Anybody notice all of the new and relentlessly-played BMW commercials lately? They seem to really be trying to copy Lexus' ad style. Their new voice-over guy even sounds a lot like the Lexus guy. Friggin Germans.

Maybe this is why...

BMW Luxury Lead Threatened by Lexus, Stagnant
By Jeremy van Loon
May 4 (Bloomberg)

The Lexus Challenge
BMW's short-term goal for its U.S. operation is to catch Lexus with the two new crossover vehicles planned for next year. “We're paying very close attention to Lexus,'' says Martin Kuhn, 41, who's responsible for purchasing strategy at BMW. “The time when they merely copied ended a long, long time ago.'' Lexus's LS sedan and RX SUV compete directly with BMW's 3-and 5-Series models and the X3 and X5 SUVs. Last year, Lexus reintroduced a vehicle specifically aimed at BMW's high-end 7-Series line. The new Lexus LS, which starts at $71,000, features a 4.6-liter, V-8 engine; a leather-trimmed interior; heated and cooled seats; a voice-activated navigation system; and satellite radio.

 

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=280375

 

is it just me or does that commercial for the "new" 5 series very annoying? i know active steering is an option but which 5er comes with twin turbos? am i missing something?

 

The 535i has twin turbos.

 

The 2008 facelifted 5-series has been out for a couple weeks now. It is now the 528i, 535i, and the 550i (carryover engine). The two inline-6s are lifted from the 3-series, including the twin-turbo. Unfortunately if you order the automatic, you'll get the ridiculous gearshifter from the X5.

I've seen the 2008 5ers on the streets a couple times. The changes are subtle, but overall the profile is smoother and easier to swallow. The 550i finally gets the neat M-tech aero kit as an option with the sport package.

 

time to update your bmw lineup

 

i kinda like that ridiculous X5 shifter.

it's a rather simplistic yet complicated design...it's rather interesting

 

that shifter is the answer to the question nobody asked, redesigned it to be un-intuitive from other cars