Pics: 2011 BMW 550i

[sami_voodoo]

I drove the M-B E350 and BMW 535i last weekend at the BMW Ultimate drive event. BMW was so confident that they brought out one of their main competitors...and it backfired on BMW.

The M-B E350 was very smooth, everything from the transmission to the linear response from the V-6. The handling was excellent with pretty much no roll.

I tested out the handling on a long turn which was almost a full circle. The M-B cornered flat and predictable, even when I floored the throttle mid-corner. In the BMW there was tons of understeer through the same corner. BMW is really losing sight of its core competencies which made their cars so much fun to drive. M-B on the other hand is starting to make some incredible drivers cars.

I still prefer the exterior of the BMW 5 over the E-Class.

MB does seem to be on a roll. Back when the C class came out, some editors at EVO took part in a tire test by Hankook or Continental and they had C350s. Without the stability control and ABS, the cars were reputed to handle a bit like the old E30 M3s. No faint praise that.

Also, if the E63 is anything to go by, the base E class should be pretty accomplished in the body control department.

Was it the 7 speed in the E350?

[AmmarFaiz]

Salam Kamran,
I can see why people would think its doesnt look as mean in the pictures. The front does look very subtle for a 550, maybe there was more expected since not everyone can go out there for the M5. I did see illustrations of the M5 and it does look sick. The rear is the strong point of the car, kinda see G35 sedan goin on in the back, in a good way. Its like the new Sonata, that car looks amazing from all angles until you get to the front, and oh boy, does that need work. Heck they could have slapped the genesis sedan front and called it a day but i personally am not a fan of it. Lastly, those kinda wheels shouldnt even be offered on the 550, just kills the whole look

i agree with you about the rims.. WHAT THE hell are those? lol hopefully they look better in person ...

[ateekt]

One sweet-looking car indeed. Performance, great-looks, awesome interior, attitude & sleekness, she's got it all in her profile!

[ateekt]

you see,.. they get rid of that moron chris bangle and BMW start producing real good looking cars again.

He might not be a comfortable personality in the eyes of many, but significant jobs done by him for the Bavarian homes are undeniable.

E65, E46 & E53 were among best & served their purpose to keep the brand alive in a needy time! Bangle's team made that happen.

[kahmed79]

One sweet-looking car indeed. Performance, great-looks, awesome interior, attitude & sleekness, she's got it all in her profile!

The Merc actually was a better driving car. My bro currently has an E60 and he said the same thing.

[salman_ksa]

I drove the M-B E350 and BMW 535i last weekend at the BMW Ultimate drive event. BMW was so confident that they brought out one of their main competitors...and it backfired on BMW.

The M-B E350 was very smooth, everything from the transmission to the linear response from the V-6. The handling was excellent with pretty much no roll.

I tested out the handling on a long turn which was almost a full circle. The M-B cornered flat and predictable, even when I floored the throttle mid-corner. In the BMW there was tons of understeer through the same corner. BMW is really losing sight of its core competencies which made their cars so much fun to drive. M-B on the other hand is starting to make some incredible drivers cars.

I still prefer the exterior of the BMW 5 over the E-Class.

You, sir, just got couple of stars on this thread.

On a serious note: I'm surprised to say the least. I think BMW gave up driving dynamics for the the luxury this time?