5-Series, 7-Series or 5-Series GT?

[gazchap]

Not talking about the current generation of each here, but the previous (so F10, F01 and whatever the equivalent chassis code is for the F01-based GT)

Ignoring looks (as I know the 5GT hasn't got a good image in that area) what is each car like to live with?

I've been interested in an F01 7 Series for a while now (most likely a 730d) as my LEAF PCP expires in September and I'm coming back to the internal-combustion engine. The 7-Series ticks all the boxes for me, I've had three before but none of this generation.

The only thing that puts me off it is the length, making it difficult to park at work (our parking spaces are not all the same length, and there's only 2 that it'll fit in)

The 5-Series is only slightly shorter than the 7 as far as I know, but seems like it wouldn't be quite as nice to be inside - and I have an hour commute each way every day so I want somewhere that's nice to be. I have recurring back trouble so comfortable seats are a must.

But I saw a 5GT the other day and thought it may be a good "halfway house" between the two? It looks like it should share many of the same creature comforts of the 7, but with increased practicality.

Thoughts?

[gazchap]

ZeroH said:

5GT is indeed a more practical 7 series. As long as you are not looking for a particularly sporty drive - its a lovely place to hammer out serious mileage in - if you can find one, get with IAS - dramatically improves manouverability and agility and makes a big car feel much smaller in town.

Yeah, not looking for anything particularly sporty - I have my GT-Four for that. Comfort is the main driving factor, with fuel economy second to that.

Which brings me on to...

Shirt587 said:

I have nothing really to bring to the party (other than I would always personally prefer a F11 Touring to any of the above), but can I ask why you're moving away from electric? Change of commute, or bored with limited range, or...?

My two years with my LEAF have been utterly fantastic, in all honesty. I can count on one hand the number of times I've been on the road and have been worried about the range of the vehicle. It's quiet, comfortable, and surprisingly agile. Ludicrously cheap to run, too.

However, there have been quite a few instances this year where, as a family, we've wanted to go on a longer journey. Before Ecotricity started charging for their electricity on the motorway services, this wasn't too much of a problem. Then they started charging, and a ludicrous amount which basically meant it was borderline whether it would save money over a fuel-efficient ICE car. They've changed their charging scheme now which is a little better, but still not really enough IMO.

Fortunately we have a petrol car in the household (a Skoda Fabia) which we used instead, but it's a manual and in certain circumstances when my back trouble is flaring up, it can be incredibly painful to drive for any long period.

[gazchap]

Yeah, I think I'd have to get an LCI 730d if I was going down the 7er route.

Is there much of a difference between the 5 GT and the X5?

[gazchap]

Fox- said:

Unless your budget is £30k or more then a 5GT and an X5 are completely different cars. Pre 2013 X5's are based on the old E60 5 Series.

That settles that one then, cheers.