5 Series (G30) BMW 5 Series (G30/31/32) Spy Pics & Info Discussion

[Rainer271]

It is distinctive in comparison with the 7er thanks to the details that showcase further individuality between the two.

I think this too the details makes the different.

 

[JPATT93]

You are comparing a standard executive sedan with a luxury Coupe? And a Performance luxury SUV?

@Bricks could have compared it to the new e class and his point would still be valid.

@SCOTT27 I was just wondering your honest opinion (not a marketing answer). Do you think BMW puts its best foot forward when it comes to design? Or do you find its current approach at all uninspiring?

Obviously Mercedes takes a different approach and we should NEVER expect a BMW to be a Mercedes. However, though the Mercedes current line-up shows little variation between cars, it cannot be described as boring. Even the c class has road presence the 7er just doesn't have. I think that is a reflection of the design team.

I look forward to a handsome mediocre looking 5er, with an even more mediocre looking interior. I think Adrian van Hooydonk did a good job of cleaning up the line up - in terms of Bangle's adventurous designs (which I miss). That was accomplished with the f-series line up and there has been no real progression of design language since, expect for in concept cars.

I think its time for him to go.

 

[SCOTT27]

I understand the need to be conservative especially when the market is concerned.
Hence why 3er,5er,7er,X3,X5 are conservative to appeal to the existing customer. We have X5 customers for example who have been with the X5 ever since the E53 in 1999. So the formula cannot be too radical.
The above vehicles not only demand to conservative but also familiar. It is the customer that drives the decision in regards to the next stage of design for a specific series. Design is always rated highest.

I enjoyed the 2000s especially when BMW had to go radical and get everybody's attention.
It was a gamble that paid off. Unfortunately you will never see anything the likes of that again for a mainstream vehicle from BMW or indeed any other manufacturer. They don't want to take the risk because if It does not work especially in a high volume vehicle then your stuck for three-four years before you can ever consider a conservative refresh.

Where we can push the envelope is with specific niche vehicles such as the i3 and i8 because you have to show something new when entering a new phase of mobility. Vision Efficient Dynamics brought the i8 to reality. And Vision Next 100 will also bring something to reality also. MINI is also conservative for a reason, it has a huge following but many see MINI as a different brand away from the original incarnation. MINI seem to be attracting more customers that are older.So MINI will get back to a more youthful and engaging concept with an all new model that will be fully announced in 2017.

 

[JPATT93]

I understand the need to be conservative especially when the market is concerned.
Hence why 3er,5er,7er,X3,X5 are conservative to appeal to the existing customer. We have X5 customers for example who have been with the X5 ever since the E53 in 1999. So the formula cannot be too radical.
The above vehicles not only demand to conservative but also familiar. It is the customer that drives the decision in regards to the next stage of design for a specific series. Design is always rated highest.

I enjoyed the 2000s especially when BMW had to go radical and get everybody's attention.
It was a gamble that paid off. Unfortunately you will never see anything the likes of that again for a mainstream vehicle from BMW or indeed any other manufacturer. They don't want to take the risk because if It does not work especially in a high volume vehicle then your stuck for three-four years before you can ever consider a conservative refresh.

Where we can push the envelope is with specific niche vehicles such as the i3 and i8 because you have to show something new when entering a new phase of mobility. Vision Efficient Dynamics brought the i8 to reality. And Vision Next 100 will also bring something to reality also. MINI is also conservative for a reason, it has a huge following but many see MINI as a different brand away from the original incarnation. MINI seem to be attracting more customers that are older.So MINI will get back to a more youthful and engaging concept with an all new model that will be fully announced in 2017.

@SCOTT27 I understand what your saying about the need for BMW to be conservative for its mainstream cars. My question is, could the market be changing to demand more interesting design?

I was told the 7ers sales are less than what was hoped for at this point. Also, the S class and the 7er were neck and neck in terms of competing for sales when BMW had a more controversial design language: now the gap is huge with Mercedes in a stronger lead.

If I'm correct in that sales are indeed slow for the g11, could this mean perhaps customers want something a little more fresh and inspiring (VFL )?

Mercedes designs are familiar and are not controversial. Yet it somehow stands out and has the road presence an expensive luxury car should demand. In terms of design, BMW is no longer the car to covet.

 

[mdartisian]

The market for the 5er is very conservative. The F10 has been monumental in its success. It even brought back customers who defected in regards to the avant-garde E60. Therefore the clinics addressed the pros and cons of the F10.

That is what the customer wanted.

Oversight on BMW's part. The customer wanted a return to form from E to F generation (which they did) but the customer also wanted something new from F to G. Instead, what BMW has done is refresh F generation designs and that was a poor strategy.

As far as the customer goes, conservative is fine, but they want progress. BMW did not progress the design enough and took evolutionary way too literal. Now it's up to BMW to give the G30 the best first impression it can get.

 

[HUTSUTAo]

Oversight on BMW's part. The customer wanted a return to form from E to F generation (which they did) but the customer also wanted something new from F to G. Instead, what BMW has done is refresh F generation designs and that was a poor strategy.

As far as the customer goes, conservative is fine, but they want progress. BMW did not progress the design enough and took evolutionary way too literal. Now it's up to BMW to give the G30 the best first impression it can get.

progress in terms of technology and more efficient engines.

 

[mdartisian]

progress in terms of technology and more efficient engines.

amongst other things (design included).

Also, progress is more than just a company bettering themselves, but also how that company advances in relation to it's competitors. The thing is, a lot of BMW's innovation and quality is being overlooked because of familiar design. I do hope they really dress up this 5 series, interior and exterior.

 

[Sovereign]

BMW comes out with some of the best concept car designs and then.......

Expecting another evolution in the name of conservatism.

 

[Ali8Asad]

I couldn't agree more. Why is it that Porsche and Mercedes are able to make beautiful and sporty bumpers with dimension and depth and then all the new BMW's look like a dog bone shape was carved out of the bottom. It really falls flat and looks like a total afterthought. If they think we don't notice we do....

U cant compare those cars to the 5er
Sorry.

 

[klier]

Oversight on BMW's part. The customer wanted a return to form from E to F generation (which they did) but the customer also wanted something new from F to G. Instead, what BMW has done is refresh F generation designs and that was a poor strategy.

As far as the customer goes, conservative is fine, but they want progress. BMW did not progress the design enough and took evolutionary way too literal. Now it's up to BMW to give the G30 the best first impression it can get.

Uhm, you really are talking about yourself and some forum members. The general public, the people who will be buying the car, will love it like a freshly baked bread. Those taste the same everytime as well.

G30 will be the number one in it's class again, just like the F10.

 

[JPATT93]

I'm guessing they will love it like sales show they love the G11 7er.

 

[klier]

I'm guessing they will love it like sales show they love the G11 7er.

The 7er is doing fine, and you absolutely cannot compare apples to oranges. The 5er segment is BMW's. The 7er segment is MB's.

Don't get me wrong, I'd also love to see some revolutionary design again from BMW, but that's just us, the fanboys. The general audience will love the car as always.

BMW comes out with some of the best concept car designs and then.......

Expecting another evolution in the name of conservatism.

Very true. I too think it's disappointing. because it is absolutely right; BMW makes BY FAR the best concepts of the whole industry. They have the vision, the talent, the recources and the whole 9 yards.
And still the G30 looks like a facelifted F10.....and the F10 basically is a facelifted E39.

 

[Ruktam]

those old front LED light needs to go with the F10, we are coming to 2017 where BMW invests so much on technology advertisements but yet you are still introducing the same light technology of ten years ago to this brand new car? and is it going to be cheaper to produce for every G30/31 to have the new LED shapes? then you will only have one available option for the car as standard, and maybe a higher option as laser perhaps.

 

[mdartisian]

Uhm, you really are talking about yourself and some forum members. The general public, the people who will be buying the car, will love it like a freshly baked bread. Those taste the same everytime as well.

G30 will be the number one in it's class again, just like the F10.

Regardless if it's just me and "some" forum members vocalizing the same opinion, the point still stands: BMW needs to get on with their design language already. I'm sure the general public would agree.

 

[JPATT93]

Not to mention the BMW Next 100 concept. At the rate BMW is going, it should have been called BMW Next 1000.

 

[klier]

Regardless if it's just me and "some" forum members vocalizing the same opinion, the point still stands: BMW needs to get on with their design language already. I'm sure the general public would agree.

I am one of those 'some'.

And the general public does not agree. BMW will break records this year and they will do the same next year. When that stops, you have a point.

 

[Monster]

Ok guys please stay on topic thanks.

 

[klier]

Ok guys please stay on topic thanks.

What is not on topic? We are discussing the design of the G30 5 series here.

 

[Monster]

What is not on topic? We are discussing the design of the G30 5 series here.

I think the discussion is more about the current and future design direction of the BMW range rather than the G30 specifically. I prefer to see the official images first before talking about the design.

 

[Matski]

I enjoyed the 2000s especially when BMW had to go radical and get everybody's attention.
It was a gamble that paid off. Unfortunately you will never see anything the likes of that again for a mainstream vehicle from BMW or indeed any other manufacturer. They don't want to take the risk because if It does not work especially in a high volume vehicle then your stuck for three-four years before you can ever consider a conservative refresh.

I accept your point about not wanting to take a gamble, though it's a shame as the E60 especially has aged to become one of the strongest BMW designs of the last 30 years.

However, as far as getting stuck with a gamble that hasn't paid off, the same is true of a design that simply missed the mark aesthetically. We've seen BMW have to do big face-lifts before to take a step back, cars like the E65 and the F20.. personally I'd rather them have to do that, than stick with an overly conservative design for 14 years (start of F10 to end of G30). Conservative or not... I believe people will get bored.