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I think it looks really good, but too small to be a competitor to the S Class.
Whats amusing though Is its almost exactly the same legnth as a SWB Lexus LS460, shows you how much bigger cars are getting. If somebody wanted a SWB S Class this might be an option sizewise.
Yeah it looks pretty good. A lot better than the i7. The only knock on BMWs is the rear seat legroom. The dimensions are all there but for whatever reason they compromise on the rear seat legroom. The X5 was so cramped back there, and from the photos of the i5, it looks very similar.
Yeah it looks pretty good. A lot better than the i7. The only knock on BMWs is the rear seat legroom. The dimensions are all there but for whatever reason they compromise on the rear seat legroom. The X5 was so cramped back there, and from the photos of the i5, it looks very similar.
The i7 has grown on me a ton...I actually dare I say like it now...even in M Sport trim.
BMW has up'd their game. As controversial as some of their offerings might be looks wise, they offer a more diverse lineup with more choices. Mercedes seems to have made the race easier with all their latest blunders.
Much better looking than the i7, although still has the stupid gloss black rockers which looks bad on light color exteriors, and looks more Peugeot than BMW, but smaller grills are a welcome change.
The interior of this generation however is a downgrade from the previous G30 in terms of materials and color choices with some interesting cost cutting (no map pockets, limited material use on doors, etc.). I have a friend in Germany who checked it out and confirmed so. There have been no signs of stitched/leather dashboards, the door panels feature more plastic than before, and color options are very limited (and lighter colors only go on the seats and a small door card section).
I would likely still get a W214 over the ICE 5er, but the i5 is definitely better than the EQE to me.
I'm not completely sold on the exterior but I'm looking forward to the M5.
They definitely have their work cut out for them. The XM currently uses the next M5’s powertrain (S68 Plug-In Hybrid) and it has received poor reviews from press and owners, and there have been numerous issues with it.
Exterior design is interesting, it's been out there for awhile now, and I have already cross-shopped it with other EVs.
Given the complete disaster that BMW caused with their recent exterior designs, this one looks much more acceptable than the new 7-series. I could see this i5 on the road without people referring to it as super ugly like the 7 and iX.
Having said that, with such range, all BMW EVs now are just a joke. Doing the math the right way, you are still in the <200 miles range of actual (usable) range (10% to 85% battery SOC range, minus efficiency losses), which is a laughable and won't work specially when you factor in further drops during winter.
They definitely have their work cut out for them. The XM currently uses the next M5’s powertrain (S68 Plug-In Hybrid) and it has received poor reviews from press and owners, and there have been numerous issues with it.
Driving the XM at a recent BMW event was a true letdown. Apart from the odd interior/exterior design choices which I could live with (if chosen in the right colors/options) it was the driving experience that was truly disappointing. Terrible exhaust sound, exaggerated low rpm pickup from a stop delivered a jerky experience; I literally couldn't find a preferred drive mode in this car; a first in a M-Car. The electric-only mode errored out despite sufficient drive time after depletion. Nothing anywhere close to the M8 Comp. and at a $160k starting price well below expectation.
As for the XM owner experience, I couldn't even imagine the drama on this forum if scores of owners in brand-new cars would have them bricked days from the purchase with no ETA to fix them...
Overall, the drive makes me not look forward to the next M5. Which brings me to the design of the i5. The F90 LCI M5 was a fantastic car to drive and to look at and the new series, while more conservatively styled, is underwhelming looking in comparison - an awkward looking 2 Series blown up to 5 series size and ugly bits added on. The i4 looks better than this.
The iX M60 on the other hand turned out to be both a decent drive and decent looking as well. I really like the drive experience in the iX
Driving the XM at a recent BMW event was a true letdown. Apart from the odd interior/exterior design choices which I could live with (if chosen in the right colors/options) it was the driving experience that was truly disappointing. Terrible exhaust sound, exaggerated low rpm pickup from a stop delivered a jerky experience; I literally couldn't find a preferred drive mode in this car; a first in a M-Car. The electric-only mode errored out despite sufficient drive time after depletion. Nothing anywhere close to the M8 Comp. and at a $160k starting price well below expectation.
Overall, the drive makes me not look forward to the next M5. Which brings me to the design of the i5. The F90 LCI M5 was a fantastic car to drive and to look at and the new series, while more conservatively styled, is underwhelming looking in comparison - an awkward looking 2 Series blown up to 5 series size and ugly bits added on. The i4 looks better than this.
The iX M60 on the other hand turned out to be both a decent drive and decent looking as well. I really like the drive experience in the iX
The XM is a complete joke, its no wonder they've been discounted since the get go. No way it will compete with the Range Rover, Urus, RSQ8, or G-Wagon.
The wife and I tried the iX at a BMW event and while the drive was smooth, we didn't like the interior, and she especially didn't like the seats due to the integrated headrest and hole cutout (which seems to be a universal problem for shorter iX drivers). The exterior on the other hand was anything but smooth for us.
The i4 isn't bad to look at until you get to the front, but it is priced decently for what you get, and practically in a class of maybe 2 or 3 somewhat sedans (Polestar, Model 3). The i5 front end is definitely a 2er/X1 smooshed into one, very cartoonish looking. Like all modern BMW's another one to order in Black.
Of the current BMW's, I still think the X5 is the best car you can get, although pre-facelift is still better in my opinion.
The XM is a complete joke, its no wonder they've been discounted since the get go. No way it will compete with the Range Rover, Urus, RSQ8, or G-Wagon.
The wife and I tried the iX at a BMW event and while the drive was smooth, we didn't like the interior, and she especially didn't like the seats due to the integrated headrest and hole cutout (which seems to be a universal problem for shorter iX drivers). The exterior on the other hand was anything but smooth for us.
The i4 isn't bad to look at until you get to the front, but it is priced decently for what you get, and practically in a class of maybe 2 or 3 somewhat sedans (Polestar, Model 3). The i5 front end is definitely a 2er/X1 smooshed into one, very cartoonish looking. Like all modern BMW's another one to order in Black.
Of the current BMW's, I still think the X5 is the best car you can get, although pre-facelift is still better in my opinion.
I agree. I’ve been a BMW fanboy for so many years. This is the first time ever that I only have one BMW in the garage during the last 12 years.. and this one is the X5.
The XM is a complete joke, its no wonder they've been discounted since the get go. No way it will compete with the Range Rover, Urus, RSQ8, or G-Wagon.
The wife and I tried the iX at a BMW event and while the drive was smooth, we didn't like the interior, and she especially didn't like the seats due to the integrated headrest and hole cutout (which seems to be a universal problem for shorter iX drivers). The exterior on the other hand was anything but smooth for us.
The i4 isn't bad to look at until you get to the front, but it is priced decently for what you get, and practically in a class of maybe 2 or 3 somewhat sedans (Polestar, Model 3). The i5 front end is definitely a 2er/X1 smooshed into one, very cartoonish looking. Like all modern BMW's another one to order in Black.
Of the current BMW's, I still think the X5 is the best car you can get, although pre-facelift is still better in my opinion.
The iX has grown on me (always with dark exteriors, something like carbon black) and I don't mind a move away from these bubble-SUV designs. I like a G-Wagon for that reason. Agree with you on the new X5 although the best BMW to me, also the best looking one is the M8 Coupe
Given the complete disaster that BMW caused with their recent exterior designs, this one looks much more acceptable than the new 7-series. I could see this i5 on the road without people referring to it as super ugly like the 7 and iX.
I have a friend that has a new 760, and he has other high profile cars, a Mclaren and a G Wagen and had a Ferrari. He said he gets more comments, compliments and stares in the 760 than any other car he has had. Our shared friends also rave about the car and talk about what an incredible car it is.
I think the "super ugly" references are more confined to the forum space than you think where people are really averse to things being different.
The i7 has grown on me a ton...I actually dare I say like it now...even in M Sport trim.
I remember you mentioning you might get a 7 in the future. I saw this deal on an i7 xDrive60 on a BMW forum from a salesperson.
Exterior: Dark Graphite Metallic Interior: Smoke White Extended Merino Leather Options: Executive Package, Premium Package, Driving Assistance Pro Package Starting at: $1,499/mo + tax with 1st month fees and fees at signing for a 36/10k term.
I remember you mentioning you might get a 7 in the future. I saw this deal on an i7 xDrive60 on a BMW forum from a salesperson.
Exterior: Dark Graphite Metallic Interior: Smoke White Extended Merino Leather Options: Executive Package, Premium Package, Driving Assistance Pro Package Starting at: $1,499/mo + tax with 1st month fees and fees at signing for a 36/10k term.
Yeah I saw that too, thats a great deal...I was quoted $2,100 from my local dealer but that was before any negotiating
Much better looking than the i7, although still has the stupid gloss black rockers which looks bad on light color exteriors, and looks more Peugeot than BMW, but smaller grills are a welcome change.
The interior of this generation however is a downgrade from the previous G30 in terms of materials and color choices with some interesting cost cutting (no map pockets, limited material use on doors, etc.). I have a friend in Germany who checked it out and confirmed so. There have been no signs of stitched/leather dashboards, the door panels feature more plastic than before, and color options are very limited (and lighter colors only go on the seats and a small door card section).
I would likely still get a W214 over the ICE 5er, but the i5 is definitely better than the EQE to me.
i5 would look better as a wagon. Only current/past bimmers I like are the M2 and 8-series. The E39 540i Sport and M5 was the Gold Standard. They still look good to me. As for new cars the Aston Martin is outstanding. The 911 will always be iconic and the new 2024 Cayenne is growing on me with base V8, 22" wheels, and sport trim to keep it looking too generic. And I hate SUVs. Lately my Chevy Performance Brethren and Forum buddies are buying Big Block V8 Monster Crate motors and stuffing them in 70's square body pickup trucks with all the modern trimmings. I once had a 2003 Silverado SS with AWD that might revisit if these future TTV8 motors go to the dark side with electrification trickery. Tricks are for kids...
Last edited by Drone_S213; Oct 3, 2023 at 08:20 PM.
i5 would look better as a wagon. Only current/past bimmers I like are the M2 and 8-series. The E39 540i Sport and M5 was the Gold Standard. They still look good to me. As for new cars the Aston Martin is outstanding. The 911 will always be iconic and the new 2024 Cayenne is growing on me with base V8, 22" wheels, and sport trim to keep it looking too generic. And I hate SUVs. Lately my Chevy Performance Brethren and Forum buddies are buying Big Block V8 Monster Crate motors and stuffing them in 70's square body pickup trucks with all the modern trimmings. I once had a 2003 Silverado SS with AWD that might revisit if these future TTV8 motors go to the dark side with electrification trickery. Tricks are for kids...
I've been contemplating a small block for my Monte Carlo. The stock 305 isn't cutting it anymore.
I've only talked to a few real world people about the 7 in particular, none of them like it but too small a sample. The brand in general on the other hand is quite a few more and it's all more or less negative. Those are by and large old people who might yell at someone telling them to get off their lawn. I think it's possible people my age aren't the demographic they're targeting with this styling.
I've been contemplating a small block for my Monte Carlo. The stock 305 isn't cutting it anymore.
Told my GF at the time who worked for GM Rochester Products that I would stay and work for Xerox if she bought a 1984 or 1985 Monte Carlo SS. She bought a Sunbird then I took better offer with Hughes Aircraft in El Segundo. GM eventually acquired my sector and ex GF is VP at Xerox still working at 62.
I have a friend that has a new 760, and he has other high profile cars, a Mclaren and a G Wagen and had a Ferrari. He said he gets more comments, compliments and stares in the 760 than any other car he has had. Our shared friends also rave about the car and talk about what an incredible car it is.
I think the "super ugly" references are more confined to the forum space than you think where people are really averse to things being different.
I think what I meant by "ugly" is being slightly different or not as approachable as the previous generation. Can't really use "ugly" towards a car, but I feel that most other BMWs had more presence on the road than the new one, and that's true for most new BMW designs. Take for instance the iX, I just can't believe that car belongs to the BMW lineup; the car really has no presence on the road. The new 7 appears to be a part of that iX family design language (kinda weird). I think it is a special car design wise on the road, for sure, but not special in a good way like the previous generation wherein even someone who is NOT a car guy would say, woww.. this car is special. Regardless, I would still get any BMW nowadays over any Mbenz from the same lineup (I got a 5-series 2 years ago over the E-class, and would still do the same for the new gen). Similarly, I chose the X7 over the GLS last year. This year, I got the X5 over the GLE. I never had doubt about any of those decisions. I like the new 7 series as much as I like the W223 (I won't say I'd never own one, but am not that motivated). If I have to chose, certainly i7 over W223 ICE makes much more sense for the technology and driving dynamics. The only reason I'd get a W223 because I can get an already depreciated one now, at least given that I don't love the car that much. If I must pay 120K and get a brand new car, I still would prefer something that is more well rounded than W223 and i7; that's my only point, otherwise both are great cars especially as a pre-owned and already-depreciated vehicle : )
i5 would look better as a wagon. Only current/past bimmers I like are the M2 and 8-series. The E39 540i Sport and M5 was the Gold Standard. They still look good to me. As for new cars the Aston Martin is outstanding. The 911 will always be iconic and the new 2024 Cayenne is growing on me with base V8, 22" wheels, and sport trim to keep it looking too generic. And I hate SUVs. Lately my Chevy Performance Brethren and Forum buddies are buying Big Block V8 Monster Crate motors and stuffing them in 70's square body pickup trucks with all the modern trimmings. I once had a 2003 Silverado SS with AWD that might revisit if these future TTV8 motors go to the dark side with electrification trickery. Tricks are for kids...
I have a friend that has a new 760, and he has other high profile cars, a Mclaren and a G Wagen and had a Ferrari. He said he gets more comments, compliments and stares in the 760 than any other car he has had. Our shared friends also rave about the car and talk about what an incredible car it is.
I think the "super ugly" references are more confined to the forum space than you think where people are really averse to things being different.
I was at the "gate" ready to jump from my W222 to a 2022 W223 but between the "forum" commentary and missing options, etc., I went to the dark side and ordered an M850i BMW with every option available. 90 days later the car arrived as ordered. Besides one 12,000-mile service (included no charge) the 850 has been in the shop one time in 21 months - NO transmission downshift issues, NO dash warning alerts to park the car immediately, and NO "cannot duplicate this issue" comments on the service ticket. I still miss my S-Class occasionally as an M850i is obviously a different car, but if I can get past the new 760 grille I could comfortably see myself as a 7-Series owner next year. ( The M760 series in black nearly fixes the grille issue )
I was at the "gate" ready to jump from my W222 to a 2022 W223 but between the "forum" commentary and missing options, etc., I went to the dark side and ordered an M850i BMW with every option available. 90 days later the car arrived as ordered. Besides one 12,000-mile service (included no charge) the 850 has been in the shop one time in 21 months - NO transmission downshift issues, NO dash warning alerts to park the car immediately, and NO "cannot duplicate this issue" comments on the service ticket. I still miss my S-Class occasionally as an M850i is obviously a different car, but if I can get past the new 760 grille I could comfortably see myself as a 7-Series owner next year. ( The M760 series in black nearly fixes the grille issue )
My B8 has been trouble free. Whereas my W223 needed warranty work with only a couple thousand miles on it.
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
