C&D has a one-pager in the June '05 issue.


It is a mix of compliments and oh-so-boringly repetitious gripes.


The positives:

"The 255-hp engine feels stronger than the engine it replaces and deals easily with the extra weight and friction of the AWD system as well as the extra weight of the wagon."

"The engine seems to be as happy when flogged to the 7000-rpm redline as when idling."

"...the new 3.0-liter makes a more enthusiastic 5-series."

the engine has "masochistic tendencies"



Now for the bad:

"It's a shame the styling adjustments that sharpened and toned the new 7-series exterior didn't make it onto the 5."

"We still aren't in love with iDrive and the 5-series interior, but when the weather turns bad, AWD will make it a bit less likely that you'll be trapped in there for long."



Oh no they didn't just end an article by insinuating that it might be a good thing -not- to have to be inside the car - and by extension not have to drive it!

Right. That was a strange final comment in that review. The overall tone, though, is positive.

Also in the same issue is a preview by the same author about the new 750 - he likes it. In fact, he sort of asks forgiveness ... "If they'll have us back."