hinckley

When the E60 was introduced, I hated the new exterior design. I was insulted by Bangle's comments that the styling was sophisticated and that people would learn to appreciate it (he really said that). Hell, I didn't need to be talked down to or to be lectured that over time, even an idiot like me would come to understand just how smart his design was.

I really, really hate to admit that Bangle was right. I'm on my second E60 and believe that even after seven years, it's a very, very good looking car.

I like the look of the new F10 as well, much as I liked the classic look of the E39. But that car looks very dated now and I fear that the F10 will suffer the same fate during its life-cycle. Our tastes do change and I think that the conservative, "classic" F10 styling will not age as well as the jarring, revolutionary E60.

The interior is a different story imho. The original E60's design looked very cheap and thankfully was upgraded significantly with the LCI. But the F10 brings the 5er back into the Audi class of interior design and materials. I guess that the F10's interior will age much better than its exterior.

I also agree that a big con is how heavy the F10 is. I'll bet that the next model in 2018 (yikes!) will make a lot of how much weight was lost compared to the 2011 model.

Jambers

I agree - the E39 looks very ancient now (other than some of the last Sport models), but the E60 with M Sport kit looks like it could have just been launched. The SE E60 looks really boring unless you stick 18/19"s on it, lower it and stick sun protection glass to the order....

Anyway,

Pros of F10 - Safety (E60 was a miserable 4*'s NCAP), emissions, better quality and looking interior (certainly seems to be better made), potential of a Hybrid, the new Active suspension setup seems awesome (not the 4/w steering though)

Cons of F10 - exterior looks a little dull, won't age well, wind noise (according to the Whatcar? test - it scores 3/5 for "refinement" but I would like to try it myself first!!)

darkus

The final verdict will come on the first drive

MitchBMW

Personally, I don't like it at all. I love my E60. But that's not why I don't like it. I can appreciate other cars out there. But the F10 is ugly. (In my opinion) Nothing that would make me want to leave my E60 for. I don't care if the interior is better. I will not get out of that car and turn around to look at it. I will get out and keep walking. :-) I'm sure the technology, and everything is a step up, but again, it's just not for me.

MitchBMW

If I bought one, I would immediately start looking to put a kit on it to make it look better. I don't have a kit on my E60, and I still love the way it looks.