coops

I have now driven in the E60 530i auto and 530i auto with sports package.

I loved the look of the new car. The dealer had titanium grey and mystic blue, and both looked great. The sports package looks more aggressive thanks to the 18" wheels.

Upon opening the door, was I dissapointed. The car looks lacking in any premium feel, and the ergonomics have declined since last years 530i.

Maybe we all get used to I-drive and this becomes a non-issue, but I found my attention to the road dropped drastically as I tried to use the I-Drive. Call me slow.

The center counsel was not useful for anything but driving. The storage are is used up by the phone, and the cupholders are not there, but instead they are both over the passengers legs. I know a long legged person in passenger will feel cramped by two drinks hovering over their legs. Also, the condensation off cups will end up on their pants. Finally, I would again need to remove my eyes from the road to reach of and get and return a cup to these holders.

Compared to other luxury cars, this interior is inferior and makes it hard to justify the $60 for a BMW 545i (especially since I could spend $2K more for the 745i at then end of the model year).

I must say the E60 drives fine, but no better than the 2003 530i. If you had the sports package, I found the steering to be much easier at slow speeds. A nice development. However, at highway speeds, I did not notice much with active steering.

Based on my test drive, I have taken my deposit back from the dealers, and am now waiting for next years Audi A6 and Lexus GS, and compare the new models to the 745i as the price reductions roll-in.

Good luck to all in finding their perfect car!!

am1296

coops,

have to agree with you on the interior.

In regards to the drive though, people seem to be saying different - it handles brilliantly according to most.

7 series is a great car (but it's for old people)