Originally Posted by Scott

BMW considers the next ambitious series called "F" will be more risky than introducing the first X series model the X5.

Although the X5 had to wait to be established before committing to a smaller X3 model , BMW are prepping a series of models under their core products the 5er , 3er and the 1er.

With the F5 known internally as RFK , the F3 known internally as "Coupe Space" and the F1 known as CSV or Compact Sport Vehicle.

Of these projects F5 will arrive first and will be positioned above the 5er Touring . Known all to well that the Mercedes-Benz R-Klasse has not exactly set it's target market (North America) on Fire .

BMW are aiming the F5 at the European market and differing the F5 from the R-Klasse in not only looks but promising true car like dynamics and handling with the latest high performance engines BMW have to offer.

F5 which it's styling has already been internally leaked to the outside world showcases a low slung coupe like vehicle a cross between a Coupe and a shooting brake, shallow glass area and an aggressively styled front facia with angled snake eye slits for headlamps and a dramatic wide kidney grille with titanium facings. The RFK will also be the first BMW to incorporate "Suicide doors" The F5 will be offered with 5 seats initially - The rear packaging is the most interesting feature which features a centalized rear seat seat forward from the individual rear seats . BMW will also offer a seven seat option similar to the X5 and intended for child use only. Given the sole demographic BMW are aiming for the RFK will be the first non M-BMW to offer a Carbon fibre roof the results this brings to the F5 keeping the weight and the car's center of gravity down is nothing short of appealing - BMW say that we make Sporty Dynamic cars such as Compacts,sedans,Coupes,Roadsters,Tourings and SAV's The RFK will be no different.

The RFK will be part of the four vehicles BMW are developing to bridge the gap to Rolls-Royce.

Originally Posted by LeMansX5

Recent info from Scott:

"....The rear packaging is the most interesting feature which features a centalized rear seat seat forward from the individual rear seats. BMW will also offer a seven seat option similar to the X5 and intended for child use only...."

Originally Posted by rodybmw

That sucks. My wife wants a 7 seater to replace her E53 X5 and after seeing the small third row leg room in the E70 I was hoping the V5/F5 would have more space for the third row seat occupants, but this does not sound encouraging. I will not buy an R-Class under any circumstances, but I do like the seat layout/room in it and was hoping the V5/F5 would have similar space.

I guess it may be a bit better than the E70 because if the middle seat of the second row sits further forward compared to the side seats then there may be some more foot/leg room there for the third row.:dunno:

Originally Posted by CGSTL

A message for the husbands out there who have wives who whine about having to have a large third row seat: ..

Originally Posted by cmyX5go

I can't believe you guys have wives that whine...:rofl:

Carry on. :)

Originally Posted by CGSTL

You know what I've found interesting. For the past 10 years I have found that wives like to hedge against the possibility of having to take your kids' friends to soccer practice or the movies. Or, when your parents are in town and you need to take 6 people to dinner rather than just your family of 4. To hedge against this once-a-quarter possibilty the wives would insist on a third row seat. Sure, they love the way a BMW drives, but they also want to have the same seating capacity as the soccer mom up the street with the Yukon XL. The problem is - they RARELY need it.

I just had an E70 for a two-day test drive and found that for the occassional 15 minute drive, my 13 and 10 year-old kids did just fine in the third row. You don't take it on a 6 hour road trip - for that we'll just rent a Yukon XL from Enterprise.

When I put my "I have to have a larger third row" wife behind the wheel of an E70 for two days and asked her to push its limits a bit, she quickly realized that the 15 minute trip to the restaurant with the kids in the third row wasn't so bad. A message for the husbands out there who have wives who whine about having to have a large third row seat: Remind them they're only hedging against three or four trips per year. They're sacrificing a great driving experience for that!

...

Originally Posted by xdrive

To be a user-friendly family type vehicle, perhaps BMW should seriously consider using "electric sliding doors" for the V5.

Originally Posted by CGSTL

Can you say: MINIVAN!!!!!! :scared: