Anger and frustration have come to many of our readers with the realization that BMWNA will not be offering us the new F11 5 Series Sports Wagon (even possibly the next 3er version F31). To enthusiasts and to those that like a car with substance, practicality and looks; BMW not offering this all wrapped in one package is tough to chew on.
Since our creation of this site some two years ago it has been quite apparent that we are enthusiast oriented (intentionally) and that the overwhelming majority of our readership is passionate and well educated when it comes to vehicles, their needs and how different the BMW experience is from everything else out there.
Once in a while we all need a reality check; for better or for worse. Today we are starting the day off with a little humility towards those at BMWNA who are responsible for making the hard decisions of what and what not to offer. Most of us do not see the reason for the wagons exiting the market to be all that transparent- there are thousands that would buy wagons, no?
The reality of the situation is that the vast majority of Americans are not enthusiasts, have little brand loyalty and purchase vehicles like they are appliances by mainly relying on the Consumer Reports bubble charts or solely on looks. The amazing thing is that many of these consumers do find our site and others like it to ask questions about future car purchases. All I know is that I name my cars (they are family) and never have or never will give my dishwasher a name so to me the concept of cars being appliances is quite foreign. I do not blindly stay within the brand but also know (from driving/researching competitors offerings) there are very few cars that exceed BMWs product line.
The following question (a similar one was also emailed to us) was asked of Jonathan Welsh at the Wall Street Journal-
Q: I am currently driving a BMW 535. This is my third BMW and I am ready for a change. One of the problems with the BMW is the lack of leg room in the back seat. I am 6′2″ so I also need room up front. Can you suggest a sedan that offers more legroom? I am looking at the Hyundai Genesis.
With the Geneva Motor Show wrapping up BMW has created a highlight reel or sorts that details the new 5er Hybrid, Active E and 335is models. Worth watching as a recap of much the reporting we’ve been doing over the past week about the show.
While this editorial has been in the works since late last year, I have refrained from publishing it until now- to better coincide with the official public unveiling of the the 2011 F10 BMW 5 Series.
BMW since the 1970’s has had separate classes of sedans based mainly on size and the level of luxury. This was even true through the late 80’s and 90’s when BMW was accused of producing “the same sausage at different lengths”. The 3 Series has always been the smaller sportier car with less luxury and available options while the flagship sedan was the posh 7 Series. The 7 exuded class and luxury. It was loaded with latest exclusive technologies and ultra premium materials while providing its clientele with copious quantities of space both in the passenger compartment and luggage area. The 5 Series has always been somewhere in the middle in terms of size, luxury and available technology.
Looking at the current 3 series (E90: 2005- current), the current 5 (E60: 2003- until this June), and the last generation 7 series (E65: 2002-2009) it is hard for most to discern the shared design language let alone shared components. Chris Bangle led the revolution to change the look of BMWs, “We were making sausages at different lengths and management at that time and especially Chairman Eberhard von Kuenheim and technical director Wolfgang Reitzle felt we needed to break away and chart a new course for the company and the brand,” Bangle said in David Kiley’s book Driven: Inside BMW, the Most Admired Car Company in the World. Under his leadership (he did not pen the designs) each model had its own style and enough exclusive bits and pieces to make each standout as an individual. Engines, transmissions and other mechanicals were shared throughout the lineup but for the most part things went their separate ways, especially once you openned the doors and gazed at the interior.
As BMW is taking the wraps off of its latest 5 Series in Geneva, it will also be unveiling its latest hybrid. Yes the mystery concept car that had been speculated about is indeed the Active Hybrid 5. The car has a straight-six combined with an automatic transmission plus an electric motor developing maximum output of 40 kW (drawing its energy from a high-voltage battery at the back of the car). While it’s not the revolutionary drivetrain that we’ll see in the Megacity vehicles, it does bring a fair share of high tech to the masses. It’s also a glimpse of what is to come with the next generation 3er. But we’ll have more on that later.
Official Release: The new concept car offers a particularly good rendition of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan in all its dynamic, efficient and innovative qualities, at the same time representing the ongoing development of the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 and the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 with their drivetrain technology already in production.
The drive system featured in the BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid consists of a straight-six gasoline engine with TwinPower Turbo technology, eight-speed automatic transmission, and electric drive. Integration of BMW ActiveHybrid technology in a sedan already extremely efficient with its “conventional” combustion engine reduces both fuel consumption and emissions once again by more than 10 per cent. At the same time the electric motor offers a boost function, supporting the gasoline engine in generating particularly dynamic drive power for an even more sporting driving experience in the car.
This week we provided you, our readers, with a brief history of where the famed BMW 5 Series began. Now, with the gracious support of our good friends at BMW North America we are able to show you the next edition of the 5 Series set to go on sale this June; the all new 2011 model code-named F10. (Full gallery after the jump).
The next generation 5 series is a distinct departure from the outgoing model. It is not controversial from a design standpoint and does not feature a front clip made entirely from aluminum. What it will be known for is its increased luxury and advanced technology in, as some would say, a conservative package.
From the start the ‘11 5 Series will be powered by a choice of two turbo charged engines. The 535i with N55 dual scroll inline six (300 hp/ 300 ft-lbs.) and the N63 twin turbo V8 (400 hp/ 450 ft-lbs.) giving the 550i some serious grunt. The engines both feature the latest in efficiency techniques while not sacrificing performance or drivability.
With the spectacular success of the New Class and the 02 Series, BMW had come off the ropes to reach new heights of prosperity. In the early seventies, a new plant was set up in Dingolfing to help spur sales. BMW wanted to produce 1000 cars a day. In 1972, it introduced the replacement to the 1800/2000. This new offering was a traditional mid-size model designed by Marcello Gandini and reintroduced the now-familiar nomenclature. It was called the 520 (E12).
BMW chairman Eberhard von Kuenheim described the company’s product plans through the 1980s as a program of “refinement in all areas.” He had expressed his concern over not being able to economically produce cars smaller than the 1502. The 5 Series was the first step towards the intended market. It featured a refined body design and great interior comfort. Due to its extra weight over the New Class sedans, it however was not a particularly brilliant performer.
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We believe in the old school BMW ownership experience. We believe in garage nights with a six pack and some friends. We believe in 2002s, in E30 M3s and E34 540s with the 6 speed. We believe in progress in both design and engineering but we haven't lost sight of what made the brand and its products great all those years ago. And yes, we believe in the manual transmission.
We long for the days of the wave and for the days of roll-up windows. Yet we love the gadgets on the inside and the xenons on the outside.
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Sections: F10 5 Series, F11 5 Series Wagon, In the Press Mar 17th, 2010 16 Comments 
