How Lame Is This? NONE Of The Competition Can Even Beat The Outgoing BMW 5-Series In MT Review

The better question would be:

Is it a case of not being able to beat it, or not being allowed to?

Money talks.

Maybe, just maybe, the reviewer liked the feel of the 5 more than the others.

I dont see the problem here, I would choose the 5 over the others too.

Other people would have their prefrence so why the accusations of bribes ?

Its not like the Lexus won the overall comparison.

it's funny how when a BMW loses it's because they suck and the Audi/MB/Infiniti/Jag/whatever is so great, but when a BMW wins it's because of "bias" and them bribing the magazines. Apparently BMW's just aren't allowed to win anything, ever. Hmmmm, isn't there a word for that? Oh yeah, it's the same thing people keep accusing the magazines of -- "bias". Hypocrites are awesome.

No, it's not "bias" to notice that BMWs win many comparisons over other completely viable alternatives. It clearly is bias when magazines state they have a preference (read: "bias") for the sporty nature of BMW. If any of the reviewers chose a winner based on any other aspect of these automobiles, like luxury, or refinement, BMW wouldn't win anything.

Anthony, your issue with the 5-Series winning this test is that the writers praised its "sporty nature"? Let me help you out here -- if you're reading what would be considered an "enthusiast car magazine", and in that enthusiast car magazine you are reading an article comparing "sport sedans", then maybe, just maybe, it would be somewhat expected for the magazine to espouse upon the "sporty nature" of the vehicles in question. If you don't want to read about "sporty nature" then read an article about a Camry. Or stick to reading the car articles in Consumer Reports. Oh, and by the way, jealous hypocritical bias (complaining that BMW has all the magazines in their pockets and denigrating any kudos they receive as undeserved) is still bias.

Exactly, Anthony. I'll give an example.

You can read in the column about the Lexus GS, how well it is suited when facts and specs (something you can't argue against) are considered. Measurements (unbiased and indisputable, too) of comfort and sound proofing speak for this car too:
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/1002_luxury_sport_sedan_comparison/photo_68.html

But then, out of the blue, the editor introduces tons of subjective, unmeasurable criteria, clearly, although indirectly, stating his preference against a particular setup. For instance, Lexus lacks:
- spiciness
- thrills
- sensuality
and makes you underwowed.

Sorry, this is no longer reviewing or comparison, this is statement of preference and, exactly, own bias, opinion. It's equal to marketing.

Everyone who buys a car, has his own OPINION and PREFERENCE. They will be verified during test drives. What she or he is interested in, are the facts and measurements and analysis that cannot be easily carried through or collected and compared. This is the job for car magazines.

Apparently, car magazines are no longer to provide value in the form of information and analysis. They are here to sell and promote in a cheap and fairly primitive way.

And that truly sucks.

PS. Preferring vehicle characteristics that apply only above posted speed limits is just plainly dumb, lame and childish.

that's funny, because the luxury brand that spends the most on marketing and advertising is Lexus, and I have yet to see Lexus win a comparison test. But I'm sure when they do, it'll be because they're awesome, and about how they kicked BMW's ass (or German ass in general) since BMW (or the Germans) totally suck, and it won't have anything to do with those ad dollars. Right? Right. In the meantime, a bunch of whining malcontents who have no, what's that word, oh yeah, "proof" all just know for a fact that BMW only wins things because they pay off the magazines. When a BMW loses to an Infiniti, Audi, Jag, or Benz, which happens plenty often, where were those ad dollars then? Did they get a refund on those?

Seriously, you guys are unbelievable. Do you even hear yourselves? Reading your comments calling out the magazines for doing exactly what you're doing, it's the very definition of hypocritical, of bias. Only in the case of the magazines it's 100% conjecture. Wow. You know what? If the ridiculous, childish conspiracy theories help you sleep at night, go for it.

The way editors describe Lexus vehicles annoy me, but I really like it, despite the annoying pitying, when the critics indirectly compliment the Lexus vehicles. One example would be in Jeremy Clarkson's Thriller when Clarkson complained that the LS 400 has no soul, does not break down or do something different, and at certain speeds, is much quieter than a Rolls Royce. Another example would be when one critic "complained" that the IS F was quite a handful and added that the slight rattling on the dash gave it a little "character". (I'm pretty sure it was a pre-production prototype, but that's not my point.)

lol oh really money? find another review of the new e class(which continues to get last place), or any other car in the class the 5 series "always" finishes no worse than 2nd place that saids alot. Until recently with the supercharged A6 winning a comparo Ive never seen the 5 lose on anything but price. Its funny its bloody bias if a BMW wins yet they are generally regarded as the benchmark for many classes, yet if anyone else wins "BMW has lost its way." What a joke....

you're overreacting again oo1. the 5 series was already beaten by other companies who pinned the cars togther. its all opinion based really.

like in C&D, the A6 beats them all....i dont recall you making a single, entire news post for that....i wonder why.....

Time for AUDI to spare a little money to develop RWD platform, or they'll continue receiving AWD weight penalty and fall behind BMW every time.

What nonsense.

Weight Penalties in magazines do not equate to less sales.

Do you not live in the real world ?

Audi vehicles are priced higher than its BMW competition and still sell well {I dont include USA in this statement} so why would they give 2 cents what some magazine says, its not like they were comparing RS4 or RS6.

1995e34: Exactly.

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS: Honestly speaking, I don't care about AUDI or BMW sales and I didn't even read the article. I'm just saying: Damn it AUDI, give me an RWD or you'll never be on my list!!

Didn't Audi beat BMW and the others in another recent comparison couple months back? So, BMW winning here is mute.

I seriously DOUBT that will happen for audi. AUDI's only concern is AWD thats there seller and thats how they claim they have a safe driving car. thats like saying BMW will stop making the several award winning inline 6 engine and make a V6. not going to happen

I want to give respect to BMW with the current 5 series its been a hell of a run with it and its as prettier IMO than all of the other cars in this segment especially the 550 sport package. I just hope the new 2011 5er gets the job done also BMW has a winner with that inline 6 engine.

I'll take the Jaguar XF over it.

I think the 5 series is best in class. It has always been my favorite BMW (even over the 335).

In a Car&Driver comparison from a couple of months ago, the Audi A6 was placed first, ahead of the 5 series. Which car is better depends on one's priorities.

JustaCar: You'r right and beside that as I always say : the beauty is on the eyes of the beholder. How ever I realy want to see the a compare againt the new 5 which is gorgeous. The only thing that I do not like is the front and the hood which is better for me on the E class.

It's funny how other publications rank some of these cars. For example Car and Driver most recently:

Fifth: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350
Fourth: 2009 Jaguar XF
Third: 2009 Infiniti M45
Second: 2009 BMW 535i
First: 2009 Audi A6 3.0T Quattro

Two years ago:

Fourth: 2007 Lexus GS450h
Third: 2007 Mercedes-Benz E550
Second: 2007 BMW 550i
First: 2007 Infiniti M45 Sport

What should we really think about all these comparisons?

Let's see: Audi wins Car and Driver, and comes in second in this one. Yet, it is the oldest of all the cars here with a new generation one year away. Hmm, sound like Audi is doing Damn Good! Same for BMW. Both the 5-Series and the A6-Line are OLD yet the smack the the new Mercedes-Benz. Let's look at it in a different way. What does this say about Mercedes-Benz when its new E-Class just released (with MB claiming world superiority for the new E-Class) cannot beat the old farts A6 and 5-Series from Audi and BMW. Says alot about Audi and BMW cars and speaks very poorly of Mercedes-Benz.

VISO,

EXCELLENT observation!

You're the only one so far who has seen the hidden message theme of this article.

001

VISO got a point here.

If MB updated their pathetic V6, it would probably win. Fresher look and what an interior! MB lowered the price too. That's icing. I drove an E550 4MATIC recently and although it will never be accused of being an exciting car, it's a pretty impressive luxury package.

I need to replace my V10 M5 soon and I can't wait (and won't wait) for this new 5-series. I drove the C63 AMG and the IS-F too. The IS-F is an underrated car. Lexus put an LSD in it this year too.

It's ironic, I find, that every single car magazine out there claims to be an "enthusiast" magazine and then throw a Lexus in a multi-car shoot-out, which naturally includes some BMW or the other. While I am not a fan of either BMW or Lexus, right off the bat the Lexus is fighting a losing battle. Lexus has never struck a "sport" chord with anybody and their angle is comfort and reliability, areas that BMW seem to not be able to master. So my question is this, when will a car magazine come out and be neutral and judge each car on individual merits, stating how each car fulfills its manufacturer's intended purpose? And I am just dumb-struck how anybody can be amazed by the measly 300hp being put out by a 3.0L twin turbo 6 cylinder. Both Mitsubishi and Subaru have been using ONE turbo, with 2 less cylinders and get up to and more than 300hp. I couldn't care less how well a BMW drives because they are poorly built, over-engineered and crude. Motor Trend has their opinion and I have mine. But, what else are we to expect, gentlemen? We live in a world where the zealots are trying hard to prove that the wheel was invented and perfected in Bavaria.

Lets see, the Lexus GS is just as fast as the BMW, has the best fuel economy, is priced the best, has likely the best interior and predicted reliabilty. Yet they place the Caddy, Audi and Jag ahead of it. I am not arguing that the BMW isn't the best driving vehicle, but based on the facts I point out the rankings need to be taken with a grain of salt.

Lexus GS has the best interior? Let me tell you this again.

Lexus interiors are the most overrated in the business.

The BMW 535i is that good. I have had three BMW's and all have preformed great. Enough with the "reliability" argument. Toyota/Lexus have enough problems. I have driven a GS and did not care for interior or driving feel. To boring and soft.

Willis,

WHY do you think they are overrated?

Be specific.

001

Lexus is exactly where it belongs - at the bottom. What do you want from a psuedo premium brand with a camry mentality.

it's also boring looking, has weak dynamics, disconnected steering, lack of headroom. it's good on paper, but rather boring in person. great for the 50-something ladies who drive it.

Props BMW! Keep up the good work in Munich boys.

They were testing sport sedans, right? It's no surprise the 5er won then. Nice title changing to start a flame war.

The big question is why did the Infiniti place last?

Unless I'm wrong, and I'm pretty sure I'm not, the Lexus and Infiniti have been out as long as the BMW. It's not like these are new cars going against an old car, no matter how you spin it. And, truth is, these same magazines have had the Infiniti place higher than the BMW on several occasions. But the GS and M are in their last model year with new ones coming next year.

Change of topic but this picture they have after this comparo is the best Ive seen of the new infiniti M.
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/1002_luxury_sport_sedan_comparison/photo_70.html

Did not like it until I saw this! Sweeeeet!

I agree, and look at fuel economy

BMW 16/24 mpg
AUDI 18/26 mpg
Lexus 19/26 mpg
MB 18/26 mpg
Jaguar 16/25 mpg
CTS 18/27 mpg
Acura 16/22 mpg
M35 17/25 mpg

I'll take the CTS, Jaguar XF, and Audi A6 based on looks alone. I was never a fan of this generation of 5 series. Besides this is a VERY subjective post. The seats in a rental Kia may be more supportive than my Matrix, but I would still choose my Matrix. It's all about your opinion on this one. A pointless post, would rather just see a comparo of the old and new 5.

wow... you guys bitch a lot. boooooo hoooooo... someone has an opinion i don't like... whaaaaaaaa. shut up already. you can go on and on and on about the "specs" - but there is much more to driving than simple numbers. anyone who actually liked driving would know that. and contrary to some tard up there, you cannot "measure" comfort. it is, by definition, subjective. if the BMW had undeniably better specs you guys would cry about how the lexus/jag/whatever looks better. and anyone saying otherwise is biased... seriously, most of the comments on here are akin to children on a playground arguing over whose dad can be up whose dad.

Do any of you people own Rer wheel drive BMW's as your everyday driver in the North East without a Truck? I did, 2001 330Ci convertible and JOY it was fun almost DYING every time it snowed. That car was as useless as tits on a bull in the snow. But I read all the magazines that told me it was the second coming of Christ Almighty and boy was I dissappointed in it's under steer, it's expensive maintenance,(back then the "maintenance" plan was not as good as today)and many many major mechanical failures, water pumps, steering pumps, A/C, bushings, bent A arms, the kindey grill Popped out. But read read read the propaganda you fools you were WARNED that ALL BMW's are made like Shnitzel.

Pennfootball,

I owed a 2001 330i for 8 years as my only car living in NY. Never really had a problem.

Some people will never realize that the you need good snow tires in the winter. They keep blaming the car which is idiotic IMO. Do you even know what kind of tires your 330ci had? Or do you even realize that snow tires dramatically increase traction in the snow? Or does that stuff really matter to you?

I had all season tires too as soon as the sport Michelin Pilot Sport tires were done after about 25,000 miles. I had the car for 7 years because I could not afford to buy anything else after paying about 3 grand a year in maintenance after the 36,000 mile plan was up!

Wow.....so many opinions and so few owners. BMW's the ultimate driving machine? I'm not saying they aren't. But who here can honestly say that they can drive at 10 or even 8/10ths the capability of a car to determine if that's true? And this why the new Taurus SHO will sell like hot cakes! And if it weren't for Lexus/Infiniti/Acura coming on the seen in the early 90s, the German cars wouldn't be near as good as they are now. In some respects they're still playing catch up.

What's the deal with Audi's shift knob with the big button on the side of it? How '1996' of them.

Lexus should win every comparison. Lexus should even win the sporting comparisons even though they are not as dynamic.

The Lexus fans here are retarted. Just because they like lexus better than every other car, doesn't mean that Lexus is actually better than every other car. Especially when it comes to dynamics.

There's a reason why Lexus is only succesfull in the U.S. And that reason is that most US car shoppers use car commercials to base their car knowledge and car buying decisions on. Lexus spends the most on advertising, so therefore Americans think that Lexus is the best. The rest of the world is smarter than that. It makes me sad to look at some people here defending a lame brand like lexus. Commercials can be a strong influence. People for outside of the U.S aren't that gullible.

My dad's 2003 Lexus LX 470 is at 155,000 miles the only thing that broke was a speaker and a peace of plastic to move the HAVOC vent...the spare tire mechanism went Kaput out of warranty and was 360 dollars to fix. I sent a letter to Lexus North America stating yes it is out of warranty but we never used it and they gave us a full refund out of good will. I am not saying they are the best, it handles like a pig, but that was awful nice of them.