31 March 2010
During the past 10 years BMW has branched out into every market niche, from the coupé-SUV crossover that is the X6 to the estate-saloon-soft-roader hybrid that is the 5-series GT. But it is still the classic, default models like this new 5-series saloon that form the backbone of the brand.
Sales figures reflect this, with more than 90,000 examples of the outgoing Bangle-designed E60 5-series sold in the UK since it was introduced in 2003. From the look of the new model, you would be f...Read the full article
16 October 2009
I am not normally a BMW fan, I prefer Mercedes as a brand, but I like older BMWs & this has really impressed me, looking at it with no bodykit, smallish wheels, & in a dark colour, I think it looks really stunning, much less aggressive than the old 5-series. I like it, its kinda subtle, a quality not many cars have nowadays.
6 January 2008
Interesting to note Autocar's reservations on some aspects of the new 5's ride and handling. I say interesting since just about all other tests of the car I've read in other magazines give the car the thumbs up and declare it the new overall class leader. The Car magazine, for example, give the car 5 stars and in their test it beat the E-Class, XFand A6.
If I didn't know better I'd think Autocar's been overtly critical of BMWs in its recent tests, (a given if Andrew Frankel is the tester), but I know better, don't I?
18 December 2009
Interesting to note Autocar's reservations on some aspects of the new 5's ride and handling.
Interesting, but I wouldn't be surprised if the new 5-Series compared unfavourably to the model it replaces. Heavier suspension components and a longer wheelbase will produce a less compliant ride and understeer.
I think BMW has made a boo-boo, as there was plenty of space in the E60 and its chassis felt so alive it was electrifying. Now there may be more stability and cheaper running costs, but it seems like an overall loss to me; especially since the new car's looks are bland and, in some aspects, unattractive.
I'll be interested to see if the same reservations are expressed about the M5. Perhaps the use of more exotic materials in the M-car's suspension will overcome some flaws, but it won't overcome the natural inclination to understeer.
5 April 2009
Interesting, but I wouldn't be surprised if the new 5-Series compared unfavourably to the model it replaces. Heavier suspension components and a longer wheelbase will produce a less compliant ride and understeer.I think BMW has made a boo-boo, as there was plenty of space in the E60 and its chassis felt so alive it was electrifying. Now there may be more stability and cheaper running costs, but it seems like an overall loss to me; especially since the new car's looks are bland and, in some aspects, unattractive.
I'll be interested to see if the same reservations are expressed about the M5. Perhaps the use of more exotic materials in the M-car's suspension will overcome some flaws, but it won't overcome the natural inclination to understeer.
At least What Car? seem to know what's going on. According to them, in order of highest scorers, the Jag is top with 5 stars, and the BMW and Mercedes E both have 4.
I don't like this 5-series. I remember actually feeling excited over the last one, but this... not so much. Exterior styling looks pretty awful to me, relying on an odd mix of long straight, tight creases and odd curves. The interior looks nothing to speak of. XF for me please.
26 February 2010
At least What Car? seem to know what's going on.
What Car? is from the same publisher as Autocar, no? I think we can disregard their opinion.
As said above, outside of the Haymarket stable of titles, the 5-series has been judged best-in-class or neck-and-neck with the E-class. In additon to Car's verdict AutoExpress judged the 530d to be a long way ahead of the XF 3.0D S Luxury(on-paper more powerful) and AutoBild put the 530d narrowly ahead of the E350CDI and the XF last, behind The Citroen C6(530d v E350CDI v Audi A6 3.0 TDI Quattro v Citroen C6 V6 HDI 240 v Jag XF 3.0 V6 Diesel). The truth is the new 5-series and current E-class have moved the game on. The E-class loses out currently only on inferior powertrains. Later this year the 350CDI gets a power upgrade to around 260hp and around 600Nm(~440lb.ft). http://blog.mercedes-benz-passion.com/2010/03/domanig-veredelt-das-neue-e-klasse-cabrio-e350cdi-mit-265-ps/ With expected improvement to the 7-speed auto box this should put the E-class truly on a par with the 5-series.
To recap, real-world 36mpg, around six seconds 0-60mph, 155mph top speed and full five-seater, for around £38k is stunning. Autocar again is a sad statistical outlier - I think that's how you spell it.
5 April 2009
At least What Car? seem to know what's going on.
What Car? is from the same publisher as Autocar, no? I think we can disregard their opinion.
Does the publisher have a real say in the road test results? Are they the same roadtesters at each magazine? I'm just curious. And the road test that puts a Citroen C6 in front of an XF can surely be considered an outlier!
28 October 2008
I recently had a 400 mile test drive in an XF 3.0D and was hugely impressed with its' comfort and refinement. In fact when I got back into my 2 year old BMW 330D Coupe afterwards for the first time ever it felt rough by comparison with the Jag
I had a good look at the 530 last weekend but found it to be a bit bland, obviously very competent, an excellent car but a touch boring and that's why on Monday of this week I put my deposit down on an XF.
It may have higher running costs over the next few years but for me the general interior ambience, the way it looks and the pleasure I derived from driving it over the weekend convinced me this would be a better long term destination for my hard earned money.
The 330 is my 2nd BMW in recent years, I have really enjoyed it but I am beginning to think that BMW are in the process of engineering the character out of their cars.
26 February 2010
And the road test that puts a Citroen C6 in front of an XF can surely be considered an outlier!
- you wish. The C6 has just received the same updated 3.0 V6 diesel as the PSA/Ford/JLR engine in the XF, so it at least starts on equal footing motor-wise. Plus the C6 rides much better than the XF. The A/Bild testers found the XF short on space, particularly in the cramped rear, although it was longest and heaviest, was slower: 0-62mph 7.8s, over a second more than the 5-series/E-class, its steering was imprecise and offered little feedback(so much for the Beemer's inferior electric-assisted steering), its ride was sub-standard, and so on. Read it yourself: http://www.autobild.de/artikel/bmw-5er-gegen-a6-c6-xf-und-e-klasse_1144454.html
The XF is the Emperor's New Clothes - not a word must be said against it lest the myth is dispelled.
22 February 2008
BMW can't win. When the E60 was launched many people criticised the styling for being too radical. With the new car they have obviously been more conservative...and they get slated for that too! I for one wish they had been a bit bolder.
I currently have a 5 series and when I replace it no doubt I will go for the new car. Magazines do tests but miss certain key points. The Jag XF is lovely but there is no estate nor 4-wheel drive (which I need). The E-Class is also good but at least here in Switzerland when I look to spec a car for the same money I can have either a 5 with all the necessary bits or the same spec Merc.....but only as a C class. With that choice the 5 picks itself. Having said that my current 530 xd has been brilliant. 65'000km in just over two years with many trips back to the UK and even Mallorca last year. Hasn't missed a beat, totally reliable, relaxing on the daily commute plus between 500 and 600 miles a tank. It certainly isn't all the car I want...but is probably all the car I need.
5 April 2009
The XF is the Emperor's New Clothes - not a word must be said against it lest the myth is dispelled.
Hardly. Everyone probably knows it lacks space. However, it is one one car in the executive class that is emotional. You stand next to one and feel its flanks and bulging curvaceous haunches. The others are quite simply smartly (conservatively) styled business suits, hence the class name 'executive'. I find that advertising campaign for the 5-series with all those balls floating around talking about beautiful design hilarious!
And I'm betting the XF's steering will be better than a C6's. And the C6's cabin? I've sat in more luxurious superminins.