Yahoo Autos The E60 5 Series Was a Huge Risk for BMW
When it was originally introduced, the E39 5 Series became an instant classic for BMW. The design was handsome without being flashy, the interior was well-designed, and both the chassis and suspension were fantastic. Plus, there was the (now legendary) E39 M5 and its 400-horsepower V8.
Even for BMW, it's hard to follow up a car that was such a hit with something new. So instead of tweaking and updating the E39's look for the next generation, BMW decided to give the new 5 Series a completely different look.
In the video below, BMW explains its decision to radically change its design language, as well as some of the new features and technologies it offered. Like with previous videos on earlier models, it's much more of an ad than a documentary, but it's still an enjoyable watch.
It'll also probably remind you that, despite how different the E60's design was, it's actually aged surprisingly well. Compared to the current 5 Series, it might even be considered good looking. Let's also not forget that BMW offered that version of the M5 as a station wagon (pictured above). What could be better than a V10-powered station wagon?
You Might Also Like
