[Just a 3]

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

To me, you've just highlighted one of the big issues for BMW. Many customers do want a smaller Five in the Three. That cry is very evident in customer reviews of any BMW 3-series over the years. Even enthusiasts on this forum have commented they wish the F3x models were more like a smaller Five, and hope the G20 is built that way. More luxury, refinement, quieter, etc.

I imagine most of us know the more attention given to those sort of details, the tuning out of the 'negatives' in of NVH, we move away from the raw cars of yesteryear. Cars become more sterile to drive.

My current Five doesn't feel as fast as my last Three, often surprised by the turn of speed and capability through the twisties in the F11, but no drama like the E91. The built in refinement prevents that engagement. Does it make it a deficient car to drive? Objectively no. Subjectively, when feelings are included, so personal.

As to driving feel, we have a good example of this issue here in the UK with BMW vs. Jaguar models. Both the Jaguar competitors to the Five (XF) and Three (XE) are rated as a better drive, steering feel handling/comfort balance far better sorted.

Why don't BMW drivers move across to Jaguar? Users are after the best 'package', an extra layer of steering feel and slightly better handling, a very small part of that equation.

Just had an old UK motor magazine out, to look back at a group test including the BMW E46 saloon (sedan). For driving, an Alfa was rated the best driving car. But as we know the Alfa of the period was a user's nightmare, so not surprising the BMW rightly earned the best "allrounder". Yes, driving compromises, but best bet to own and drive.

There's enough space in their lineup to make the next 3 closer to the 5, and the 2, the next 3. But they can't do that by making the 2 an FWD. Sure, most of today's buyers probably won't notice (I read somewhere that a BMW honcho said 80% of their buyers don't know if their car is FWD or RWD) - but to differentiate, and continue to build the BMW UDM image, BMW does need to go back to its roots - and from what I've read so for, the G20 seems a step in that direction.

Will pass judgement after I drive one.

Re Jaguar - nah....not for some of us. I bleed Blue/White.