Looks more like a new X3 to me!!:confused:

its just ugly!!!

Code name: Frozen Turd

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

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

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.

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. :confused:

Mike

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'. :thumbup:

Though personally I'm leaning towards the Q7! :tsk: :tsk:

:rofl: Mike:rofl:

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.