The first real look at the BMW V-Series

well, that's a good looking minivan I suppose but how big is the market for a sporty minivan? People aren't not buying the R-class because it's unattractive. It's a good looking van and very nice inside and out. They're not buying it because it's hard to justify spending $50-60k+ on a minivan when an SUV is "cooler" (GL450, Acura MDX, Audi Q7, BMW X5, etc.) and the Odyssey and Sienna are also super nice for $15-25k less.

— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 9/22/2007 3:09:12 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 10   

WHY!!

— 528i (View Profile)

Posted on 9/22/2007 4:29:40 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

What are they thinking???!!!

— SevorbeupstryIsBack (View Profile)

Posted on 9/22/2007 4:40:30 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3   

Wow the worlds most aggressive mini-van, and yet it's still a mini-van, ugh. Just say no BMW.

— theoptimisticpessimist (View Profile)

Posted on 9/22/2007 4:46:55 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

would have to agree with Jrob there. It's definitely an attractive minivan, but at that price and 'size' you might as well just get an even more impressive SUV. No matter how muscular you make a minivan look, it's still a minivan and most guys especially would just opt for the SUV.

— WickedRabbit (View Profile)

Posted on 9/22/2007 5:51:52 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

The r class is not a minivan by most or near ALL standards, and if this is to compete with the R-class (which is why bmw even dares on bringing this hideous thing) then it too will not be in the minivan category. The real Mercedes minivan is the V series that is not sold here in the us. Ive seen them in person, and see why they are not sold here in the US.

— EnvyofyouRS5 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/22/2007 6:27:15 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4   

It look pretty good but it look very Japanish as well, especially the front running lights.

— Lexus (View Profile)

Posted on 9/22/2007 8:56:22 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -5   

That front end is the most grotesque proboscis since the Pontiac Aztek...

YIKES!

— DaHarder (View Profile)

Posted on 9/22/2007 9:27:12 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

BTW...

This is simply an artist's illustration, and the actual vehicle will probably look much different.

— DaHarder (View Profile)

Posted on 9/22/2007 9:30:05 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

This looks awesome, but I want the X6.

;)

— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/22/2007 10:25:27 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

awful!!!!

— Jagexpert2 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/22/2007 11:29:21 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Just like the Chrysler Pacifica and MB R class, stuck between being a mini van and a station wagon. So what do you call these vehicles?

— Designer1 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/23/2007 12:11:36 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

i don't think bmw needs the v series, i think the 3 & 5 series wagons, and the x3 and x5 is enough, I would prefer a long wheel base x5 instead the v series minivan

— Larry (View Profile)

Posted on 9/23/2007 1:52:24 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

I must say this looks sexy if I had a family of five a would definetly buy this. I honestly think the Oddessy looks pimp this just raised the bar a next level, I hope they introduce this and say goodbye to the soccer mom sterotype.

— mikeydred20 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/23/2007 10:28:40 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

The side looks like a stretched MB "B" class..

— AgentOrange (View Profile)

Posted on 9/23/2007 11:06:22 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

BMW put a lot of research into this vehicle.

It will sell because of that research.

Get a clue all you anti-BMW people!

— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/23/2007 12:51:56 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

It looks pretty good for a minivan! Well done!

— AUTO_UNION (View Profile)

Posted on 9/23/2007 1:18:52 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

the v series is bmw's first attempt at building a sedan, or stationwagon, on a suv platform which allows it to shorten the overhang, elongate the cabin and utilize larger wheels, like audi's MLP platform (Modular Longitudinal Platform) which the a5 and q5 both use or mercedes future f700 class which may replace the s class. this is another current trend which makers are exploring.

the v? in the pic is a good entry design transitioning from suv to sedan form. it looks alright looking and a glimpse of future bmws which looks to be getting better.

i can almost bet that bmw's 4 door coupe will use this platform.

— minimalist (View Profile)

Posted on 9/23/2007 4:00:21 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

I think BMW can fare well with a V-Series. The rendering shows a well proportioned and attractive design that I personally like.

The big SUV train has left the station. Wagons and Cross overs will lead the immediate future.

It Mercedes had not designed such an abominably ugly mess in their R-Class, I would have bought one last year in my Crossover shopping tryst. I liked its utility. I liked its handling and performance. The price was even fair for what it was.

I just could not get past the fact that it looks like some kind of LSD induced joke on consumers who would be stupid enough to be seen in it.

— SteedPub (View Profile)

Posted on 9/23/2007 8:52:16 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Looks like they are trying to compete with subaru.

— ronnsscooby (View Profile)

Posted on 9/23/2007 11:02:31 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

Yes, it is a mini-van, just like the R-Class and Pacifica.

Anyway, it is a good looking vehicle, nary a sign of Bangle except for the headlights, which look more like VW ones but that's besides the point.

This will be a test of BMW propellor power. All the women who buy the X5 will switch to this vehicle, the test is if they can find new X5 buyers to replace them, just like how they'll have to find new 3 series buyers to replace all the ones who jump ship to the cheaper .5-1/2 series.

— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/23/2007 11:09:09 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Pretty good looking, just a boring segment of cars :)

— alfistiDK (View Profile)

Posted on 9/24/2007 1:26:22 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

The only thing cars like this do is fill a void that wasn't there to begin with. I mean, does it even have a 3rd row? It makes no sense(R-Class included) not to have a 3rd row when your auto is just as big and even bigger than its competition that do offer 3rd row seating.

— PlanB (View Profile)

Posted on 9/24/2007 9:25:59 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

That's one slick tourer. BMW has effectively taken what Chysler could've done and what Benz should've done and created a sporty people-mover that's immediately recognizable as a BMW and emphasizes a certain "joy of driving" for people who hate minivans.

If the production model looks anything like that, they'll have my business for sure.

— dumpsty (View Profile)

Posted on 9/24/2007 11:25:54 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

This is a minivan by all standards. And a very ugly one at best. BMW has gone mad, first the X6 and now this ugly beast.

— zorbeeze (View Profile)

Posted on 9/24/2007 1:10:41 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

This should not be on AutoSpies.com. Rather, it should be in Good Housekeeping or Redbook. C'mon, Agent 001.

— macbjg (View Profile)

Posted on 9/24/2007 6:08:26 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

>



^ Since when is a photoshop CGI a real deal ?!

I mean are we 5 year olds in here ?!

— DarkOneForce (View Profile)

Posted on 9/25/2007 7:21:29 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

UBER MINIVAN...lol. What next? And why compete with MB minivan R serives when not selling well???

— Porschinator (View Profile)

Posted on 9/25/2007 6:56:33 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0