In a few months, the new-generation BMW G30 5 Series will be hitting dealer lots. When that happens, BMW will be launching possibly its most important car to the public, hoping for a success. Without the success of the next 5 Series, BMW could be in some trouble in the luxury car world.
At the moment, Mercedes-Benz is on its way to beating BMW as the luxury car leader of the world. Much of this has to do with Mercedes’ recent influx of new models, such as the C-Class and E-Class, the brand’s most popular cars. BMW hasn’t replaced its 3 Series since 2012 and the current F10-generation 5 Series launched in 2011. So while BMW’s cars age, Mercedes-Benz’s cars are getting newer and the public is very much liking the new design direction from Stuttgart.
Even BMW’s newer models, such as the new 7 Series and X5, have been met with some criticism for looking too familiar. BMW hasn’t taken many design risks and it’s starting to make an impact on the public. Admittedly, it’s nigh-impossible to differentiate any Mercedes-Benz sedan from one another at quick glace, either, because they’re all identical just at different lengths. But the public loves them all and the E-Class is being met with rave reviews.
So BMW’s new 5 Series needs to be a success if BMW wants to take its sales crown back from Mercedes. Especially with the new Audi A6 debuting in 2018, as the market will only get tougher.
Thankfully, the new BMW 5 Series is a far better car than the one it replaces and should be considered as such by nearly all kinds of buyers. Firstly, it’s better to drive than the outgoing car, as it’s lighter, sharper and more dynamic. It also comes with better engines and better chassis technology. But it’s also more luxurious, has far more technology and is even more comfortable to drive. So it’s improved in every single way. The problem is that most customers won’t notice and will only notice that it looks similar to the outgoing F10 5er. While it’s a good looking car, this new 5 Series, it just might not be different enough from the old model to make an immediate impact on the customers.
Hopefully for BMW, the consumer can see the 5 Series for its inner beauty and realize that it’s a better car in every single way that the one it replaces. If that happens, BMW can be within arms reach of taking its sales crown back from Mercedes-Benz.
[Source: Forbes]
