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09-28-2014, 09:41 PM | #1 |
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5-series ride/luxury
So, after the R8 arrived, I've been driving it nearly everywhere - making use of it before the winter arrives. And when going out with the family, we've been taking my wife's Q5 pretty frequently. So the 5-series has been sitting idle at home for many weeks now.
However, we took the 550xi out for a trip this weekend, and wow - after only about 5 or 6 weeks, stepping back in the 5-series, you forget how luxurious the drive is and how much the car pampers you. Maybe it's because I've gotten used to a screaming V10 behind my head for the past several weeks (which makes the car's B&O sound system completely ironic), or feeling many of the bumps in the road... but driving the 5 for a few hours this weekend, it really reminded me of what a great job BMW did with the ride (DHP is amazing), the seat comfort (down to the plush headrest), and the quietness of the car. While I don't expect the R8 to soak up bumps in the road, I'd expect the Q5 (an SUV) to do a much better job than a sedan with 19" rims and run-flat tires... but it's actually not the case. With all but some of the most massive pot-holes (which will jar the 5), the 5-series does a superior job at soaking up road imperfects by FAR when compared to the Q5. Even my wife commented about it (unprovoked) since she hadn't ridden in the 5 for some time. Anyway, no real point of this post - but I found it interesting what a month or so away from the 5 can tell you. I thoroughly enjoyed the comfortable highway cruising this weekend while having the active seats gently keep my bum awake! I'm looking forward to seeing what BMW does with the next gen 5-series - hoping I like it, as I'd gladly buy another after this one.
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2017 BMW 650xi Gran Coupe | MSport | Exec Package | Driver Assist Plus | ACC Stop & Go | Adaptive Drive | B&O | Night Vision | Cold Weather | Active Seats
2015 Audi R8 V10 | Brilliant Red on Black | S-Tronic | Carbon Sideblades | Carbon Trim | Full Leather | Sport Exhaust | Illuminated Doorsills | I-Pod | Contrast Stitching Previous: '14 550xi, '07 335i, '01 325i |
09-28-2014, 11:19 PM | #2 |
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I know what you mean.
I have driven my highly modified BMW 850 this summer, and with 19" wheels (25 year old car so 19" is big), stiff suspension and a supercharged V12 with a pretty much a straight pipe exhaust the difference is striking. I also had a few rides in a friends e46 M3, and when I get into my 5 the ride is effortless, comforting and just great. Truly a great car. |
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09-29-2014, 12:25 AM | #3 |
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My 5"28" makes me feel the same way and it's my only car.
Ferry around 4 adults - total comfort and luxury. Tackle a sharp turn with full load - no problem on eibach 550 springs+base non-adaptive suspension, car hardly tilts. Beat a motorcycle at the lights to merge - takes off like a jet/rocket (may be a little biased here..) VRROOM - what a thrill you can get on a N52 @ 258hp |
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09-29-2014, 08:31 AM | #5 |
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Driving around in a R8 will make you appreciate the F10's comfort that much more. As much as Audi has improve in recent years, in my opinion, BMW still makes the best suspension. We had a Q5 as well a few years ago, I agree that the ride is not as comfortable as the F10. The Q5 shares a platform with the A4, technically, the F10 should be compare to the Q7 since the Q7 shares its platform with the Volkswagen Touareg and the Porsche Cayenne. The Q7 has a very nice ride, too bad it handles like a boat.
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09-29-2014, 09:01 AM | #6 | |
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I've said it many times, 5 series doesn't blow you away immediately. It's impressive, but over long period of time, you learn to appreciate what this car is all about. I'm impressed daily with the level of refinement it offers. So many subtle things that make it great, combination of fun, comfort and great looks is hard to beat. Nice to read it's still enjoyable for you. |
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09-29-2014, 02:16 PM | #7 | |
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I agree with you about the Q7 - looks like a giant eggplant to me, honestly. And yes, BMW's suspension is second to none as far as I'm concerned - none of the Germans feel quite the same. I liked the more nimble dynamics of the Q5, but it's just not big enough any more. I took her to see the new X5, but she said the dashboard looks too "spaceship like" - hey, I love spaceships! But honestly, the outside of the new X5 is depressingly boxy to me... I really loved the last generation. She likes the Porsche Cayenne, but it's awfully expensive for what you get - every little option is extra. But it's a very nice handling SUV, for sure. The VW may be something to look at, as well - forgot about that one, but it shares so much in common that it's probably a great alternative.
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2017 BMW 650xi Gran Coupe | MSport | Exec Package | Driver Assist Plus | ACC Stop & Go | Adaptive Drive | B&O | Night Vision | Cold Weather | Active Seats
2015 Audi R8 V10 | Brilliant Red on Black | S-Tronic | Carbon Sideblades | Carbon Trim | Full Leather | Sport Exhaust | Illuminated Doorsills | I-Pod | Contrast Stitching Previous: '14 550xi, '07 335i, '01 325i |
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09-29-2014, 02:36 PM | #8 | |
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When I was picking up the R8 the sales guy asked me what my DD was - I told him the 550xi. He immediately wanted to "replace it" (for my benefit, of course) with an S6. He didn't quite understand that I had purposefully (and recently) bought the 550xi OVER the S6, E-class, etc. While nice cars, I don't think any of the other competitors do what the 5-series does in this segment. Like I said, I hope that whatever they come out with after the F10 is at least as good because it would be such a disappointment if not. I wasn't a fan of the bangle E60 - it was a nice driving car but the looks never settled with me. The F10 is just a gorgeous car from every angle, which is matched by it's interior - finally a return to the driver-oriented dash, super plush materials, the whole nine yards. I understand they're taking an evolutionary approach with design - I'm hoping there will be some killer new tech, though... even though the F10 is already a technology powerhouse!
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2017 BMW 650xi Gran Coupe | MSport | Exec Package | Driver Assist Plus | ACC Stop & Go | Adaptive Drive | B&O | Night Vision | Cold Weather | Active Seats
2015 Audi R8 V10 | Brilliant Red on Black | S-Tronic | Carbon Sideblades | Carbon Trim | Full Leather | Sport Exhaust | Illuminated Doorsills | I-Pod | Contrast Stitching Previous: '14 550xi, '07 335i, '01 325i |
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09-29-2014, 03:01 PM | #9 | |
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09-29-2014, 03:26 PM | #10 | |
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I hadn't looked at the Jeep, but I do like the look of them.
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2017 BMW 650xi Gran Coupe | MSport | Exec Package | Driver Assist Plus | ACC Stop & Go | Adaptive Drive | B&O | Night Vision | Cold Weather | Active Seats
2015 Audi R8 V10 | Brilliant Red on Black | S-Tronic | Carbon Sideblades | Carbon Trim | Full Leather | Sport Exhaust | Illuminated Doorsills | I-Pod | Contrast Stitching Previous: '14 550xi, '07 335i, '01 325i |
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09-29-2014, 05:24 PM | #11 |
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+1 on the Jeep Grand Cherokee
I had a loaded 2012 and let me tell you that thing is NICE. The current line up offers a ZF 8-speed tranny and diesel. If you want all the options check out a loaded Jeep Grand Cherokee "Overland Summit". This car has EVERYTHING including upgraded nappa leather and leather dash. Im sure the 4x4 will come in handy in the winters. |
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09-30-2014, 12:43 AM | #12 | |
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2018 Lamborghini Huracan Performante
2012 Ducati Panigale 1199 S 2019 Ducati Panigale V4R |
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09-30-2014, 03:25 AM | #13 |
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I get to appreciate mine daily, I use it to commute back and forth from my business.
At work I'm generally driving a van, a JCB, a Bobcat or a forklift. So at the end of a day it just feels great jumping into the 5 and appreciating it's qualities... |
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09-30-2014, 10:12 AM | #14 |
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Usually for any short-term commutes or if the weather is nice, I take my bike out since we only have a few more weeks of good weather.... I ride a 300 which is kind of aggressive with a hunched back position, so after a while (10-20 miles), it gets cumbersome. Just stepping into the F10 on a Friday night is bliss.
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09-30-2014, 10:54 AM | #15 |
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I had the same feeling after test driving a 2014 Porsche 911 C4S. I've always wanted one, but due to parking constraints (and money), I would have to choose one or the other). I loved the way the car drove and soured, but after the test drive, I got back into my 535 X Drive and drove home. Coupled in large part with the fact that my two young kids would have trouble being comfortable in the rear of a 911 and the extreme comfort of the 5, I wished I had more money and a 3 car garage so I could have both. So, for now its the F10.
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09-30-2014, 01:58 PM | #16 | |
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2017 BMW 650xi Gran Coupe | MSport | Exec Package | Driver Assist Plus | ACC Stop & Go | Adaptive Drive | B&O | Night Vision | Cold Weather | Active Seats
2015 Audi R8 V10 | Brilliant Red on Black | S-Tronic | Carbon Sideblades | Carbon Trim | Full Leather | Sport Exhaust | Illuminated Doorsills | I-Pod | Contrast Stitching Previous: '14 550xi, '07 335i, '01 325i |
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09-30-2014, 02:39 PM | #17 | |
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2013 535 X Drive, Alpine White/M Sport/Executive/Apps/Black Dakota/Fineline Anthracite
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