German Car Zone

Ah OK ...I didn't realize that

I am sure, the road presence /stance of this car will be absolutely stunning. I think from the pictures we can not get a feel for its size...same as with the X6.

I just recently saw a 135i coupe for the first time on the 'Autobahn' ...Although I did not like it too much by judging the photos, this small car is designed so well (I am talking about the rear ) that it has a very strong and powerful stance .. (The front with its wide opened eyes I still don't like, sorry)
I am expecting the same effect for the F01

After 3 days and watching the NEW videos my verdict is in.

I Love This Car

Not true. Glove compartment has it's own latch, while DVD-changer compartment located behind the trim can be opened via silver button locater there on a metal trim.

Also: The fact is BMW drivers are more advanced, and use other more modern stuff than ordinary CDs.

1. Also, before that CD-changer in BMW cars was located in the trunk.

2. It's not a CD-changer but DVD-changer. So, 6 x 4.7 GB = 28.2 GB. Enough music not to change DVDs with MP3 every day. Not to mention DVD player in the central console - so another additional 4.7GB. Or perhaps it's even dual-layer compatible, which doubles the capacity.

3. There's also 13 GB music space on hard drive, and endless possibilities of plugging audio UMS or devices via USB or AUX-in ports (incl. IPod, iPhone etc) - which can allow you access to additional 32GB of music, or even more.

So, there's space for at least 78 GB of music. And you are talking about changing disc while driving, or seating in the driver's seat???!!!



I really don't see the problem here.

checkmate

Ah, that is what I initially thought


No problem, Mohammed was going by his own personal experience with the X5

mind you that the pics posted above are actually E66 versus F01, this is a long 7er versus a new short wheelbase, just look at the rear room available!!!!!!!!!!

1. Yes, the brief was different: find a perfect balance between dynamism (sporty aggressive) & elegance (luxurious & classy). Just like E38 was a bit too sporty, and not enough classy & luxurious, E65 went too far - but intentionally - on the luxury side. F01 is more thought out & balanced car - bringing sporty, aggressive, sleek yet luxury, class, prestige, elegance - all combined in a enormous stance & presence. F01 is designed to appeal to BMW traditionalists (sporty, aggressive, sleek, possesing some traditional design cues) just like the newer BMW customers (classy, luxurious, elegant, possessing presence, modern). I guess they realized they have alienated too many traditional BMW customers - especially in Europe - who went to Audi.

2. Long rear overhang is there due aerodynamics. Although the car is lower - so is the rear. Too achieve better aerodynamics (which is not special at all cw=0.30 - 0.32), they had to make the trunk longer. Mind they dealt with this issue when they were developing E65 - in E65 the opted for higher trunk (which resulted in clam-shell boot lid in the end) instead of longer rear. This time they went with longer & lower trunk - to enhance sleekness & elegance (= more classy appearence).

3. Interior is again more driver-oriented, more sporty & cluttered then comfortable & spacious. But it gained some classiness though.


F01 is much more a typical BMW than E65 ever was. They combined good stuff from older 7ers (E32 & E38), current E65, and other newest BMWs (X5, X6) ... and designed & developed a perfect combination of both worlds. Something neither E32 nor E38 nor E65 were able to.

It looks like E65 was just a transition to something the were searching for all the time: the F01.

That's very much in line with Bangle's words form year 2002: With our new design philosophy we want to push design boundaries as far as possible. The goal was to create a platform we will be able to work on. Refining, evolving and perfecting it in the future.

Sure first-generation of Bangle cars wasn't perfect, and sometimes very clumsily executed ... but it gave BMW a great design platform to work on for years now. So, without "Bangle's" design revolution that wouldn't be possible. Who knows where BMW would be right now? Caught in a vicious circle of constant subtle evolution (ala Audi), jumping here-and-there like MB is doing, completely restructuring its design like Jaguar, trying to be designers like Lexus designers do (giving your design theme a name doesn't make it more interesting, special & better)?

But here we are. In the middle of talk. Enjoying constant publicity ... for 10 years now (it started with Z9 GT Concept). Being an automotive design leader. BMW, a design leader. Who would thought, huh. Once labeled as the most boring & design-lazy car company. Design wise the future is bright. I hope engineers & managers (economists) will be able to follow ...

Just wana add that someone said the i-drove knob placed next to the gear lever looks bad or something... Well, BMW interiors are suppose to look good, but they must also be as predictable and driver-friendly as possible.. It's like putting your arms on the arm rest and the driver should be able to reach what he thinks he will reach very easily.. It's pretty amazing imo, i get into my honda civic and still, buttons seems to be at weird and wrong places, get into my bmw and outreach of the fingers from the gearlever i know exactly what buttons i'm pushing, without too much of a look.. It's not just about 'looks' when you talk about BMW interiors.

imo, there is nothing really fancy about the design (in terms of look) of the F01 interior, it's not something you 'wow' at, it's simply a huge refinement and improvement of interiors that started off since the E65.. no more gear lever on the steering column, everything back to normal, a typical car.

this is the F01 or F02 ? I can't believe this is the SWB !!!