Isn't that first picture a Maxima?

Seriously though, I do like it better than the 7 series and the Z4.

But this is a Mercedes forum, is it not? I voted with my dollars on the E and certainly don't regret it after seeing the new 5 series pics... I really dislike the headlight view with that angry cartoon character look...

Hmmm.... kinda hard to say until seeing the new 5
in the flesh. I don't think the new 5 exterior is too
bad, except for the trunk, but it's nothing extra
either. The real issue to me is the interior- that's
where I think the new 5 really falls down. I detest
the new dash- it looks like some kinda' growth.
Having it a different color than the rest of the interior
just makes it worse! Overall, the E is the clear winner.
Classier, more elegant, and every bit as sporting as
the new 5.

I hope you are not having doubts after seeing a Z4 or something similar. IMO, both E and 5-series look like...sedans. Neither has an especially sporty shape (compare to CL-class, Cadillac Eldorado, Jag XK).

The interesting thing that BMW will offer quite powerful engine as used for 745. "With double Vanos variable valve timing, Valvetronic throttle-less engine control, and infinitely variable intake manifold runner-length control, the V-8 generates 325 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on all three versions, while a fully electronic Steptronic six-speed automatic is optional." So, it's good that Benz decided about 7 speed transmission for '05 model. More pictures:

The E is instantly recognizable as a Mercedes. It looks refreshed. It looks sporty. It looks elegant. It looks refined.

When I take a quick look at that photo of the 5, I immediately think, "Infiniti." Look at the headlights and the wheels... brings up memories of the Q45.

Bangle is losing BMW's identity. But it must be OK, right? Automobile magazine pegged Bangle as "Designer of the Year" or something like that... go figure.

The w211 was more of an evolution...the 5 is a real change...most people at first don't like change. I want to see and drive this thing and with the sports package, the engines are definetly better i.e. DOHC's 32 valve and double vanos plus a six speed auto. I'm sure the BMW will be a great handler too. From the pix I don't like the dash center console, it's just like the 7's.

anyone mind telling me what color is the exterior color of the BMW 5 shown in this thread?? Since that color is DAEAD *** i want to get it on my E320

Now, I dare you to look at a front view of the new BMW5 and not think, those are stupid sunglasses sitting there in the middle of the car perched on its nose with the eyes (headlights) on each side! (Did BMW have to pay Edsel a royalty for borrowing the horse/ox halter design?)

I think the Bimmer looks 'sportier', and in fact, I'm pleasantly surprised at the actual new 5-series, as some of the spy photos were really scary. The headlights still suck, but the body panels are fantastic. I'm not sure about the shark fin antenna, but that's minor. The interior takes some getting used to, and with that I would prefer the E500, particularly if one wasn't looking for nav (grr!). If that thing pulls 325hp and 330 ft-lb of torque, it will smoke the E500, which is most likely heavier...

Well, let's wait and see what happens when it launches in the U.S.!

Another "Ultimate Ugly Machine"?
The tail looks like Impreza and front looks like a Pontiac...I think the new facelift is comming just like the new 7s...
http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content...._code=02012541

If you were to post that message on the Geman Car Fans BMW E60 forum they would probably hunt you down and hang you. Call me naive, but I just can't relate to the level of enthusiasm some people have for cars. Yes, it's a nice luxury, but that is all it realy is. Some people seem to think that life would not exist without their beloved car manufacturer.

If you like it, you buy it. If you don't, don't. That's it.
I used to be a BMW owner and the current 5s still look good IMO.
Of course, time will tell but this new 7s can't stand the time...

I'm sure the new 5 will be a great drive, especially when equipped with the sport package. Bimmers have always had great sport tuning and communicative steering and brakes.

The look just isn't my flavor... each to his/her own! Let your $$$ do the talking ! :p

http://www.imakenews.com/autospies/e...e000140242.cfm

I think I can keep my E39 for a while because

A few of you have commented on the "shark fin" aeriel.

That is nothing new to BMW, we have one on our E46 318i which is a 2001 built car. It just combines the telephone and Sat Nav aerials together.

If you look at the new E is has one as well, but it is more rounded in it's shape.

What kind of engine is the new 5-series going to get in the U.S.?

As far as the exterior styling, I prefer the new E-class more. However, the current 5-series looks better than last gen E-class.

There'll be the 525i, 530i, and 545i.

The E wins the styling contest by far IMO

I'll wait for normal pictures w/o the use of heavy shadows to disguise the lookes of the 5er before making up my mind.

I have yet to see a normal color where light and shadows are not playing tricks with the lines of the car.

Not a big fan of the hood though, looks like something that belongs on the M roadster.

Nicely put. I tend to think the same way. Cars are wonderful and I love driving/detailing mine, but I can't see putting philosophy and cars together like some people. Some people talk of "heritage" and "identity", but in the end, these companies are all looking at the bottom line. BMW doubled their 7 series sales...I think they could care less if they offended some, because they drew in many more who probably would never have looked at a 7-series before.

Just my .02 cents and I won't hijack this any more.

Regarding the sportiness, I have to give the edge to the 5.

this is tricky.

it compares the first year of new 7 series (e65) sales with the last year of old 7 series (e38) sales. it is quite easy to double sales because a lot of people waited for the new e65 and did not want to place the orders of the last year e38. the fact is, the e65 does not reach the sales that bmw expected and bmw will change e65's look next year.

both mb and bmw are great cars but ugly is ugly even though you don't have to see them -- eyebrow is for the drivers face your e65 and rear overcoat is for the drivers follow your e65; you sit inside the bulky e65 and enjoy it.

new e60 has some good features, I like HUD. honestly, e60 looks better than e65 but e39 still looks better than e60. (just IMHO, no offend any current e65 or future e60 owners)

You make a very good point about comparing the sales. I'm sure people put off purchasing the old 7 to wait for the new one, but once they saw the car they could have said no. People still purchased the automobile, ugly or not (I personally do find it unappealing, but I've gotten used to it). The sales are still sales.

I'm surprised BMW thought they could more than double their sales of the 7 in the first year. Doubling the sales of a ~$65-110k car is quite an accomplishment.

Just came across a good link in one of my google searches. Not sure if anybody else has seen these shots of the 5, but here are some more for you guys to feast on.

http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/frame...ar.mv&num=1641

if you look mb c, e, and s from the back, they look "same", even it is not easy to tell its butt from a new camry one when you look it from a distance. (bmw sells the same sausage, too)

read these mails from autospies

http://www.imakenews.com/autospies/e...e000143933.cfm

one zone temperture control -- so cheap and I cannot believe it.

http://das.doit.wisc.edu/bmw/e60/ind...s/Image71.html

two zone temperture control

http://das.doit.wisc.edu/bmw/e60/ind...s/Image73.html

no digital temperture/fan control which is standard in e39 -- unbelievable. (the recirculation button is removed from steering wheel)

hud -- I like it

http://das.doit.wisc.edu/bmw/e60/ind...s/Image75.html

i-drive makes cd chanel selection difficult while you are driving(compare with e39) . (same problem in w211 central console but the position of i-drive switch makes it worse.)

http://das.doit.wisc.edu/bmw/e60/ind...s/Image69.html

I don't like this handle style. give me the leather one (e39)

http://das.doit.wisc.edu/bmw/e60/ind...s/Image65.html

nice lights except eyebrow

http://das.doit.wisc.edu/bmw/e60/ind...s/Image45.html

high cut lid with eyebrow -- I personally like e39 one piece wrapped to front lid. (it goes back to e36 style lid -- reduce cost)

http://das.doit.wisc.edu/bmw/e60/ind...s/Image92.html

argualbe butt

http://das.doit.wisc.edu/bmw/e60/ind...s/Image94.html
http://das.doit.wisc.edu/bmw/e60/ind...s/Image95.html
http://das.doit.wisc.edu/bmw/e60/ind...s/Image97.html