[SpokenHands]

I previewed a Space Gray Metallic 535i F10 in SE trim on 16-Feb at Rybrook Warwick, in Warwickshire, England. No pictures were allowed so apologies in advanced - the car was even hidden behind screens to protect it from general view within the dealership.

My first observations were:
1. Well-proportioned if somewhat conservative exterior. The kidney grill looks great but the Volvo S80 type hood is a bit old-fashioned at a time when Jaguar, Mercedes, even Vauxhall and Honda are going the taut, flame-surfacing route.
2. No significant improvement in interior space (esp rear legroom) and boot space is actually less than current E60.
3. Several storage cubby holes every where (front and rear console)
4. Interior switchgear, layout and iDrive quality was superb.


What I was surprised by:
1. Sophisto Grey Xirallic is an excellent color, quite like Sparkling Graphite and not flat as some Color Thread pictures suggest. Dealer suggest darker colors will look better on this design and I would tend to agree.
2. Interior quality of switchgear is markedly improved, now approaching 7-series/X5 level of premiumness. Lots of small but excellent finishing touches.
3. 19" and 20" alloys have a lot of presence: Style 331 and Style 332 I think it was.


What I loved over my E60:
1. Excellent cabin feel, ergonomics and quality of switchgear materials
2. Excellent high-resolution 10.4" screen in Professional Sat Nav
3. Black Panel Technology on instrument panel
4. Clean centre console and nice big centre armrest storage area
5. Integrated puddle lamps in door handles (ambient light package)
6. The 520d will also have two chrome tailpipes on the LHS
7. BMW are making adjustments to the 520d currently to get emissions down to 130g/km to benefit from lower tax band, hence all brochures show 'tbc' against fuel and emissions.

What I didn't like at all:
1. Rear parcel-shelf (behind the rear seats) was covered in some kind of perforated linen, jute-like fabric which looks like it will collect dust and debris in normal use
2. The bottom part of the SE Rear bumper is a bit fussy - with unresolved surfaces and angles and an embedded red reflector strip. Iccck!
3. Rear boot is large and deep but doesnt have a flat surface to maximise the floor area, so appears smaller than the current E60. Very small under-floor storage too.

I am planning to order the M-Sport version when they begin taking orders August 2010 for a Nov 2010 delivery in the UK. The combination I am proposing is:
Sophisto Grey Xirallic Exterior
Cohiba Brown Extended Leather [Individual]
Dark Poplar Wood [High Gloss]

Cheers

AR