2004 BMW 5-series reviews

[AZ325Ci]

The Five comes alive

Highlights from the National Post*article:

Dr. Helmut Panke, chairman of the board of BMW, set the tone for the launch of the new 5 Series: "We will not have anybody out-BMW BMW."

The succinct declaration sums up BMW's Herculean endeavour to improve on a car that is already the very embodiment of the esteemed company. The current 5 Series is not only on just about every automotive magazines' Top 10/All-star/Best of list, but it is also placed equally as high by insurance and consumer groups as one of the safest vehicles of any type to be found.

For its successor to achieve anything less than the pinnacle in any of those categories is to risk condescension by the faithful. And let's face it: Previously unflappable BMW has had its confidence tweaked just a tad by the less-than-unanimous approval (for design head Chris Bangle's styling more than anything else) of its last two model introductions -- the 7 Series and the Z4.

The company might have to tap dance around the 2004 5 Series' looks as well. Although far from displeasing, the styling of the new model blends more complicated design elements of both the 3 and 7 Series (not to mention hints of Saab's 9-5...YUCK!)

Although there was not enough time to fully explore all the elements of the new 5 Series, it is patently obvious BMW has once again raised the bar in the premium-priced sedan segment with a mid-sized car that surpasses its predecessor in driving dynamics and enjoyment.

Any car company planning to respond to Dr. Panke's test of building a better BMW than BMW had better bring its game face.

It is certainly going to need it.

Click here to read the full review

i cant wait to drive one, but ill have to put a blind fold on so i dont have to look at it....actually i think the back looks great...the front isnt too bad either

[donutchow]

Originally posted by SpeedsterBMW@May 23 2003, 09:09 PM
i cant wait to drive one, but ill have to put a blind fold on so i dont have to look at it....actually i think the back looks great...the front isnt too bad either

the interior will be amazing, i bet the seats will be so comfortable. and i hear a 6 speed will be available for the base 5!!

[adonis_bimmer]

i read Autocar mags review against the Merc n of course the Bimmer won B) i think the 5 will good once seen in real life

Originally posted by donutchow+May 24 2003, 02:02 AM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (donutchow @ May 24 2003, 02:02 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin--SpeedsterBMW@May 23 2003, 09:09 PM
i cant wait to drive one, but ill have to put a blind fold on so i dont have to look at it....actually i think the back looks great...the front isnt too bad either

the interior will be amazing, i bet the seats will be so comfortable. and i hear a 6 speed will be available for the base 5!! [/b][/quote]
interior is awsome, and yes, all 5's come with a standard 6spd even the 525 (NO DONUT THEY ARE NOT PUTTING A 6SPD IN THE 325i) :lol: :lol: