View Full Version : Sat in a 5series GT
It was a 550i at the Hilton head Condours d'elegance.
First off I'm 6'8".
The car is built on the 7 series chassis, so it basically has the width and the front fascia of a 7.
it is taller and a chunky substantial looking vehicle.
Somewhere between a 7 and a x6 in height.
Front room is fine with good width and nice sized console.
Rear legroom is more of the 5 variety.
I'm assuming that it is the short wheelbase 7 it is built on.
i could fit ok in the back as long as the front seat wasn't all the way
back.
interesting vehicle. I would still go for a X5 over this, but it was much more interesting to me than the X6, which i don't understand the purpose of since an x5 is more usable.
interesting, it is based on the short F01 7er
bmws market plan is to promote this as an alternative to the X5, especially in Europe where SUVs are looked down upon. Whether americans will feel that its a better fit than the X5 is tbd, but doesnt look like they won you over
InsidiousSpeed
11-02-2009, 01:21 PM
The damn thing is an X7. :shake:
mjames
11-02-2009, 02:35 PM
There is absolutely no need for this monstrosity. It's like a 5/7er and X5/6 had a bastard love child. I don't know who'd want to buy this. I wish BMW would work on cars, come out with a Z4 M, M1, new Z8, etc.
boxboss
11-02-2009, 03:31 PM
I don't know who'd want to buy this.
I can see the market. Those who don't want an SUV for "ecologic" reasons but want the space. Those that don't want a Touring for "appearance" reaons, but still want the space. Those that want the space of an SUV but never use 4WD. Etc.
That being said, I agree with the latter part of your post.
To me, a station wagon is the most logical type of vehicle, extra room but with essentially the same dynamics and fuel economy.
But if you are looking at a A4 or A6wagon(discontinued in '10) and then you look at a Q5 that is basically cheaper but offers more capability and utility it is easy to see why wagon sales are not good.
if you look at a 5 series Touring, you can't get it in rwd only so there is extra weight and handling penalty plus a small mileage penalty over the sedan.
Caddy's new CTS Sport Wagon is more expensive than the new SRX andwhile it has good dynamics it is pinced inside.
As much as i like wagons i see why people go for the physically bigger and dynamically poorer option.
InsidiousSpeed
11-02-2009, 04:10 PM
I can see the market. Those who don't want an SUV for "ecologic" reasons but want the space. Those that don't want a Touring for "appearance" reaons, but still want the space. Those that want the space of an SUV but never use 4WD. Etc.
:agree: Sounds like these folks have too much empty space in their skulls too.
Spyder
11-02-2009, 05:59 PM
To me, a station wagon is the most logical type of vehicle, extra room but with essentially the same dynamics and fuel economy.
But if you are looking at a A4 or A6wagon(discontinued in '10) and then you look at a Q5 that is basically cheaper but offers more capability and utility it is easy to see why wagon sales are not good.
+1 on the first item. My allroad has more (horizontal) room in back (critical for hauling around two large dogs) than all but the largest SUV's. It just came off its extended warranty this summer so I drove a couple of A6 Avants coming off of lease as a possible replacement. I like the allroad better despite its breathtakingly poor reliability.
Interesting that Audi has decided to drop the A6 Avant for '10. Guess I'll hold my breath and stick with the allroad until something--probably with a diesel engine--strikes my fancy. The Q5 is way too small in back, and the Q7 is far too big for the amount of space it provides. Man wagons are what works best for me.
Spyder
DownshiftArtist
11-06-2009, 03:45 PM
There is absolutely no need for this monstrosity. It's like a 5/7er and X5/6 had a bastard love child. I don't know who'd want to buy this. I wish BMW would work on cars, come out with a Z4 M, M1, new Z8, etc.
:agree: It almost makes me scared to see what they'll come up with in the next five years, but it seems as if they're not the only one deviating from their doctrine. I'm sure everyone has seen the 4-door Porsche......:puke: Maybe I'm just old fashioned that way but when I think porsche, 4 doors never come to mind (save for the Cayanne (sp?) which we will never speak of) I guess we should all prepare ourselves for the Ferrari Touring Wagon.....don't say I didn't warn you