I had thought the X6 was the ugliest car I would ever see,
Until I saw a 5 series GT from the back!
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Link to picture in HJ's road test:
tinyurl.com/yg2zynr
Mmm... I can see what you mean; not a flattering angle. Didn't think it looked too bad (relatively) in front/side on shots.
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I like it.....a lot. Can't afford one though. Ah well never mind.
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Is this model there to compete against the Mercedes R Class?
I think it looks good but would the new 5 Series Touring not be a more sensible purchase proposition?
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Nice car but why a 4 seater? :-(
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looks like its had a rear end tupp in the photo
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Seen one on the road - looked proper. Apparently beautifully made (according to a relative who went to the joint X1/GT launch yesterday) very similar to the Signum in concept. Standard of kit is pretty cool. Suppose if you want a five seater you buy an X5. Amazing the number of people who slag off new BMWs - the company rarely get it wrong though.
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Looks OK from the front, like a 7 series (which I initially thought it was). But from the rear ! ! !
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Looks like a creation from SSangyong from the rear...........Rodius Grand Tourer anyone?
Edited by NickS on 26/10/2009 at 12:00
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1. The "only four seats" issue. There is a 5-seat version and it is cheaper (See HJ's Road Test)
2. I've seen the GT in the flesh, and I think it is stunning.
3. It's a different kind of BMW. Softer ride quality, and hatchback versaility.
Yes. I know that some people are big fans of estate cars, and will say get the Touring version itf you want practicality. However, I can't abide estate cars - even though I've got one (long story).
The problem is with the 5 GT .....it's just too expensive! 40k for a car is way, way out of my league.
By the time that i could afford a used one, it would have intergalactic mileage on it.
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I'm with bell boy. Looks like someone's backed it into something.
FWIW, I think the 5 series saloon is a handsome beast. I'm not anti BMW styling at all. But this is truly hideous.
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I saw one recently near the BMW South Yorkshire distribution centre and I think it's quite possibly the ugliest thing I've ever seen. Plus it's so slab sided I thought it was a house on wheels.
I thought the 6 series was the ugliest thing ever but this is even worse.
However, I did drive past a Ssangyong Rodeus thingy the day after seeing the GT. Now that makes the GT look the most beautiful thing ever built!!!!
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This thread is very similar to the one when the new seven and five series came out a few years ago ----- two things, most manufacturers have aped Bangle's work in one way or another and looks aren't that important when cars actually drive properly in the first place like all BMWs always have in a way that other makers can only dream of. I'd have one tomorrow.
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ooh and while I'm at it a certain French maker actually use BMWs to benchmark their offerings in the looks department when pushing their product.
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looks aren't that important when cars actually drive properly in the first place ... I'd have one tomorrow.
...even if it looked like the aforementioned Ssangyong? There must be limits, surely :-)
forum.ster-gaming.pl/uploads/remoteimages/23941-20...g
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Well these are actually the next generation 5 series - its Dad and its Grandad are acknowledged as probably the best all round saloons that you can buy anywhere, which bodes well for this one - I've never driven a Ssangyong (which is probably my loss) but it won't touch these for dynamics. Ugly it might be, but its a mightily powerful beast as well as being rather frugal on the fuel no doubt. I wouldn't want an X5 or 6 but I'd have one of these tomorrow. BMW R1200GS is ugly but its a hugely capable bike. Cars don't have to be pretty.
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Pug -can't argue with you that they don't have to be pretty, and each to their own set of priorities. The very reason I wouldn't have a 4x4 over a decent estate car. I know the high driving position is good buit that's where the 4x4 ends for me. Give me saloon car dynamics every day. Anyway, frugal you say? (the BMW 5 series GT) - compared to what? Yes, BMW do very well with fuel economy but what is one of these weighty beasts going to give?
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Cars don't have to be pretty.
No they don't. Indeed certain cars are embarrassingly beautiful. I'd worry if I had a Maserati.
Watched a TG on one of the channels the other night. Jeremy Clarkson had great fun in a Vauxhall Monaro, which also outperformed in nearly every way a couple of suave and sophisticated rivals costing twice as much or more. When asked if he would have one, however, he said he wouldn't because of its moronic looks.
I agree in a way. The thing is no beauty. But how on earth can a real enthusiast turn down such user-friendly simplicity and massive bang-for-bucks ratio? I was really surprised. Perhaps JC's just been too rich for too long.
I'm sure the looks could be toned down a bit with some grey primer or something too.
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looks aren't that important...
I disagree, Pugugly, particularly at this level. Personally speaking, for a £40k investment I'd want something I looked longingly at when parked up, as well as something I looked forward to driving. When you get to this level of investment, the emotional bits play a very important part, I think.
Taken to extremes, it's why people spend £130k on a Ferrari which would be whooped on almost any road by £30k worth of more reliable, more economical, and probably better built Mitsubishi Evo that can handle speed bumps, and stands half a chance of surviving if parked anywhere unattended.
It's the same principle why many people spend £40k+ on a 5 series, ignoring the fact that a top end Mondeo does almost everything as well on paper (if you take RWD out of the equation) for about half the money? You spend it because the BMW is more desirable, and will make you feel better to own. Surely a big part of that is that it has to look right.
Just my fourpenneth.
Cheers
DP
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I wouldn't want a Ferrari :-) It annoys me though, BMW products are universally rubbished when they waver from the predictive dullness of certain other brands and come up with something different. I do appreciate your point of view. It is ugly I accept but no reason to rubbish the whole thing ! According to official figures 43 mpg combined driving by the way.
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It is ugly I accept but no reason to rubbish the whole thing !
Didn't think anybody had? As I've said before, I wouldn't complain if any new BMW appeared on my drive. (SWMBO would though...)
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Video and photos here:
www.worldcarfans.com/109052219515/official-bmw-5-s...o
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I've seen a number of these and I sat in one a 530d version a while back. I like the styling, though the rear three quarter is not the best angle. Interior is a new take on the present 7 Series with a particularly well integrated i-Drive display and the detailing both internally and externally is fantastic. I'm sure it'll be great to drive, with the promise of more forgiving suspension than the usual BMW norm. The list price on a car like this is also largely irrelevant - they're bought as company cars so the business leasing rate is what matters and BMW normally hit the mark with competitive leasing rates (in Germany anyway).
I have two problems with the 5GT. One is the hatchback/ boot thing which is beautifully engineered but a pointless addition of weight and complexity. The other is a pet hat of mine. This car is enormous. Longer, higher and heavier than a 5 Series Touring, itself no shrinking violet. If BMW had been really clever they would have made this car sleeker and lighter.
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Just watched HJ's test - cracking sounding motor. I actually want one now :-( (I wonder if they'll bring an M version out - now that would be something)
Edited by Pugugly on 26/10/2009 at 17:48
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I want one too PU. I like big. Well, big cars anyway......
Piggy bank a bit too raided currently to make it any kind of serious proposition though.
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Just to put people's mind at rest I am not anti BMW either, just don't see the point in spending more money than I have to on a box I don't own and just has to get me from A to B. Hence the Octavia.
Whilst the current 5 series is growing on me I don't like the current 3 (it looks like a car from one of the early sega computer games from the back with lots of facets being used to make up the curves - especially around the tail lights.
The 6 and X6 are awful.
The current 3 series coupe looks like a sausage dog dragging its belly along the road.
Now a 6-8 year old 3 series convertible (E46?)with the roof down - there is a beautiful car.
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Just to put people's mind at rest I am not anti BMW either
>>>
>>>neither me too
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I'm so cross I'm off to buy one now :-0
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Very dark navy or very dark green with tan leather would suit it. Don't go too bling on the wheels though PU......
;-)
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Same friend told me that the demo X1 was shod with chrome wheels which cost nearly 4k !!!!
Edited by Pugugly on 27/10/2009 at 14:47
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How sickening would that scrrrrape sound be ? "Oh bother", I'd probably say !!!
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