5 Series From Concept to Reality - The BMW 5er Gran Turismo

[SKY]

Think what it would be like if you cross the Efficient Dynamics concept with an SAV?

Sounds risky, let´s wait to the first test mule or the first render.

 

[SCOTT27]

I am meaning merely the "layered" design language which will also feature on the Megacity Vehicle and the BMW Compact.

This is the closest interpretation to the BMW Megacity Vehicle yet.
If you look here it concentrates on three-dimensional layered surfacing rather than adding more lines to enhance the surface. X5 also does this.

 

[SKY]

Seeing this pic, it would be another jump in design comprable to the Bangle one, really different design aproach to the current one, much more avantgarde.

I quite like it, it would be nice to see if this time BMW creates a really smashing 7er with a design that leaves the competirors far behind. And it will probably be nice on the new X5.

 

[klier]

Back on topic, that movie is some serious quality stuff, and an awesome way to see how the development of a new car takes place. This F07 followed the same route as all the other models.

I particularly liked seeing the competition between the different F07 design teams, and all those ugly other design proposals. Did however miss that prototype with the 'vertical grille' if you know what I mean...

I quite like it, it would be nice to see if this time BMW creates a really smashing 7er with a design that leaves the competirors far behind.

You're thinking way too far ahead

 

[Dave1984]

I've also noticed Weil's final product is much different from the initial sketches. It features some design cues and elements from other design proposals as well. And both the final version and the initial sketch are different from the clay model shown in the official 5-series GT press photos. Many transformations done between the initial idea and the final design.

 

[SCOTT27]

The car was originally the RFK until BMW moved the concept back to a more Coupe like shape - The Board picked the cars they want to see progress to full scale , then they make their suggestions. Then marketing goes in and is presented the concept by each designer and we take notes because it gives you a picture of what the car will be when it comes to the marketing. I sort of think ahead when I see a concept when asked how would I market it which sometimes is very humerous when I suggest something like sculpture with huge whales breaching. Because it actually fits with the "First of it's kind" theme.

The Board discuss each car and for example make suggestions that this front end with that outline and that rear end and the chosen designers go back to reinterpret the car , With all the changes necessary been completed, Weil won the day with his final interpretation.

The footage is filmed back to front here because the Board have the overall say , and of course they are camera shy for this. And when a designer's project gets picked it is more of a joyous event rather than a low key affair as seen on the film.

Design , having seen first hand is a very long process , very few and far designs make it from paper without having to be further progressed and reinforced, when you see sketches with the marketing of finished production models they are not the initial sketch but the sketch of the approved model. Although everybody is excited about the new 6er Concept it is actually about two and a half years old.

I put forward the idea of opening an on-line archive of design focusing on current and past models so people can see the design process similar to what you can see at the BMW museum.
Unfortunately the issue lies that people might say that this project should have been this and that instead of this and that.

Something nobody in particular wants to get into an argument about.

 

[Deleted member 25]

I have two questions, what is the legitimity of the board to decide what must stay and what must go ? From where do they come from ? Finance, engineering or design ? Another part of the process that i want some lights to be put on is who and how transform designer's sketch into full 3d car.

 

[K-A]

Yes there are room for two sets of customers for the two upper segment X-Models. With sales for the X6 double more than initially expected X6 has it's own market, we would be stupid not to.

X6 has a future as does the X4 - BMW are serious about downsizing the Sport Activity Coupe Concept for a wider audience.

When you go to winter resorts in France , Switzerland , Italy and Austria all you see is X6's for a car that has only been on the market for just over two years is highly signifcant. It has substitued conventional sports cars with all-wheel-drive at these locations.

Out of curiosity, where is the X6's primary buyer-base located?

I ask because it seems like I haven't seen many around, unless I'm just not paying much attention, or not giving it enough time. Is it selling as well as, or better than expected, in the U.S?

 

[allenwalker]

The X4 will be kept relative to it's X3 brother and for that it will share basically everything with it's brother , and it's new high quality stylish interior ,

Stylish ?? The X3 interior is so BORING it hurts.

The X1's interior literally hurts when you bang your head against its rock hard plastics.

 

[Giannis]

Out of curiosity, where is the X6's primary buyer-base located?

I ask because it seems like I haven't seen many around, unless I'm just not paying much attention, or not giving it enough time. Is it selling as well as, or better than expected, in the U.S?

The X6 isn't selling much in the US, but in Europe, it's just everywhere!

 

[Dave1984]

Out of curiosity, where is the X6's primary buyer-base located?

I ask because it seems like I haven't seen many around, unless I'm just not paying much attention, or not giving it enough time. Is it selling as well as, or better than expected, in the U.S?

BMW NA CEO has said X6 is not selling as well in US as expected since only 30% of prospects actually buy the car. Absence of 3-seat rear bench is a huge deal breaker for US customers. Therefore - so says the BMW NA CEO - BMW will start to offer rear bench as well, starting with the X6 facelift in 2011.

 

[K-A]

Wow, it's already getting a facelift?

 

[Dave1984]

Wow, it's already getting a facelift?

The X6? Yes. It was introduced in spring 2008. That makes autumn 2011 a middle point of model's life cycle, and normal time point for a facelift.

 

[klier]

Wow, it's already getting a facelift?

If you are talking about the X6, that's quite normal. It's missing essential BMW design and tech (like LED lights, lava back lights, 8 speed, etc.)

 

[K-A]

Maybe it was launched out here later, or just due to the low volume, seems to be brand spanking new.

 

[klier]

It's a slightly modified E70 X5, so....

And over here, I would say a 7er is much more low volume...I see X6 a lot more than 7er.

 

[SCOTT27]

X6 was launched onto the market around Spring 2008 so we are heading for the Life Cycle impulse within the next year.
On schedule.

 

[Fenderman]

Can you upload the video again, please?
It can't be accessed anymore.
I really would like to see it, as I'm very interested in the design process.

Thanks!