VIDEO: The 2011 BMW 5-Series Debate Continues, Fifth Gear OR Car And Driver, Who's Tellin' The Truth?

While the Spies think that the new 2011 BMW 535i is the cat's pajamas, it seems to have struck a negative cord with the boys at Car And Driver.

In a recent test, the magazine concluded that the 5'er lacked the steering feel that has made BMW products to die for. In fact, C&D disliked it so much it placed last in a three-way test with the 2010 Audi 3.0t and 2011 Infiniti M37.

While the 2010 A6 3.0t is a fantastic vehicle, there is no way it is as good as an F10 535i, in 00R's opinion. And although I have yet to pilot a 2011 Infiniti M, I am guessing from my previous experience with the brand it will come close but no cigar.

Here's the twist; Fifth Gear did a recent test with the vehicle, shows off its latest technology and gave its spin on the car. It too concluded it is the best mid-size executive sedan money can buy.

So what's the deal?


Fifth Gear reviews the F10 535i, with a focus on the F10's technology - namely the surround view/park assistant, ConnectedDrive, and 4-wheel steering. As for the 535's overall performance, it's called fantastic and silky smooth with a fabulous chassis. Overall, they feel that the car is brilliant and the best mid-exec car money can buy...



[Source: 5post VIA Fifth Gear]








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Need4Speed - 7/14/2010 12:56:09 PM

+8 Boost

That's why God gave us brains so we can think for ourselves and not base our actions on the whims and folly of those who try to tell us what to think.

Agent00R - 7/14/2010 1:02:47 PM

+13 Boost

Judging by some of the comments on AutoSpies, I would definitely argue that point with the whole God giving people brains thing.

Need4Speed - 7/14/2010 2:54:41 PM

+3 Boost

Hmmmm!...touche!

thstone - 7/14/2010 1:24:27 PM

+3 Boost

I don't trust C/D, MT, Autmobile, or any of the car mags. Nor do I trust Top Gear or 5th Gear, etc. Oh, they are very entertaining to read and watch, but you have to take it for what it is: entertainment.

And advertising-based entertainment has, by definition, already sold its soul to the advertisers.

bmwdrvr - 7/14/2010 2:28:56 PM

+1 Boost

The only mag that has trashed the 5 was car and driver, which the review overall was kinda sketchy if you watch the video they did they talk about how the 5 was great but its steering wasnt as communicative as before, they have all these superlatives for the M except basically its not as refined as the others, and that the A6 doesnt handle as well as the other cars, as very light accurate steeing, and also has more body roll than the other cars........After watching the video I didnt understand why the M didnt win based on the test, and why the A6 didnt get last place. lol it was quite funny I thought they knocked the 5 mainly for its steering but the car that won had noticeable body roll, very light steering, and didnt handle as well as the others right?????

1uberaudiR8 - 7/14/2010 8:00:19 PM

-2 Boost

Amazing. Look what happens when BMW stops building the "Ultimate Driving Machine" and a car magazine that has stellar reputation notices. Oh! But wait, hasn't Car and Driver also given the BMW 5 series 1st place before, but now they don't know what there talking about and there the "only ones" that "don't get it".
Stop your crying about the C&D review which was dead on and contact BMW to tell them to tighten up there loose steering. The 5 series is still a great car, it's just not the best and certainly not #1 in worldwide sales in its class. So, this should make you think what is the A6 doing better. As an car enthusiast you should want to know.

bmwdrvr - 7/15/2010 2:32:42 PM

+1 Boost

lol again i love ignorrant comments they are so easy to piece part...hmmm where I should begin all I have to say is watch the video they made nothing I said wasnt backed BY THEIR OWN TEST. lol clearly you Audi fans want the brand to do well thats great everyone is a fan of something but when AGAIN the SAME MAG saids the car loses on all objective measures but some how wins despite being beaten in the exact same areas it knocked the other BETTER cars for the mag clearly is just picking a winner why even do a test. lol. For the record the link to the video is below dont belive me check the link I didnt say the car handled poorly by comparison had overly light steering, and body roll they did.....http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparisons/10q3/2010_audi_a6_3.0t_quattro_vs._2011_bmw_535i_2011_infiniti_m37-video

sdcarguy - 7/14/2010 2:48:06 PM

+5 Boost

C/D was just trying to boost readership with a controversial, if wrong, position. Sound familiar?

CBOTGuy - 7/14/2010 11:18:37 PM

+2 Boost

Fifth Gear on this one. C/D are just trying to sell magazines by writing something controversial.

Whelan - 7/14/2010 2:48:48 PM

+3 Boost

Car and Driver is also the same magazine as Road & Track so I would assume they would have the same opinion. Other than that the only thing I can say is that when C&D put their ads out for bid Audi and Infiniti won the new campaigns and BMW lost their high approvals.

ExarSadow11 - 7/14/2010 4:09:55 PM

+2 Boost

In this class i would take the 5 or M. nothing else.

enthusiastx11 - 7/14/2010 5:15:37 PM

+1 Boost

agreed. 535 or 550 hands down. the A6--while lovely--is just a bit boring. and the infiniti is much better looking than the last one and performs well--but the interior is rather cheap.

5-series. done.

dlin - 7/15/2010 1:39:34 AM

+3 Boost

G's interior is kinda plain, but M's always on the luxury side, if not more so than 5's. Absolutely not on cheap side.

That said, steering is the issue here. I'm a 3 owner, and based on my 2 test drive of Z4, I can attest the latter's elec steering slam down SUCKS like that of Lexus IS! The only reasons using elec steering are slightly better fuel efficiency and easier maintenance. But, let me repeat, its NUMBNESS is an UNFORGIVABLE sin.

enthusiastx11 - 7/14/2010 5:10:45 PM

+4 Boost

though the technology is impressive---and interesting to see demonstrated--it doesn't really matter much to me. it's the fundamentally sound, incredibly fun driving experience that has me sold. just be sure to get the sport package and dynamic handling package.

Terry989 - 7/14/2010 8:34:11 PM

+3 Boost

I have to agree with C&D to some degree - - - BMWs have been loosing some of the excellent road feel and directness they used to have (but they certainly got the rest of the package right!). More than likely, this is due to the constant creep in girth and weight of BMWs. More weight, and bigger tires makes car handling and feel a more difficult beast to tame. If you need to compare, just drive a Porsche before or immediately after the F10 and you will see what BMW needs to strive to regain.

dlin - 7/14/2010 9:30:55 PM

+2 Boost

Exactly.

TauronB2G - 7/15/2010 10:26:01 AM

+2 Boost

I've driven the 535 the 550 and A6. I have to say that even though I like the look and the design of the 5 Series that I was underwhelmed. The 535 is definitely quick and the 550 is a pure beast. But the interior was a letdown and already looked dated, the steering was light and I didn't have enough front leg room.
BMW hosted a drive comparing the E Class and the 5 Series and quite a few of the people loved the way the 5 drove but overall liked the E class because it felt more "special" on the inside.
As far as the A6 goes, the drive was just nicer to me than the BMW. It was a fun and reassuring car to drive.
T