SLegacy99

Thanks for the review, as I was interested in this vehicle. I have come to think that the 5 Series GT is pointless and it sure is ugly. I just don't think that it is needed. BMW should have put their money into an A5 type vehicle. And I'd still like to see a 635i, but that car is so expensive as it is.

mmarshall

You were interested in it, but you think the car is pointless?...I'm not sure I follow you. I agree, however, that you can get reasonably good cargo space in the 5-series wagons, but, of course, they, in turn, are done on a smaller overall platform than the larger, 7-series platform of the 550 GT. And the GT also offers tire-shredding torque (more than any regular non-M 5-series), but, of course, at a weight/gas-mileage penalty as well.

The car probably IS pointless to those who are satisfied wth the regular 5-series, but I think those who want a less-ugly, less in-your-face X6 and don't need the X6's high ground clearance will give it a look. It will also be of interest to those who like the regular 7-series, but bemoan its sedan-only body styles in the American market.

As far as BMW doing an A5-style coupe, I agree to an extent (to me, the 6-series coupes are awkward-looking, borderline ugly, and, in some cases, too expensive). BMW already has the 2-seater Z4 coupes/roadsters for those who don't need a back seat, but, of course, are somewhat smaller and more cramped than an A5. The long-gone 840/850 series, to me, was the ideal BMW coupe (IMO, one of the most beautiful cars BMW ever did)........but was simply too expensive.

mmarshall

Not quite. The Aztek proved that there ARE limits.

However, I did watch one young couple fall in love with one and buy it.....I've already told that story, and won't repeat the whole thing here.

I agree on the overpowered, high-priced part, but as far as hatchbacks themselves go, American attitudes are changing, albeit slowly. That is why Audi finally brought the A3 hatchbacks here, after years of lagging. And Saab, of course, was successful with premium hatchbacks years, until GM re-did the Saab lineup and screwed things up.


What's your prediction between the ZDX and X6 in sales?. I'd pick the ZDX, based on price, but probably not by much.

THE X6, BTW, IMO, is better-looking than the ZDX only by virtue of not having a parrot-beak grille.

mmarshall

Thanks.

73K is indeed a lot of cash (a lot more than I'd spend on a car), though, like I said, base models, without options, start at 63K. And the money is not totally wasted.....this car has noticeably better materials and fit/finish than a number of other recent BMWs, particularly in interior hardware/trim/seat leather. The Dakota Ivory White leather, for example, is nicer, IMO, that what is current offered in most Lexus and Jaguar models.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

that is really ugly, in my opinion.

mmarshall

Outside or inside? A somewhat better case for ugliness can probably be made outside.

DASHOCKER

iTrader: (2)

This vehicle is aimed at trendy non conservative urban professionals. The latest free BMW magazine had a spread & on the 5gt. Here are some pics of the spread that I took below. Would I buy it? I would like something a little shorter

IS-SV

They are barely considered exotic in Silicon Valley because the are fairly common and often purchased with stock option gains. (Vantages, Bentley Coupes, Quatroportes, R8's etc.).

Hopefully this ugly 5-thing will outsell the X6, which isn't saying much.

STIG

You are right. BMW has been improving their interior a lot. I can't wait to see new 5 in person. I am really liking the 5 series, but not the GT version.

STIG

she looks really pissed off, don't you think? I would be too if I was sitting in this car.

tmf2004

iTrader: (15)

Funny thing is these will sell probably to the baby boomers.. and the upper class percentile..

pbm317

I believe BMW indicated that xDrive (their new AWD name) will be available in about year, around the same time the 535 GT comes out

LIMS407

ok whats going on with station wagon design?? Porsche panamera, Bugatti and now this....is this new thing??

mmarshall

Right now, it's the Baby Boomers who have, in general, the most cash to spend. Many of them are either at the peak of their earning years or just retired.

mmarshall

Well, driving this car will probably put a smile on one's face ....except for trying to see out the rear window. Paying for this car, though, is another matter.