Vs Audi A7 vs. BMW 5-series vs. MB E-Class design discussion

[K-A]

These pics were posted by a Member of a BMW Forum (who was upset in that he thought his car appeared a little "bland" next to the A7):

The A7's butt looks sad next to the F10's.... I mean this literally, the thing looks like it's crying.... Maybe because its diaper is full?

I think that the 5'er is a timeless shape that will age well, and command respect everywhere. The A7 and "4-Door Coupe" fad is something more of a statement, that will get you "ooh's and aah's" by some, and make you look foolish to others. In the end, what makes you happy is what matters. I'm a sucker for the classic presence and timeless persona of a GOOD 3-Box Stately 4-Door Sedan.

 

[Deleted member 1071]

IMHO, the Audi A7 and BMW 5 series are the most visually attractive 4 door automobiles. My enthusiasm for the Mercedes-Benz CLS has diminished considerably. While very exciting in AMG trim, the more pedestrian versions with their smaller tire/wheel specifications and rather unimaginative paint hues appear a bit tacky to me (love the interior though). The M-B E-Class was never really a contender in the looks department in my book. And the new Audi A6, while pleasant, can be a bit bland. I found myself quite underwhelmed after having viewed the new A6 IRL at my local Audi dealer a few days ago. Odd as the car can look so grand in photographs. Very spec dependant, I reckon.

Especially the BMW 5 series seems to always look impressive. Regardless of color or tire/wheel specs. And I'm really looking forward to the upcoming 6 series Gran Coupe.

 

[donkeykong]

These pics were posted by a Member of a BMW Forum (who was upset in that he thought his car appeared a little "bland" next to the A7):

The A7's butt looks sad next to the F10's.... I mean this literally, the thing looks like it's crying.... Maybe because its diaper is full?

I think that the 5'er is a timeless shape that will age well, and command respect everywhere. The A7 and "4-Door Coupe" fad is something more of a statement, that will get you "ooh's and aah's" by some, and make you look foolish to others. In the end, what makes you happy is what matters. I'm a sucker for the classic presence and timeless persona of a GOOD 3-Box Stately 4-Door Sedan.

To me the A7 represents blending both old,and new perfectly. The front end has a futuristic look that seems to out shine a very good looking 5 series(apparently the owner of the bemmer feels the same). The body is some what reminiscent of a vintage Jag with it's clean lines I'm sure it will age remarkably well. It's funny how you constantly knock the A7's rear lights,and yet you own an E Class

 

[braaf]

It's funny how you constantly knock the A7's rear lights,and yet you own an E Class

Urm the E class has a good looking rear.

 

[donkeykong]

Urm the E class has a good looking rear.

urm thats in your opinion

 

[K-A]

BMW 5 series seems to always look impressive. Regardless of color or tire/wheel specs.

I gotta disagree there. I've been seeing my fair share of Base F10 528i's and they're quite dull, uninspiring, and even a bit heavy and flabby appearing to me, albeit not ugly in any way, of course. I can imagine that when they flood the streets more, they will appear continuously ubiquitous. However, I feel that the design really wakes up and strikes a great balance when the Premium Options are filled. Almost the exact same case as how the W211 was. Come to think of it, this seems to be the perfect-winning formula for a Luxury Sedan. Keep it as passive and understated as possible in Base form, but have a brilliant design between-the-lines, ready to come out and show itself off if the owner chooses to.

It's funny how you constantly knock the A7's rear lights,and yet you own an E Class

I'm not only knocking the A7's rear lights, in fact, I haven't a problem with the rear lights (typical Audi look, not my thing but not flawed in any real way), it's the entire rear that I'm knocking. The E's rear may draw different opinions, but unlike the A7's, it has a very purposeful and solid appearance, and can be either sophisticated and understated; blending in, etc. or can be optioned to look sharp and aggressive. I happen to like my baby's a$$ anyway, and don't think the A7's full-diaper look holds a candle to it.

 

[donkeykong]

I was only joking with you the back of the E Class is fine the rear may be a bit contriversal to some but it doesn't look bad to me. But then again neither does the A7. My local dealers haven't recieved any yet I'm still waiting to see it in person. I still believe the S-Line is a must,so is the case for most M-B's,needing an AMG package to truly shine.

 

[Shining Star]

The A7's front looks pretty good in the pictures next to the 5er. I'll get my first look at the A7 and the CLS at New York; should be exciting.

 

[K-A]

I was only joking with you the back of the E Class is fine the rear may be a bit contriversal to some but it doesn't look bad to me. But then again neither does the A7. My local dealers haven't recieved any yet I'm still waiting to see it in person. I still believe the S-Line is a must,so is the case for most M-B's,needing an AMG package to truly shine.

All in the fun.

I had no idea they were even at Dealers yet. I'm gonna try and find a Dealer that (hopefully) has an A7 on display around me, and try and get a pic of my car next to it, hoping that I don't feel the same sentiments as the F10 owner.

 

[braaf]

urm thats in your opinion

Then you shouldn't make such loose statements.

 

[Deleted member 1071]

I gotta disagree there. I've been seeing my fair share of Base F10 528i's and they're quite dull, uninspiring, and even a bit heavy and flabby appearing to me, albeit not ugly in any way, of course.

I will agree that the F10 5 series appears quite hefty, substantial. But the quality of surface detailing and rakish greenhouse succeed in diminishing that effect. The synergy of architecture and detailing are what make the 5 series such an enticing proposition IMHO. Elegant, sporting and enduring. Much of the same can be said of the A7, although I will admit that it takes some time becoming accustomed to the somewhat hunchbacked slope of the roof. A bit more rake, as seen on the Concept Sportback, would have made the A7 immaculate.

Yes, the W212 does appear lighter and more airy than the F10. And the cars' architecture, its' profile, are actually quite without reproach. But the detailing, the surfacing on the W212 looks like it was contrived by 2 groups of designers not communicating with each other. IMHO, that has turned what could have been a very attractive car into something far less. M-B did a far better job on the W204 C-Class and the new SLK has me hoping for a more homogenous and coherent M-B exterior design signature.

 

[Sunny]

I

Uggh, sorry man, those smoked lights gotta go. It might work for hot hatches but not a E class especially with that chrome thingy between the lights. It reminds me of those old hairy fat guys with bling jogging in their tights trying too hard to look young.

 

[K-A]

I will agree that the F10 5 series appears quite hefty, substantial. But the quality of surface detailing and rakish greenhouse succeed in diminishing that effect. The synergy of architecture and detailing are what make the 5 series such an enticing proposition IMHO. Elegant, sporting and enduring. Much of the same can be said of the A7, although I will admit that it takes some time becoming accustomed to the somewhat hunchbacked slope of the roof. A bit more rake, as seen on the Concept Sportback, would have made the A7 immaculate.

Yes, the W212 does appear lighter and more airy than the F10. And the cars' architecture, its' profile, are actually quite without reproach. But the detailing, the surfacing on the W212 looks like it was contrived by 2 groups of designers not communicating with each other. IMHO, that has turned what could have been a very attractive car into something far less. M-B did a far better job on the W204 C-Class and the new SLK has me hoping for a more homogenous and coherent M-B exterior design signature.

I had the same feeling about the 212 initially. Now that I'm used to the lines, they really stir up passionate feelings on the positive end, and I love seeing the car on the road, because there are SO many angles and shadow-playing surfaces that give the car a different character almost every time you (I) see it. The F10 always looks great, but it doesn't inspire me too much, and if I see many in a day, I'll stop looking, which was never the case with the 212. I guess the character of the 212 is just something the F10 lacks, it seems to have more soul to me.

I don't think the line-play is getting better in fact. To me, the W212's lines look somewhat conservative and very well thought out compared to the complete messes slathered to the sides of the next CLS, and especially A-Class (and probably W222 S-Class).

Uggh, sorry man, those smoked lights gotta go. It might work for hot hatches but not a E class especially with that chrome thingy between the lights. It reminds me of those old hairy fat guys with bling jogging in their tights trying too hard to look young.

To me the rear of the car now looks much better than it did with the red tails. Also, that chrome bar looks more out of place with red tails, as there's too many contrasting colors. darkening the tails gives the car a 3-color theme: White, Black & Chrome. To me, the car as it sits now, has a rear end makes me feel very happy when I'm walking up to it.

 

[K-A]

So, inspired by the F10 owner, I went to check out an A7 today. Here it is:

Driving dynamics are outstanding. If the next A6 drives like this, it will be the class leader in performance feel, and dynamics, while the W212 will be the class leader in luxury, leaving the F10 a smidge behind the A6 due to being supremely heavy, having questionable steering feel (for a BMW at least), and having a less advanced overall construction (Audi's aluminum space frame is pretty incredible), and a smidge behind the E in comfort and quiet/comfy ride.

Compared to my E, it feels like a go cart. Plenty of power on tap, and the Turbo spools up almost instantaneously. The chassis is extremely composed, and is both comfortable and very light/nimble in its feel. Getting back into my E, I felt like I was in a heavy Luxury Sedan, which is appropriate for what I want out of my car, but the differences in driving feel couldn't be any more different.

The interior was beautiful in the A7, and cozier than the avant-garde and over-styled look leads you to believe in pics. Materials were great, etc. For a 6'4 person like me, headroom was about an inch or two shy of being totally comfortable (I don't even know if I could buy a car like this, as if I sit up straight, I have to kink my head, and my E is a close-enough call in that department as it is). Getting back in my E, I appreciated the Benz upright feel and teutonic'ness, and wasn't in any way deterred, in fact, I was happy to be back "home". However, I can't really say anything bad about Audi's interior, except for the CHEAP AND CRAPPY pop up screen.

 

[donkeykong]

Great review,and nice pic the A7's design is effortless,what engine did the car have?

 

[K-A]

Thanks. It looks GREAT in person, although I still don't love the rear, and it had some very enthusiastic fans looking at it when I was there. It had the 310 HP Turbo V6, surprised at how quick and torquey it felt.

Here are pics next to my E. I must say, I couldn't be happier with how my car looks next to it. The A7 is great, but for my tastes I'm all the way with the E!! I think it fared more interestingly next to the A7 than the F10 picture did, IMO.

 

[donkeykong]

Nice pics,but the 3.0t is super charged,and not turbo charged.

 

[K-A]

My bad lol, you're right. I should have remembered since I was staring and drooling at that cool "Supercharged" emblem on the sides.

I think that's why I liked the torquey power delivery so much. Nothing against Turbo's, but I find S/C's really fly off the line.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Great pictures KA and nice review. Thank you.

 

[vios1]

Mercedes benz is always the trend setter in term of design, no matter how messy the side profile line is...sooner or later we will see followers...KA you did make a right choice. In terms of appearance Mercedes really out shine others .... my own judgement