Glenn, I took some pictures but they're not worth posting. No matter what I tried I could not capture VR accurately on camera. The BMW rep on the stand was quite unhappy about the lighting, telling me that VR looked quite different in day light. The colour in the exhibition hall looked deep red at the front but more washed out at the rear, but Herr Dr insisted that it looks nowhere near as milky in real light. From the pictures I took of the colour swatch a few weeks ago I would have to agree, just remember that it does not photograph well.

After seeing VR in person I agree with Steve that its more like red version of LeMans blue and the color varies with light. It looked much lighter in all the show lighting. 135i in Sedona red was parked next to it and that looked orangish. :tsk:

The darker color at bottom is more close to outside color.

http://www.xoutpost.com/attachments/x...-x6shot_27.jpg

Steved, Great writeup!!!! I'm glad you had the same reaction I did to an X6 in the metal.It really does not seem X5 big.Not to beat the design to death,but the visual cue's just don't come across as SUV size,but more sedan size.Thanks. PalBay

Thanks for the great write-up. Did you get chance to inspect rear cargo space?

Seems like he did inspect cargo space.;)

http://www.caradvice.com.au/wp-conte...G_7618.JPG.jpg

This guy appears to be testing the strength of dash/ console assembly. ;)

http://www.caradvice.com.au/wp-conte...G_7622.JPG.jpg

Yes, sorry I should have mentioned. Rear cargo space was absolutely fine, bigger than a Cayenne and just as large and practical as the ML63 I used to have. Provided you're not comparing the maximum capacity (i.e. to the ceiling) with a boxy SUV, then it is just as practical and perfect for me.

One thing I noticed, and maybe this is true of the E70 X5 too, is that the handle to lift the flat loadfloor up (for access to the spare tyre or mobility kit) has a lock on it. I haven't noticed that before on X5 or any competitor cars.

Hey, that's Geneva. I'm surprised I'm not in that photo, given the amount of time I spent around the car and asking questions.. :rofl:

The rear hatch seams to be quite high when open. I hope it will open within the ceiling height of a garage?