[Sight1]

Seems BMW needs to come out with some kind of version that focuses on driving dynamics over technology to get the reviewers and driver focused buyers on board. G30 GTS or something.

The new 2017 540i is the latest evidence that BMW may be just not that into you anymore.

Ouch

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...0i-test-review

[midwest 340xi 6sp]

Yah I just read this review last night...Not very flattering.

I actually like the G30 a lot and relative to its peer set, it may still be the best expression of driving dynamics in the segment.

But the segment overall has certainly tilted to Tech and Lux as has the 5'er.

IMO the comparisons to E39 are almost irrelevant. Should probably move this to the G30 forum.

[Quicksilv3r]

I think the writer nailed it. Most honest review of the G30 I've read yet.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by Midwest 535i

Yah I just read this review last night...Not very flattering.

I actually like the G30 a lot and relative to its peer set, it may still be the best expression of driving dynamics in the segment.

But the segment overall has certainly tilted to Tech and Lux as has the 5'er.

IMO the comparisons to E39 are almost irrelevant. Should probably move this to the G30 forum.

Agree, we are in a different place than when the E39 was in production.

I do wonder about the agenda of reviews which harp back to the past... No doubt about, it the E39 was a near perfect car "in its time". Would I swap my F11 for my old E39 540i touring? No way. Will I look at the G30? I certainly will.

Even C&D state....

Of course, it’s a spectacularly capable car built with the solidity of the ...

And that is what is getting the G30 great reviews. Many are seeing the positives.

IMO, the G30 is a car built for its time and the typical 'current' BMW customers. Yes it is bigger, softer etc., but the market is in a different place for all car manufacturers.

Enthusiasts don't finance BMW, are a very small part of the market... (enthusiasts have never controlled the marketing decisions, simply attached themselves where they see fit). Even if we do have fond memories of the E39, do we really want to go back 20-years?

[Bbb34]

Well I'd rather see comparison with F10 than E39, but I get the point they are trying to make. Not exactly most flattering review.

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

... do we really want to go back 20-years?

As a generic statement, the answer is "probably not", that said, latest and greatest isn't always guarantied best in all aspects of life. I'm not saying G30 isn't since I haven't tried myself, but is it that hard to be luxurious and sporty, true to your roots ?

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by Bbb34

Well I'd rather see comparison with F10 than E39, but I get the point they are trying to make. Not exactly most flattering review.

As a generic statement, the answer is "probably not", that said, latest and greatest isn't always guarantied best in all aspects of life. I'm not saying G30 isn't since I haven't tried myself, but is it that hard to be luxurious and sporty, true to your roots ?

I agree, most UK mags are comparing to the F10 and seeing positive improvements.

Comparing to the E39 is in a way cherry picking, as there were other 5-series before the E39 which were closer to the real BMW roots. Why not compare to the E12? The first 'sporty' 5-series. If C&D did that, we'd be seeing the G30 in a far more 'sporty' light.

Having been around BMW from before the first 5-series, my father had a 2000 New Class sedan and several E3 models ahead of Fives and Sevens. I'm a little bemused by the rose tinted view of the way older BMWs drove.

[graphite]

I've been driving a G30 loaner (540xi M-Sport) for the past couple weeks while my '14 535xi is in the shop, and overall, it's pretty nice.

My main gripe is that the car feels almost as if it has a bit more of a Japanese-type flair to it, in that everything is quite flashy and shiny, but it doesn't really have the quirks that even the F10 had. The design has just become a bit less unique, at least in my eyes. I miss the old steering column stalks that were all digital - those have been replaced with the same boring stalks that every car has.

As far as driving dynamics go, it's great. Car feels a bit lighter in the suspension and steering than past models, but that's just part of changing times. It's incredibly responsive, playful when you ask for it, and the shifts are mind-blowing in speed.

Overall, there's not quite as much about the car that screams "You're in a BMW!" as there has been in previous models, but it's not all lost. I get it, they're trying to appeal to a broader market, but as someone who has owned an E39, E60, and two F10's, I think I've got a pretty good feel for what is so special about the 5 series. It's not at all gone, it just seems to have waned a bit in this model.

Some pictures, because







I'll be curious to see what they do for the LCI model in a couple years.

[mko9]

I read the G30 review in Top Gear a few months back. In both the description and even more so in the pictures it comes across as an LCI of the F10 LCI. The interior looks almost exactly the same in pictures. Outside of the turn signals and wiper stalks (thank god!) does it seem different in person?

[BMWrules7]

Originally Posted by Sight1

Seems BMW needs to come out with some kind of version that focuses on driving dynamics over technology to get the reviewers and driver focused buyers on board. G30 GTS or something.

Ouch

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...0i-test-review

Well, the author misses the point.

Why electric steering? Because the car can actually intervene and prevent you from side swiping the car next to you when changing lanes.

Why the klunky shifter? Because, the shift mechanism is stateless and after driving into your garage you can hit the stop button and the car will pop into park.

I am so sick of these car reporters complaining about truly innovative measure that can save lives while maintaining the sporty history of the BMW.

[Bbb34]

Originally Posted by BMWrules7

I am so sick of these car reporters complaining about truly innovative measure that can save lives while maintaining the sporty history of the BMW.

I think that's exactly what they are criticizing, lack of continuing down that "sporty history" path with 5 series. (and some other publications to some extent saying the same about 3 series too).

They are stating "spectacularly capable car ", just not quite sporty in their opinion.

[midwest 340xi 6sp]

Originally Posted by mko9

I read the G30 review in Top Gear a few months back. In both the description and even more so in the pictures it comes across as an LCI of the F10 LCI. The interior looks almost exactly the same in pictures. Outside of the turn signals and wiper stalks (thank god!) does it seem different in person?

As an F'10 2016 535 owner, LCI is how I would describe the G30 too. IMO they took what was best about F'10 and amplified it.

G'30 has more exterior presence, the interior is richer, next generation software interface is a big improvement and it seemed to me to be a little "lighter on its feet"

ITs a very nice vehicle - but evolutionary to F'10, not revolutionary. BMW played it safe. I like it, but certainly don't feel compelled to trade mine in tomorrow on one.

Maybe by LCI time...

[EL Jeffe 5]

Not Going to Read review judging by what people are posting sounds negative.
I test drove G30 about two weeks ago 535 version I honestly can tell you
Its responsive quick and refreshed LCD Screen is bigger and better then F10.
I test drove 535 it didn't not have ceramic controls and shifter my 550 looked much better
one thing I did not like gas gage and temperature gage when car was off it did not look good.
When it comes down would I trade my car in for 2017 535 No I wouldn't that is my honest opinion.

[kolp]

Came across a 540i G30 on the street yesterday and showed it to my wife, she was not too impressed, said it looked almost the same as my 550i F10

[ArchJR]

Is the US market 5-series suspension/steering tuned differently than European models? The European press routinely places this car ahead of its peers, but C/D has now tested or compared the 540i three times with dismal reviews.

[HFW003]

Originally Posted by ArchJR

Is the US market 5-series suspension/steering tuned differently than European models? The European press routinely places this car ahead of its peers, but C/D has now tested or compared the 540i three times with dismal reviews.

Maybe the rating is a function of "donations" or lack there of rather than variants of suspension

[Bbb34]

Originally Posted by kolp

Came across a 540i G30 on the street yesterday and showed it to my wife, she was not too impressed, said it looked almost the same as my 550i F10

I personally think that's a good thing, evolution rather than complete re-design.
Makes long term owners appreciate the brand that doesn't make their cars look completely out of place every 4 years and helps BMW with CPO sales. Plus, why mess up with the good thing, both F10 and G30 are great looking vehicles.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by ArchJR

Is the US market 5-series suspension/steering tuned differently than European models? The European press routinely places this car ahead of its peers, but C/D has now tested or compared the 540i three times with dismal reviews.

One reason could be what we expect and prefer over here in Europe.

BMW offer the best overall package, hence reflected in the reviews. I know for the UK, our roads have always challenged the firmer BMW suspensions, a lot of criticism resulting. The G30 moves the game on, being received well over here.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by Bbb34

I personally think that's a good thing, evolution rather than complete re-design.
Makes long term owners appreciate the brand that doesn't make their cars look completely out of place every 4 years and helps BMW with CPO sales. Plus, why mess up with the good thing, both F10 and G30 are great looking vehicles.

I also see it that way, 5-series market is conservative, evolution has to be the best way.

[Bbb34]

One more reviewer who doesn't seem to be all that impressed.

[Brad22]

I am going to a 540i m sport package via an order. Coming out of my third 750i (last 2) with m sport package. I was highly impressed with it after test driving it back to back against a f10 550i and 535i both m sport. But I am going from a luxury car that while agile for its size was still a boat. The 540i has an amazing engine and feels fun to drive. Test drove the a6 and was underwhelmed. Btw the f10 was still very nice.

Can't figure out if I should go with 19 inch a bit boring wheels for comfort or much bolder aggressive 20's that feel a bit harsh on some roads? Add ddc to the 20's? Thoughts anyone? Perplexed...

[Takumi587]

I had an opportunity to go to the BMW Driver Event here in So Cal where we auto crossed the G30 540i's. Tremendous fun and would highly recommend everyone to sign up for it b/c it is free.

In any event, after numerous laps and driving the 540i around I would have to agree that it is not a major upgrade from the F10. The steering is even softer... The items that truly made me dislike the G30 is the HUD, gauges & steering wheel. For the HUD you have to go through the iDrive menu to turn it off. In addition, the HUD has more details and is way more distracting... The gauges are not even the full digital display and the steering wheel is so big that it blocks out the gauges when moving the wheel around.

Don't get me wrong it felt "new" and refined but overall not a giant leap forward from the previous model.

[Quicksilv3r]

This is a great comparison shot; next to the F10, the G30 design is exaggerated in all the wrong places: taillights, front bumper, body trim, unnecessary creases in the body itself. The new wheel choices don't help either. F10 is far more refined looking. No ridiculous overhang at the front wheels, body lines are cleaner, the tails dont resemble a Kia Optima, etc. The G shines on the inside and that's about where it ends.