X5 [Official] BMW X5 (F15)

[HUTSUTAo]

Undeniable sense of general disappointment about this vehicle, but I think it reflects the maturity of the X5, and BMW fast becoming a global mass producer, no longer a niche German player.

The new X5 disappoints because it's bland, and no longer typically German premium.

The X5 is now an American market product. The European SUV/offroader market has moved down to X3/X1 level, with products like the Opel Mokka and even BMW's own MINI Countryman setting the tone.

The America-aimed X5 is under attack from cheaper products like the Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee. SUVs are now bought more for interior space, high-driving position, and perceived safety for mothers and children occupants, than for off-roading ability. In America they are the descendants of the station wagons of the 70s and people carriers like the Chrysler Voyager of the 80s.

So BMW has shifted the focus of the 3rd Gen X5 to more space, 7-seat option, fuel economy akin to mid-size sedans, and a 2WD option to acknowledge that most of these vehicles never go off the highway.

As a result of the re-focusing, to bring down the entry price, give it more interior space, family sedan-like fuel economy, explicitly acknowledge that cars like these are increasingly people carriers rather than soft-roaders, by offering a 2WD option, enthusiasts like us baulk at the result. The effect is akin to the American Passat replacing the more expensive, European Passat.

It will not be liked by us and many others will say it's a backward step, but it will help BMW to maintain and increase the around 100k annual sales, by fending off the threat of the Explorer, Grand Cherokee and the like, while allowing BMW to move the next X6, possible range-topping X7 into a more exclusive niche, like they will do with the X4 to the mass-market X3.

BMW is planning for the long term. Products like the new R/R Sport may initially catch the eye of enthusiasts, but by providing lower entry prices, more room, more safety and convenience features, and near 2WD sedan like fuel economy levels, real potential buyers, unlike bewailing enthusiasts, will be won over.

man you are spot on on bmw's strategy

 

[klier]

It was the same reaction by many when E70 was introduced: "too fuzzy, not aggressive enough, too big, too evolutionary, uglier than outgoing model" etc etc

Can you for once stop with the weak excuses? It's simply not true. E70 was instant like for most people.

 

[Human]

I just have to say that apart from being very familiar or too much so, the tactile and perceived quality of the cabin does look spot-on (from what we can see). That in itself is a plus, for I was really worried about that. There you get the best Havana Cigar, BMW

 

[SKY]

Can you for once stop with the weak excuses? It's simply not true. E70 was instant like for most people.

Of course. The E70 was shockingly beautiful, an instant winner.

Still is.

 

[kiki voinea]

it's just me,or do you think that BMW is loosing(a little) the battle with Mercedes?

This is the most ugliest BMW X ever.

It reminds me of this:

http://stwot.motortrend.com/files/2008/09/10450633.jpeg

 

[Zafiro]

Available with both RWD and AWD and 4-cylinder engine. First time ever for X5.

 

[klier]

it's just me,or do you think that BMW is loosing(a little) the battle with Mercedes?

This is the most ugliest BMW X ever.

It reminds me of this:

http://stwot.motortrend.com/files/2008/09/10450633.jpeg

 

[Betty Swollocks]

Any reason why the xDrive35i is offered with the 306hp engine and not the 320hp?

 

[Foxfire]

As an owner of an E70 X5, there's not really anything drawing me towards this, except the improved interior. I sadly, I think they messed this one up.

 

[EnI]

Of course. The E70 was shockingly beautiful, an instant winner.
Still is.

Please, find the reactions of E53-lovers when E70 was introduced. They didn't agree with you at that time. The E70 was proclaimed: "not aggressive enough, not sporty enough, too big, too heavy, too evolutionary, not special enough, too weird" etc etc

Also, it's clear that X5 is now tailored (even design wise) to US customer - more than ever has been. While small(er) SAVs will be more European-centered, I guess.

Also, the more tame-looking X5 will now allow X6 to look more special, sportier. That wasn't really the case in E70/E71 X5/X6 case - where both cars shared almost the same face, especially after LCI.

it's just me,or do you think that BMW is loosing(a little) the battle with Mercedes?

Have you seen the latest ML???? Perhaps F15 doesn't look as sharp as E70, but it still looks much better than the new ML. So ...

This is the most ugliest BMW X ever.

I'm not sure many will agree with you on this one. There are & had been other BMW models with much more iffy design & look than F15.

 

[EnI]

As an owner of an E70 X5, there's not really anything drawing me towards this, except the improved interior. I sadly, I think they messed this one up.

C'mon. People don't buy cars for their exterior design only. F15 is a much better car compared to E70: materials, fit&finish, performance, efficiency, emissions, ride quality, features & equipment, boot space, cabin space etc etc etc

End IRL it looks much better than on pics - especially the rear when all the 3D effects (all the creases etc) come alive (incl the tail light cluster design & graphics - both very 3D!).

But the E70 definitely looks more wagon-esque, more stretched than E53 & E70 which both look more compact. Mind F15 is only marginally bigger than E70, but it looks much larger than it really & actually is.

It's a trend @ BMW: making the cars look bigger then they actually are, while MB is doing exactly the opposite: making larger cars to look more compact & smaller then they really are. Very interesting IMO.

 

[Bartek S.]

Not greatest impression on me. I think I'm driving the last X5 in my liking. Time to change.

 

[ffforever]

Man it is ugly...

 

[Deckhook]

Why haven't the dimensions being release when all the other information is now on general release?

 

[SKY]

Please, find the reactions of E53-lovers when E70 was introduced. They didn't agree with you at that time. The E70 was proclaimed: "not aggressive enough, not sporty enough, too big, too heavy, too evolutionary, not special enough, too weird" etc etc

Also, it's clear that X5 is now tailored (even design wise) to US customer - more than ever has been. While small(er) SAVs will be more European-centered, I guess.

Also, the more tame-looking X5 will now allow X6 to look more special, sportier. That wasn't really the case in E70/E71 X5/X6 case - where both cars shared almost the same face, especially after LCI.

That´s because it was right. The E70 was less aggressive and sporty than the E53 by the time they were launched. When you see one of those 4.6 is (or whatever the name was), on black with those huge star rims you still think it was the best SUV BMW has ever designed.

Which doesn´t mean the E70 was not spectacular when it debuted, because it was.

This F15 looks less comfort oriented than the E70, but in a bad way, it simply looks less expensive.

And the "wait till X6" reminds me to the "wait till the CS" back when the F01. Currently, the F01 is still boring, and we have yet to see the CS.

I guess no brand is perfect after all. After the huge success of cars like the 4er, and perhaps the new 2er, you have these average designs.

 

[Betty Swollocks]

Why haven't the dimensions being release when all the other information is now on general release?

They have.

 

[EnI]

Why haven't the dimensions being release when all the other information is now on general release?

Apart from being a bit lower & a tad longer (longer front overhang due to EU pedestrian safety regulation) the dimension are the same (track, wheelbase etc). Same good old platform.

E70

F15

 

[bmwownage]

The most ugly X is still the first X3, i can't even remember the code name.
To me, this isn't a beautiful car, it's very truck-ish, but IRL with the massive size it will look appealing not because it's beautiful.

 

[EnI]

but IRL with the massive size it will look appealing not because it's beautiful.

It's almost the same size as E70! The differences in dimensions are really minimal. Really, really minimal.

 

[mini_cooper4]

So 2WD?
Yeah it's one of many US trucks now
I love the interior and do think it's the best SUV interior ever.
One of the best BMW interiors IMO. It's just right. I LOVE IT!
But why oh why you had to make that Dodge look so fugly...

@EnI
What's the base price for the 2WD 4pot? How does the standard interior look like?
If this car is cheap(for a BMW) then I can understand the sacrifice in appearance to suit the masses in dA uSa...