BMW for the pure driver. If you ask why, you don't belong here!

06 Nov 2003 | FRANCOIS said...

SOME OF YOU ARE VERY CLEVER!

I THINK THAT THE 7 AND 5 IS SO FAR AHEAD, THAT IS WHY SOME OF YOU DON'T ANDERSTAND THE DESIGN.
BMW IS THE FUTURE AND WILL ALLWAYS BE.

SO GO AND DRIVE ONE AND LIVE THE FUTURE

20 Nov 2003 | car rates insurance said...

design has gone downhill...but there's always the m5

21 Nov 2003 | Joseph said...

I just bought the new 04 BMW 5 . It doesn't have the sport package. Every time I drive it I can't help thinking about that wonderful 2001, 530 I sold. This new car sucks. It simply doesn't perform like my old Bimmer. Save your money and don't make my 50,000 mistake. Anybody want to buy a car?

04 Jan 2004 | Sam said...

BMW is a total TRYHARD!!! Look at them always follows Mercedes Benz. When MB introduced Brake assist system BMW follows them. When MB introduced Electronic Stability Program BMW follows them. You gotta try MB first then try BMW and u will notice BMW is Rubbish.

15 Jan 2004 | DavidT said...

in reply to Henry and others who insist that BMW is for the future while MB is stuck in the past, i beg to differ. MB has so much new technology in their cars, but it's totally under the surface, you nvr know it until you use it. look at keyless-go: unlock the door without taking key out of your pocket. den start the car with key still inside pocket. in a rainy day, THAT's the type of tech i want. what abt particle filters that turn on to clean the air when car detects that pollution is too high? self-closing doors on the S-class (yes i know 7-series now has it too, but merc had it since 1990). iDrive? oh pleaaasseee... anyone who knows computers knows how easy it is to implement, n it's not implemented well in this case. MB's onboard computer is not particularly easy to use either, but enough switches r right in front of you that you never need to touch it. Intelligent cruise control came out on E-class first. E-class is still the only one to have automatic handbrake-just press brake pedal into the floor, and handbrake is engaged. THAT'S useful, especially at the traffic lights. And the interior, honestly, which is more modern? E-class is in a class of it's own, 5-series looks like a modernized old-5-series, that's all.

19 Jan 2004 | beema said...

What does the hell do you mean by bmws models looking like a kaleidoscope and not being crisp as a lens, you are really sad if you ask me. Bmw is plain better than volvo so wtf are you talking about kaleidoscopes for.