RANT: Where Is BMW Going?

Since the announcement of BMW’s latest M cars, the X6 and X5, I have been questioning “Why?” For me, this seemed to be a move for the brand that is in likeness to Porsche’s Panamera.

Source: Cartype.com

After all, BMW’s Motorsports division was originally created to offer a sportier, more intense version of a plain Jane car within the line-up. This meant upgrading virtually all of the vital components in order to create a high-performance auto. So, we are talking about lighter components – even if the end result was not lighter than the vanilla version – better brakes, bigger engines, tighter suspensions, seats with bigger bolsters, rear-wheel drive and naturally aspiration.

And the X6M does most of those things with exception of having rear-wheel drive and being naturally aspirated.

Sure it performs too, when I had dinner with Ludwig Willisch, the former head of BMW M GMBH, in April after the New York Auto Show, he boasted about how it could best an E46 M3 around the track; this had my jaw on the table next to my steak.

But, I cannot help but wonder if this is yet another sign that BMW is headed down the wrong direction.

Although I know someone will argue that the firm must generate profit and by some brand dilution they survive, but I am not sold that people will be flocking to dealerships to get an X6M. Especially with its polarizing looks and an economy that seems to still be deep in the trough.

Source: Caradvice.com.au

Source: Topspeed.com (Artist rendering)

Perhaps it is an easy target but aside from its M cars, BMW is not wowing anyone with its new line of Gran Turismo cars either. If it is a strategy to get American buyers to part with the wagon and accept this, it is a brilliant side step. If it is just an attempt to create another niche then it is a catastrophe.

Bottom line, I think I speak for a number of enthusiasts when I point out that I do not need 11 transmission settings nor do I want a “Power” button that allows me access to the full lot. Just give me all of it, damn it.

Source: mp3car.com

Give me a driver-oriented interior design and angle the center stack towards me as in my E46 330Ci. Perhaps a large, forced induction motor would not be required if it had been placed in a lightweight, rear-wheel drive and no nonsense vehicle. Kind of like that E36 M3 CSL/LTW that bears the one of the world’s greatest I-6s.

Am I out of touch with contemporary automobiles or does BMW need to get back to basics?

rp

Day 5: The Mile-High City

Here it is, the final day. Sad but true, the Audi Mileage marathon is coming to a close.

Amarillo is an interesting town. Relatively quiet and people keep to themselves. I wonder how it is growing up in a place like this. Growing up in suburbia was not all that bad, how is it in the great American plains?

Anyhow, back to the cars.

The Audi Q5 TDI made for an interesting leg from Dallas to Amarillo. Although it seems like a reasonably sized auto, it does not have that much interior room. As a matter in fact, I think the new A4 has better interior volume.

Source: rp

Riding in the Q5 became downright painful at some points. Although the sport seats provide great lateral, thigh and lumbar support there is not a tremendous amount of room to “stretch out,” your legs in the floor boards. Thus, for a tall individual, it can get very uncomfortable very fast. Little over an hour of driving I mercifully scrambled for the seat controls to change my driving position – I was dying.

On top of this, the driving position is awkward. In the BMW X3, you feel more in the car, where as in the Q5 you feel like you are driving a horse and buggy. On top of the vehicle.

Furthering upon this, the seating position is quite inboard; meaning, designers placed the seats closer to the center console. Not much room to the right but plenty of room on the left.

Driving wise, the car is fantastic. Pick-up is there when necessary and the seven speed transmission is a great way to manage your miles-per-gallon effectively. One thing I love about diesels, the torque. Passing is done with ease in sixth gear; plant your foot and watch the revs-per-minute rise and whoosh, you are gone.

I cannot say enough about this drive train. I love it. The transmission and engine are perfect for each other. Say what you will about “flappy paddles,” or tiptronic transmissions; they work for these cars.

Source: rp

As I said in an earlier post, the interior is typical Audi, the best. Top-notch materials and design make it an appealing atmosphere. Far from the juxtaposition of a Chevrolet Malibu.

Yeah, I said it.

Overall, the Q5 feels solid, as if it was created from one solid chunk of metal. There is a confidence-inspiring heft to the vehicle.

One thing that was interesting was the steering. Surprisingly heavy. Enough to make one’s arms tired after spending a sizable amount of time in some twisties. It reminded me of an E46 330Ci with 18s and a sport suspension I used to pilot. I wish the Q5’s steering was not as numb but it is an Audi, so, I should not be surprised

Rolling through New Mexico was a trip; it is the equivalent of driving on Mars. No one is around, no buildings and no stops. Just you and your two lane road ahead of you.

Source: rp

It was awesome.

The more we pressed on the more I realized how much open land there is in the Great Plains. My German co-pilot muttered several times “My, what a big country.”

Just outside of Denver, the crew and I stopped off at Pikes Peak International Raceway. What a great time! Peculiar driving in an oval but it was certainly memorable.

Arriving in Denver, we were so late that we did not get the opportunity to fill up with the IMSA officials. So, we do not know our last day’s traveling worth of miles-per-gallon. Does that bother me?

No, the trip computer insisted we yielded over 30 MPG.

rp