Some New Spy Shots 2007!!!!!!!

[dave_p]

Looks more like a new X3 to me!!

[mb23]

its just ugly!!!

[fln8tive]

Code name: Frozen Turd

[simmikie]

Whatever happened to form follows function? It seems the E70 is being dismissed by some over a single and very subjective parameter. What if it shines in every other respect and was the best X5 ever?

Mike

[xx3]

looks like BMW has been bitten by the wheel arch bug...

[fln8tive]

Originally Posted by simmikie

Whatever happened to form follows function? It seems the E70 is being dismissed by some over a single and very subjective parameter. What if it shines in every other respect and was the best X5 ever?

Mike

Fair enough, but the mules are not looking too promising.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by accella4.4

Fair enough, but the mules are not looking too promising.

Sure, but isn't that why they are called mules? The only thing you get out of a test mule is confirmation that the chassis and functional parts work together. The body is an afterthough, part new, part old, intended to cover up the important bits.

Important info from the test mules, IMO, would be handling characteristics, braking distances, etc. If you wanted to test the third row seat it would better be done in the design studio with a couple of 90th percentile dummies.

[simmikie]

Originally Posted by asawadude

I'm sure this has been brought up before, but I don't understand the fascination with 3rd row seats. Cargo space I understand, but hauling 7 passengers in an SAV with an emphasis on sports is a waste IMHO. The rear seats in an Acura MDX or a Volvo XC90 are just plain uncomfortable. I wouldn't want to sit back there for more than two blocks. If I wanted to drive alot of people around, I'd opt for a much larger vehicle like a van.

Now if the rear seat was like of the Mazda MPV and could be flipped around to face outwards for tailgate parties, I might think about it. But that's the only useful purpose I could think of.

Otherwise, give me back my full size spare and forget the run flats.

Though I am not obsessed with third row seats, I must admit that I am supremely perplexed by those that demand them, regardless of whether or not they will have any meaningful usability. One would almost believe that civilization as we know it would end if auto manufacturers produced anything over 150 inches and not jam a third row into it. I think it's a disease.

Mike

[simmikie]

Originally Posted by accella4.4

Fair enough, but the mules are not looking too promising.

I certainly would not presume to correct your perception, though I think if you look at the test mule video on the nurinbergring(sp), you'd see a 4800+ pound vehicle that aquited itself quite well. It braked well, turned in sharpely, held it's line in the curves like a pit bull, and sounded great doing it.

If the E70 is anything like the E60 upon which it's based, it's going to be fine. All of the reviews I read of the E60 were very positive, even the writers that hate Bangle, could say nothing worse about the E60 5 series other than they think it is ugly, and they hate i-drive. The car is universally praised for it's ride/handling/performance attributes. Some even think it is better than the E39, and everyone knows what a world beater that car was/is.

I think the E70 X5 will be 100% BMW. The E70 will be like that girl in school no-one notices, but you take her out and discover she is so wonderfully complete, where it counts, just below the surface, you will pity all of those who did not see 'it'.

Though personally I'm leaning towards the Q7!

Mike

[fln8tive]

There is a huge line up of Q7s on the web somewhere--pictures from the launch in Yemen, Bahrain, or Quatar...can't remember, exactly, but very interesting stuff.

Understanding that the mules are of course disguised, it does appear that they've stretched the E70...that can't be hidden..in all design, be it a chair, a bridge, or a building, proportion is a magical element, and by stretching this very special proportion we have come to accept as almost iconic, like a ballerina with a boob job, there may be a significant downside.