Why I Like the New 5 Series

"DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!" (daft-ryosuke)
10/14/2016 at 12:45 • Filed to: bmw, 5 series, bmw 5 series, g30, e39

The 5 Series. Even the name carries its own weight in the executive car world. Up until recently, the big German sausage was the end all when it came to the mid-sized luxury market, but something was missing from the most recent models. Something that was a big reason as to why the 5 Series was held so high above the rest...striking styling. However, I think it’s back...let me explain why.

Just disregard the fact that these are M5s.

When looking at all the 5 Series models in a lineup, you notice something from the E12 to the E39. The styling is understated, it’s clean and simple. Not too plain, but not too gaudy. The styling really peaked with the E39, as we pretty much can all agree. But then Bangle came around and we got the E60, and while it’s finally starting to look handsome in retrospect, it’s an understatement to say that it was a drastic change. What makes this new 5 Series different from the two most recent models is that it’s the first 5 Series that actually feels like it’s going back to the old ways. Still don’t believe me? Let me show you what I mean by showing you the E60 and F10.

The E60 was bulbous, wild with its Dame Edna headlights and humped up rear-end.

The F10 gained more bulb but toned down the E60's wild cues, becoming an androgynous blob of a car. Now look at the G30.

Wild styling cues have been all but erased, and the blobbiness has been toned down to a more defined, elegant shape. It’s clean...it’s understated...remind you of anything?

Yes, while it’s safe to say that BMW will never make a car as striking as the E39, they’re at least making progress back to the good old days. The 5 Series is not gaudy like your aunt at a Christmas party anymore, it’s now got an air of class again, like a gentleman in a fine suit. Is it the most beautiful in its segment? Not quite, but I like it. I’d buy one. But not after looking at a few E39s.

But maybe I’m drunk.

DISCUSSION (8)

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!
10/14/2016 at 12:57

The less blunt front and rear ends really help. The new style is much sleeker than the F10.

finn's arm > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever
10/14/2016 at 12:58

I agree and really like it. Totes couldn’t justify it though.

Davels460 > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!
10/14/2016 at 12:58

I grew up dreaming of owning a 750il.Now that I can actually afford a 2 year old one I do t care for one. Not 7 or 5. Not even talking about the rest of the peasant lease models. These cars became so common that I don’t even care that it can do 0-60 in 5 seconds.

My Ls460 was the last car I bought that expensive .

Am I getting old? 37 here.

Or is the house mortgage and kids finally did me in .

I just want to listen to my Grateful Dead on the way to work and read a book on the way back.

The only car that excites me is the new 911. And I know I’ll own one one day.

LimitedTimeOnly @ opposite-lock.com > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!
10/14/2016 at 13:02

I feel like the G30 rear is an improvement over the F10, but the G30 front does not appeal in comparison, particularly the chromed nostrils. (I would have to see if the body color or black option that will inevitably be offered is an improvement.)

Overall it looks okay, but that was my feeling about the F10, too. Meh.

404 - User No Longer Available > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever
10/14/2016 at 13:23

For some very odd reason I always thought F10 looked more like a Volvo than a BMW.

IanZ - limited-slip indifferential > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!
10/14/2016 at 17:52

It’s absolutely an improvement over the previous model, which was just an awful-looking thing. I don’t love it; it’s still pretty bland, but it’s a lot mroe elegant. One thing I can’t stand are the flared faux vents above the exhaust tips.

Vicente Esteve > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!
10/14/2016 at 18:39

I still just adore the E60. Now that you put the F10 with the G30 I realize how bad the F10 looks.

Wheelerguy > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!
10/15/2016 at 09:11

All fine and dandy, but... I still want that dream Franken-M5 with E60 power, F10 gearbox optional. I think the G50 will be enough for the exterior job, but cut down on the chrome and DISCONNECT THE HEADLIGHTS FROM THE KIDNEYS DAMMIT!!!