From left to right: BMW E12 (1972-1981), E28 (1982-1988), E34 (1989-1996), E39 (1997-2003), E60 (2003-present).
The BMW 5-Series is the quintessential sports-sedan. These saloons truly are designed to be the ultimate in driving performance.
In their respective years, there's no luxury competition, even from Mercedes-Benz, that can compete with the driver-oriented, finely tuned dynamic of the 5-series.
And there's no sports car competition, even from Porsche, that can match the accomodating nature of the 5.
In stylistic terms, only two of the five chassis really impress me. They are the sharp E34 - perhaps the most handsome BMW ever - and the E39; a smoother rendition of the E34 classic. (Incidentally, it should be noted that I'm biased in these two cases as these are the two chassis 5-series BMWs that I've actually driven)
That said, I do appreciate the looks of the E39 M5 more than the original E34 version.
As for the others, the E12 was simple and clean looking. The E28 was terribly drab and the latest E60 garners from me some warm thoughts from time to time, but then usually descends into Bangled ignominy.
Still, however one finds their design in terms of aesthetics, the 5-Series has been and continues to be the gold standard of performance sedans.
Tap the link for more info: BMW Nation
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