I will now add one more complaint, what is with those hideous row of black buttons placed right near the middle of the front door panel?
They really could have place them, or present them a bit better, because right now they look like after thoughts.I think those are seat adjustment memory setting button (1-2-3-M).
They really could have place them, or present them a bit better, because right now they look like after thoughts.
Agreed , the E class is kind of what the 7er is to the S class is its always playing second fiddle.After seeing the official pics and reading the details about the techinical breakthroughs it brings, the new BMW 5er is simply wonderful and looks set to become (again) the leader of its class. I do like this daring approach BMW has, with a sophisticated design and an overall complex philosophy, packed with intelligent technology and the best powertrain on the market.
They will be successful, nonetheless. For the E-Class, it is already a lost battle, as I have said earlier this year. From the W124 to nowadays, Mercedes-Benz has never again managed to offer a competent opponent to the 5er.
We live in a world where BMW now has bigger engines than MB. 540i xDrive vs E43 AMG ...M550i xDrive vs E63 AMG non S.The M550i - still using the 4.4 V8! IMO- a lot more desirable than the 3.0 E43 future 3.0 S6.
So I'm guessing diesel variants get the circular exhausts?
Autocar said:Although it does without the more expensive carbonfibre components used by its larger sibling, BMW claims the new structure and other weight-saving measures, including a lighter wiring loom, have resulted in a reduction in kerb weight of up to 100kg, depending on the model. That’s not all, though. CLAR also provides the new 5 Series with significant increase in torsional rigidity and the basis for a completely new suspension philosophy.
autocar said:The new steering system is allied to completely reworked double wishbone front suspension that uses a greater number of aluminium components for a reduction in unsprung weight. Due to its inherent design and the fact that its lower arms are largely freed from supporting any lateral forces, BMW says the new set-up provides a more integrated solution for a sportier drive.
For the first time, BMW will offer the 5 Series with all-wheel drive in combination with sports suspension and a 10mm reduction in ride height. You’ll also be able to order the new car with a combination of xDrive and BMW’s active four-wheel steering. Both are aimed at further elevating the 5 Series' reputation for dynamic excellence despite its continued increase in size.
Autocar said:What is clear is the new model has progressed in a number of key areas. The various changes BMW has brought to the chassis certainly help to lift the 5 Series' game in the dynamics department. It’s now a more rounded car than ever before – one with a mesmerising range of abilities with the right options.
The newly developed speed-sensitive system is an advance on that of the outgoing model, delivering greater feel around the straight-ahead, more consistent weighting in the first half a turn of lock and suppressing kickback with greater authority on lumpy surfaces. By any standards, this is first-rate steering, endowing the new BMW with great precision, feel and dependability. There’s an underlying calmness to its operation that impressed us greatly during our first drive.
There’s a superb feeling of balance and fluidity about the new BMW, too. The consistency and conviction of its actions provide it with great poise and a wonderfully secure feeling when hustled along. You can confidently thread the new 5 Series down a winding back road without any qualms about its ability to soak up lateral forces and keep gripping hard even at very high speeds. It is very fleet in its responses while at the same time delivering an engaging exactness to your inputs in rear-wheel drive guise. A new generation of dampers featuring altered valves and faster-acting software also ensure roll angles are kept well in check even on the standard suspension, which provides continuously variable properties.
The rear-biased apportioning of power of the xDrive system keeps the entertainment factor high while added to the overall feeling of security, especially on damp and undulating roads. While the apportioning of drive to both the front and rear wheels previously robbed the steering of some of its steering sensitivity, you can now combine xDrive with the four-wheel steering. Together, they provide a compelling combination of instant steering response and great traction, making for a deeply impressive car with true sporting handling characteristics.
And the ride? It’s safe to say this is the best-riding 5 Series yet. The new chassis imbues it with a more cosseting and controlled feel over any given road than its predecessor. It is very accomplished, whether coping with high-frequency bumps around town or more undulating topography at higher speeds out on the open road. It’s quiet, too. Indeed, tyre roar is very well suppressed, indicating it will be a brilliant motorway cruiser.
Autocar said:It’s too early to say just how the new 5 Series really compares with the executive class competition. While we’re now familiar with many of the changes made to its chassis, there’s still a lot of crucial information about the new BMW to come before we can confidently deliver a binding conclusion.
Based on our brief dynamic assessment, though, it appears BMW has succeeded in raising the already fine dynamic qualities of the 5 Series. The new model may be larger and more extensively equipped than its predecessor, but the adoption of a new lightweight platform and a number of significant chassis developments provide it with outstanding agility and the sort of handling flair to worry the competition.
Together, this results in a broader range of abilities than we’ve seen from any previous 5 Series model. Still, we’ll need more time to say whether it is a better proposition than the latest Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the undisputed leader in the class right now.
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