When is the last time BMW introduced a new model series where so many of those who favored the new design were required to defend its styling? Prior to the E60, most existing BMW series owners could not wait until they could upgrade to the new model series. The E60 has created a seismic shift among the BMW faithful.
After reading way too many "discussions" on the E60 Vs. E39, a couple of common threads seem to be developing:
1. Very few E60 afficionados come from the E39 ranks
2. Many E60 "lovers" are new to BMW. Many were shopping for cars which include Lexus, Jaguar, and others. They were mostly shopping for a sport sedan of some flavor and they have little appreciation of BMW's heritage - or why so many long-term BMW owners feel betrayed by the E60's styling
3. I've heard way too many defend the E60 by saying it compares favorably to a Lexus model. Please....... BMWs have historically been pleasing to the eye but their real beauty was far more than skin deep. It was the engineering under the sheet metal that set BMW apart from the crowd.
BMW should really hope the E60 appeals to a new group of BMW owners because for the current group of E39 owners, the E60, as it currently exists, is going to cause a lot of us to look long and hard at Mercedes and other marques when the time comes to replace our E39s.
