Brace of new BMWs
Discussion
Had the chance to look at a load of the new BMWs yesterday, mixed thoughts.
New 3-series. Really nice. Even in 320d spec, design looks very good and fluid, rear looks better than photos. Interior improved quality.
Z4. Again better than photos (mostly), rear looks very good, ditto side. Front is...awkward. Lights just don't sit right, too big. Is colour dependant though. Red one looked poor, dark grey looked a lot better. Interior very good and driving position feel good, better than outgoing model. M40i engine note suitably muscular.
7-series. Actually better than photos look, not difficult. Large grill looked awkward, until seen next to other newer cars and just blends in and looks aggressive.
X7. Imposing, and have to confess, I liked it in a 'huge-US-style-SUV' way. Design does actually work I the flesh - very good quality interior. No Bentayga, but a really nice place to sit and munch-miles. Huge, but not in a bad way and doesn't stand out in a shouty way - European version of a Denali/Escalade IMO. I'd have one.
Also had a drive of the X5 M50d. Impressive. Best driving SUV I've experienced except the Urus, and the interior has taken a huge leap up in quality. Makes the Audi and Merc look low rent in comparison.
New 3-series. Really nice. Even in 320d spec, design looks very good and fluid, rear looks better than photos. Interior improved quality.
Z4. Again better than photos (mostly), rear looks very good, ditto side. Front is...awkward. Lights just don't sit right, too big. Is colour dependant though. Red one looked poor, dark grey looked a lot better. Interior very good and driving position feel good, better than outgoing model. M40i engine note suitably muscular.
7-series. Actually better than photos look, not difficult. Large grill looked awkward, until seen next to other newer cars and just blends in and looks aggressive.
X7. Imposing, and have to confess, I liked it in a 'huge-US-style-SUV' way. Design does actually work I the flesh - very good quality interior. No Bentayga, but a really nice place to sit and munch-miles. Huge, but not in a bad way and doesn't stand out in a shouty way - European version of a Denali/Escalade IMO. I'd have one.
Also had a drive of the X5 M50d. Impressive. Best driving SUV I've experienced except the Urus, and the interior has taken a huge leap up in quality. Makes the Audi and Merc look low rent in comparison.
I'd be interested in looking at the forthcoming 340i as I've not seen a new 3er in the metal. Have to say from the YouTube reviews of the 330i that it sounds great but am still not 100% with the styling.
The hot 2019 XE hasn't come out yet but the facelift looks really good so may consider leaving the BMW fold for a Jag (never thought I'd say that).
The grilles on the current crop of BMW's seem a tad too big for me but otherwise am liking the way they're going.
The hot 2019 XE hasn't come out yet but the facelift looks really good so may consider leaving the BMW fold for a Jag (never thought I'd say that).
The grilles on the current crop of BMW's seem a tad too big for me but otherwise am liking the way they're going.
Ares said:
Grills did look a little less 'in your face' in the flesh.
The worst, IMO, was the new honeycomb effect one on the Z4.
You're right. Just popped down to my local dealer and the 8 looks lovely. Better with the black trim though imo.The worst, IMO, was the new honeycomb effect one on the Z4.
Sadly they didn't have a 3 in so will have to wait.
SOL111 said:
Ares said:
Grills did look a little less 'in your face' in the flesh.
The worst, IMO, was the new honeycomb effect one on the Z4.
You're right. Just popped down to my local dealer and the 8 looks lovely. Better with the black trim though imo.The worst, IMO, was the new honeycomb effect one on the Z4.
Sadly they didn't have a 3 in so will have to wait.
Ares said:
Also had a drive of the X5 M50d. Impressive. Best driving SUV I've experienced except the Urus, and the interior has taken a huge leap up in quality.
Apart from the shoddy rear seat back stitching that seems to affect a lot of cars.....no doubt due to the switch from Lear to Magna for seat production, which BMW QC at Spartanburg seem to have been instructed to turn a blind eye to...... 
I’ve also seen the new 3 and Z4 over the weekend at Rybrook BMW in Shrewsbury. They were allowing access to their compound with several of the cars accessible.
Both huge improvements and they have overtaken the A4 and TT interior quality in leaps and bounds. Very modern. Makes the competition look dated.
Both huge improvements and they have overtaken the A4 and TT interior quality in leaps and bounds. Very modern. Makes the competition look dated.
Ares said:
Also had a drive of the X5 M50d. Impressive. Best driving SUV I've experienced except the Urus, and the interior has taken a huge leap up in quality. Makes the Audi and Merc look low rent in comparison.
That is a pretty big shout then, I've always personally preferred the interiors of the Audi and Merc. I need to get to see one then because Bmw interiors usually leave me very flat. Although far from poor I even thought that the interior of my 640d wasn't that special, and I've watched a few reviews that have said that the new 8 series hardly pushes the boundaries of interior specialness.
cerb4.5lee said:
Ares said:
Also had a drive of the X5 M50d. Impressive. Best driving SUV I've experienced except the Urus, and the interior has taken a huge leap up in quality. Makes the Audi and Merc look low rent in comparison.
That is a pretty big shout then, I've always personally preferred the interiors of the Audi and Merc. I need to get to see one then because Bmw interiors usually leave me very flat. Although far from poor I even thought that the interior of my 640d wasn't that special, and I've watched a few reviews that have said that the new 8 series hardly pushes the boundaries of interior specialness.
euphoricmess said:
340i could tempt me, but im still out on the design from seeing it online.
Tech seems good. Got an Audi at the minute and getting in a 3 or 4 feels like a time warp. Hopefully it lives up to the reviews.
The new X5 is a stunner
Ironically, I always thought the opposite with Audi. The quality of material was very good, but the design didn't seem to have really evolved for 20years. Just a sea of buttons.Tech seems good. Got an Audi at the minute and getting in a 3 or 4 feels like a time warp. Hopefully it lives up to the reviews.
The new X5 is a stunner
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