[PeterC4]

Have these features been deleted from the build options for the 550e? They used to be part of the premium enhanced package in the previous generation here in Canada.

[RichardInCA]

Pretty sure that neither of those are available on any G60 - there’s pages of complaints about the lack of them around here, but with most concluding the seats are pretty comfortable sans massaging option.

[PeterC4]

Shrinkflation. That and the shenanigans with the HK and BW Stereo. No doubt the ionizer is gone too, not that I used it much but it was nice at times. Is the electric rear sunshade gone too I wonder.

[ToddRGuy]

Originally Posted by PeterC4

Have these features been deleted from the build options for the 550e? They used to be part of the premium enhanced package in the previous generation here in Canada.

Yes, they're not offered in the G60 and are likely never ever ever coming back.

[DaveDBD]

But Audi S6 and MB Es have these as well as adaptive or air suspension, and rear wheel steering.

Sad to see BMW regressing from class leading design and options.

I guess until they sell a lot fewer 5 series nothing will change.

[ToddRGuy]

Originally Posted by DaveDBD

But Audi S6 and MB Es have these as well as adaptive or air suspension, and rear wheel steering.

Sad to see BMW regressing from class leading design and options.

I guess until they sell a lot fewer 5 series nothing will change.

This is likely what it will take. I’m sure there are financial metrics in their decision making but it does seem shortsighted. While distancing the 5 series from the 7 series, they ignored the competition.

[BMW5151]

Originally Posted by DaveDBD

But Audi S6 and MB Es have these as well as adaptive or air suspension, and rear wheel steering.

Sad to see BMW regressing from class leading design and options.

I guess until they sell a lot fewer 5 series nothing will change.

Agree. BMW has cut too much from the 5 (standard and options) to distance it from the 7. From what I saw (perhaps a UK auto site) the 5 series has slipped in sales year over year in the EU and UK. Just not being received as well as hoped, so there might be some more changes than normal at LCI time. The also new MB E class has slipped, but not nearly as much as the 5. Some of this might be due to the shift away from sedans to SUVs/Crossovers, but who knows. I had G60 530i loaner for a couple of days, and it does really appear/feel a class down on the interior compared with the G30. I've ordered a 550e with Merino, so we'll see. I still might opt out and just buy my M550i at the end of the lease.

BTW, the GM at my BMW dealer says the 7 will be getting some exterior makeover in the front with the LCI. Current design really not attracting the customers. Surprise? I think not. Remember the E65 update?

[RichardInCA]

Originally Posted by PeterC4

Shrinkflation. That and the shenanigans with the HK and BW Stereo. No doubt the ionizer is gone too, not that I used it much but it was nice at times. Is the electric rear sunshade gone too I wonder.

I have an electric rear sunshade in my M60. The BW stereo isn’t bad in my opinion, I started avoiding the CarPlay audio and it really added clarity. It’s not all doom and gloom.

[mjr24]

I think they are really aiming towards wanting people to buy the electric versions and they realize the electric versions with those deletions still is way better than the competition.

As a result, the rest of the lineup suffers. The new M5 has these same deletions so everyone is suffering.

[ToddRGuy]

Originally Posted by RichardInCA

I have an electric rear sunshade in my M60. The BW stereo isn’t bad in my opinion, I started avoiding the CarPlay audio and it really added clarity. It’s not all doom and gloom.

Hi Richard, are there clarity/fidelty issues when playing music through CarPlay? What do you do instead?

[RichardInCA]

Originally Posted by ToddRGuy

Hi Richard, are there clarity/fidelty issues when playing music through CarPlay? What do you do instead?

It’s a little more muddy through car play, so I’ve started connecting my lighting adapter to the USB and using USB playback. I still use CarPlay for podcasts etc, I’ve noticed far better treble clarity (cymbals, percussion) and better mid range articulation. It’s not horrible on CarPlay I just realized that the USB with say lossless quality is superior.