G05 40i vs. 2016 F85

[KCTiger]

Greetings all. So the transfer case on my 2016 F85 is leaking and is getting replaced under warranty. As a loaner, I have a 2019 X5 40i. This is the first time I have driven the new platform.

There are a lot of things to like. iDrive 7 display, native navigation, CarPlay, etc. are very nice, as is the overall layout. I do like the digital dash or cockpit pro or whatever it is called but I can't say I love it. In terms of driving experience, the 40i provides a very comfortable ride.

All in all, a new G05 such as this is more expensive that the F85 that I purchased and I wouldn't even consider trading my vehicle for the 40i. I've only had the F85 for a month so maybe the joy will fade but I love this car, even if the technology is a bit outdated.

To each his own though...

[menelaos]

I'd stick to the F85 too, if I were you.
G05 is like a spaceship...prefer a more down to earth interior.

[r33_RGSport]

Subscribed. Something that I am considering too, besides the F97 X3M.

[onfireX5]

2016 F85 > 2019 40i. F85 is Rambo. 40i is nice.

[KCTiger]

Originally Posted by onfireX5

2016 F85 > 2019 40i. F85 is Rambo. 40i is nice.

I think the 40i is comfortable but the base model is nowhere near as nice as the F85. For the price I just don't feel like you get that much with the G05. Now I know I might get a few rolls of the eye for using value and BMW in the same sentence but an F85 is actually a pretty good value for what you get. Would love to get an F95 but I just won't be able to afford it.

[jphcbpa]

Lots of technology eye candy in the go5. I test drove an f85 and 50i back to back this week and while the technology and ride is great in the g05, the f85 cabin was superior with the full leather and of course the performance is on another level. Also I prefer driving seat position and more grounded feel the f85 offers

[rajindergill]

I found the interior on the G series cheap and it's the same in all G series bmw (1,3,8,x5,x7,etc). The switch gear is a single piece of plastic which flexes for all buttons and this is cheap feeling - I prefer individual buttons.

Also in front of the passenger the dash looks very bleak and long.

The f85 vs g05 I would stick with the f85. In the UK, a 1 yr old f85 with 8k miles is the same price as a 6 month old g05 40i. And when you start up the f85 it sounds a beast of a car vs the 40i.

[jphcbpa]

Perhaps the x5 m50i will offer a very nice blend of the two

[iconoclast]

https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1641965

[iembeastmode]

This is my humble opinion on both New Gen X5/6 (and subsequently their M variations to come):

Front of the car
Grill
I have to admit that the front is not ugly, the bigger grill looks nice, though in my opinion is just a side-grade from F15/F16 (F85/F86). I don´t like the fact that the grill opens/closes, as a possible malfunction in the motors that have this function could impede the flow of air into the engine leading to meltdown.

Headlights
Sure laser is cool I guess, it seems that they will light everything up further than my eyes can actually see, so until I test it I don't see it as an actual practical upgrade. The best part of the new headlights are the halos... BUT I am getting those with a pair of OSS Design headlights with the Half-X, that will be coming my way soon.


Interior
Center Console
Ok the interior definitely got changed. Not going to lie, I really like the new iDrive 7.0 and the fact that you can open up the exhaust valves at will (you can do this with an akra w/ sound kit on F85/F86). In my opinion the ambient lights got overly done, it's no longer a nice detail like on the F15/F16, rather it has been turned into a disco party... I mean there are LEDS in weird places like the speakers, ceiling AND grill! If this goes on, the next-next gen will have LEDS in the wheels too ffs.

The heated/cooled cup holders and the wireless charging are a nice touch, though the opening/closing mechanism for this compartment is a downgrade Vs. current gen.

I don´t like the fact that they moved the Start/Stop button position, and I hope for everyone's sake that the next gen X5M/X6M will have a different gear shift lever, because honestly that "crystal" one is AWFUL.

Dashboard
Ok I will start this section with the most obvious change... the fully digital instrument panel. In my opinion a mix of analog/digital (as in the F15/F16) would have been nicer. I completely dislike the layout of this new digital version... it seems cheap and akin to a honda civic.

About the steering wheel, while I like the button layout, I dislike how it lacks the gap within the arm on the bottom handle and is just one big chunky plastic piece connecting to the bottom emblem (where our ///M is on current F85/F86).

HUD
I like the "Sport" layout in the current gen way better than the new one, though the "Comfort" layout is better on the new generation.


Back of the car
Ok so this is my main issue with the new gen... the old "what are those?!" meme is what comes to my mind.

Coming from an F86 perspective I don't even know where to start honestly, but I will try...

Rear lights
Ok so the rear lights on the new gen X5 look like the ones on the Renault Koleos. In my opinion they lost their aggressiveness, and are now just meh...

The ones on the X6 are a new style (almost a clone of the X4), and just like the ones on the X5, they don't look aggressive at all.

Shape
Where to begin... I mean look at that X6 booty... it's so misshapen with all those curves... it looks like a silicon injection gone WRONG or a neanderthal's forhead from a sideways point of view!

Furthermore, from the leaks we can see that there will be two MASSIVE reflectors on the ///M's because... reasons. In my opinion--aesthetically speaking--the new gen will be a setback from what we have with the current F85/F86.

Rear Spoiler
And then the spoiler... did they run out of material? On the X6 it's so tiny, might as well not have placed anything... I'm sure the aftermarket will be able to capitalize on that questionable design choice.


All in all, my opinions could change once I see these cars in person next year when they come out (///M versions). As of now I have only been inside the new X5 and thus far I am SO happy to have pulled the trigger on my F86.

[aas5]

I agree with a lot of your observations. I am waiting for the x5M to come out to see if they can make them a lot more aggressive than the regular x5. I have been a fan of x6 for almost 10 years now but I am not sure I will go with the new x6M based on the designs I have seen, especially the rear look. I will admit that I wasn't a fan of the F86 design when it first came out but liked it a lot more in person. I feel the new x6 and x4 rear design is completely wrong and won't get a lot of followers. At this point, I am planning to take a look at GL and BMW sedans because x5 and x6 won't have attractive designs.