BMW Villa at Pebble Beach / The M5 Garage at Laguna Seca [Photos + Videos]!

SaMaster14 · 08-19-2024, 09:16 PM

Featured on BIMMERPOST.com

Lucky enough to get an invite the the BMW Villa to get a first look at the North American release of the M5 Touring as well as the M5 Sedan, plus much, much more!

I didn't have a chance to test drive due to timing (and they were only offering the M8, XM, and the new i7 and x7, so I don't think I missed much).

Join me!

SaMaster14 · 08-19-2024, 09:25 PM

And some photos!

SaMaster14 · 08-20-2024, 12:07 AM

And some from the Villa and Laguna Seca!

SaMaster14 · 08-20-2024, 04:57 PM

And caught this gem in the parking lot at Laguna Seca!

BlkGS · 08-21-2024, 09:51 AM

That M5 wagon is rather homely. I feel like they could have done a better job.

SaMaster14 · 08-21-2024, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlkGS

That M5 wagon is rather homely. I feel like they could have done a better job.

Completely agree … it does look MUCH better in person, but there are angles on both the sedan and the wagon that just look “wrong” or “awkward.” … not really sure what the design team was thinking / it just doesn’t feel like a cohesive, complete design.

The added weight is also CRAZY compared to the outgoing model…

hufington · 08-21-2024, 01:16 PM

Great photos. Thanks for sharing.
When I see the progress of the BMW design, I feel nostalgia and longing for the earlier designs.

yousefnjr · 08-21-2024, 01:20 PM

We were there for the debut party on Thursday night, and Frank Van Meel was at the table next to us. I didn’t speak to him but I was whispering “Z4M” in his presence to subtly enter that into his conscience. It’s coming boys

AVB-AMG · 08-21-2024, 01:26 PM

I find the front end/grill of both M5 variants to visibly seem “unfinished” in appearance. To me, they seem to be missing a number of either horizontal or vertical slats to better define the grill. I can just imagine road debris being kicked up by a vehicle in front of you and damaging the M5’s clearly exposed engine and brake radiators. Also, the front end design seems to have a much too literal influence from Star Trek’s Darth Vader’s helmet, which at this point is a rather dated design motif.

M3N4CE · 08-21-2024, 01:50 PM

That M8 is by far the nicest new offering IMO, the X7 and new 7 remind me of the Predator without his helmet for some reason.

SaMaster14 · 08-21-2024, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hufington

Great photos. Thanks for sharing.
When I see the progress of the BMW design, I feel nostalgia and longing for the earlier designs.

I agree... the e9x wagon conversion looks so good (and still looks "like new") even compared to the new M5.

I love the creature comforts and bonkers acceleration of my G80, but I smile big every time I start up my e92!

SaMaster14 · 08-21-2024, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AVB-AMG

I find the front end/grill of both M5 variants to visibly seem “unfinished” in appearance. To me, they seem to be missing a number of either horizontal or vertical slats to better define the grill. I can just imagine road debris being kicked up by a vehicle in front of you and damaging the M5’s clearly exposed engine and brake radiators. Also, the front end design seems to have a much too literal influence from Star Trek’s Darth Vader’s helmet, which at this point is a rather dated design motif.

Yes, I agree. The M5 absolutely looks better in real life versus photos, but certain angles just seem "awkward" or, as you put it, totally unfinished.

SaMaster14 · 08-21-2024, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M3N4CE

That M8 is by far the nicest new offering IMO, the X7 and new 7 remind me of the Predator without his helmet for some reason.

The M8 convertible was the only car that was offered for test drive that I would have wanted to drive; really had no desire to drive the XM or i7/X7.

I seemed to be in the majority, as there was a long wait time/line to drive the M8, and we had to get over to Quail!

SaMaster14 · 08-21-2024, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yousefnjr

We were there for the debut party on Thursday night, and Frank Van Meel was at the table next to us. I didn’t speak to him but I was whispering “Z4M” in his presence to subtly enter that into his conscience. It’s coming boys

I hope so!! The current Z platform is GREAT, imo; but we need a true M variant.

M_Torx · 08-21-2024, 03:02 PM

just noticed wtf going on with the grill either make it smaller or use the thermostat 😂 what were they up to

IcewaterPete · 08-21-2024, 10:04 PM

Thanks for posting all the pics.

I realize this was supposed to be a M5/M5 touring post, but honestly the real highlight are the pics of the LeMans winning cars and other vintage rides.

IcewaterPete · 08-21-2024, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yousefnjr

We were there for the debut party on Thursday night, and Frank Van Meel was at the table next to us. I didn’t speak to him but I was whispering “Z4M” in his presence to subtly enter that into his conscience. It’s coming boys

Oh man, if this comes to fruition I’ll be sending you a very nice present! LOL!!

…and then we will take up a collection so we can send you around the globe to whisper some more models in the presence of Van Meel…

SaMaster14 · 08-22-2024, 12:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IcewaterPete

Thanks for posting all the pics.

I realize this was supposed to be a M5/M5 touring post, but honestly the real highlight are the pics of the LeMans winning cars and other vintage rides.

Pretty much every other car stole the show! 😅

IcewaterPete · 08-22-2024, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SaMaster14

Pretty much every other car stole the show! 😅

LOL! No doubt!

That was an epic lineup!

rabith007_b58 · 08-22-2024, 01:37 AM

Damn they look too good 💯 💯 💯

Mani59 · 08-22-2024, 03:15 AM

Excellent photos, what a great collection and presentation that BMW had for the day. Thank you for sharing!

dezzracer · 08-22-2024, 03:37 AM

M5 Touring is ok looking I guess but I’d go with the Audi wagon instead all day long

08-19-2024, 09:16 PM	#1
SaMaster14 Brigadier General 5149 Rep 3,954 Posts Drives: '23 G80 M3C xDrive; '13 e92 M3 Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Southern California iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 BMW M3 [8.72] 2023 BMW M3 Competi ... [9.63]	BMW Villa at Pebble Beach / The M5 Garage at Laguna Seca [Photos + Videos]! Featured on BIMMERPOST.com Lucky enough to get an invite the the BMW Villa to get a first look at the North American release of the M5 Touring as well as the M5 Sedan, plus much, much more! I didn't have a chance to test drive due to timing (and they were only offering the M8, XM, and the new i7 and x7, so I don't think I missed much). Join me! __________________ 2023 G80 M3 Competition xDrive Isle of Man Green on Kyalami Orange full leather - 826M black wheels - Carbon Fiber Trim - Carbon Bucket Seats - Executive/Driving Assist/Parking Packages - Laserlight - M Shadowline Lights - M Drive Pro - CS Trans/Diff/Steering Coding 2013 E92 M3 Mineral White on Bamboo Beige noviello leather (Base w/ Nav, Comfort Access, Lighting Pack) - DINAN Stage 1 and Free Flow Axle-Back Exhaust
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08-19-2024, 09:25 PM	#2
SaMaster14 Brigadier General 5149 Rep 3,954 Posts Drives: '23 G80 M3C xDrive; '13 e92 M3 Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Southern California iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 BMW M3 [8.72] 2023 BMW M3 Competi ... [9.63]	And some photos! Attached Images __________________ 2023 G80 M3 Competition xDrive Isle of Man Green on Kyalami Orange full leather - 826M black wheels - Carbon Fiber Trim - Carbon Bucket Seats - Executive/Driving Assist/Parking Packages - Laserlight - M Shadowline Lights - M Drive Pro - CS Trans/Diff/Steering Coding 2013 E92 M3 Mineral White on Bamboo Beige noviello leather (Base w/ Nav, Comfort Access, Lighting Pack) - DINAN Stage 1 and Free Flow Axle-Back Exhaust Last edited by SaMaster14; 08-19-2024 at 11:53 PM..
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08-20-2024, 12:07 AM	#3
SaMaster14 Brigadier General 5149 Rep 3,954 Posts Drives: '23 G80 M3C xDrive; '13 e92 M3 Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Southern California iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 BMW M3 [8.72] 2023 BMW M3 Competi ... [9.63]	And some from the Villa and Laguna Seca! Attached Images __________________ 2023 G80 M3 Competition xDrive Isle of Man Green on Kyalami Orange full leather - 826M black wheels - Carbon Fiber Trim - Carbon Bucket Seats - Executive/Driving Assist/Parking Packages - Laserlight - M Shadowline Lights - M Drive Pro - CS Trans/Diff/Steering Coding 2013 E92 M3 Mineral White on Bamboo Beige noviello leather (Base w/ Nav, Comfort Access, Lighting Pack) - DINAN Stage 1 and Free Flow Axle-Back Exhaust
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08-20-2024, 04:57 PM	#4
SaMaster14 Brigadier General 5149 Rep 3,954 Posts Drives: '23 G80 M3C xDrive; '13 e92 M3 Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Southern California iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 BMW M3 [8.72] 2023 BMW M3 Competi ... [9.63]	And caught this gem in the parking lot at Laguna Seca! Attached Images __________________ 2023 G80 M3 Competition xDrive Isle of Man Green on Kyalami Orange full leather - 826M black wheels - Carbon Fiber Trim - Carbon Bucket Seats - Executive/Driving Assist/Parking Packages - Laserlight - M Shadowline Lights - M Drive Pro - CS Trans/Diff/Steering Coding 2013 E92 M3 Mineral White on Bamboo Beige noviello leather (Base w/ Nav, Comfort Access, Lighting Pack) - DINAN Stage 1 and Free Flow Axle-Back Exhaust
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08-21-2024, 09:51 AM	#5
BlkGS Colonel 3396 Rep 2,679 Posts Drives: BMW X5 M50i Join Date: Dec 2023 Location: FL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 Chevrolet Trai ... [0.00] 2012 Chevrolet Corv ... [7.62] 2021 BMW X5 M50i [0.00]	That M5 wagon is rather homely. I feel like they could have done a better job.
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08-21-2024, 01:16 PM	#7
hufington Lieutenant Colonel 4346 Rep 1,636 Posts Drives: 2022 X5 m50i Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East iTrader: (0) Garage List 2022 BMW X5 M50i [9.80] 2024 Mercedes S580 AMG [10.00]	Great photos. Thanks for sharing. When I see the progress of the BMW design, I feel nostalgia and longing for the earlier designs. __________________ 2022 BMW X5 m50i 2024 MB S580 2025 RR SV Edition 2 on order '18 X5 50i / '16 BMW F10 550xi / '13 BMW F10 535i / '07 BMW E64 630i / '03 BMW E65 745i / '95 BMW E34 540i / '89 BMW E30 M3
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08-21-2024, 01:20 PM	#8
yousefnjr salty cowboys fan 6905 Rep 3,673 Posts Drives: ‘06 Z4MR, ‘20 X7, ‘22 M4x Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (2)	We were there for the debut party on Thursday night, and Frank Van Meel was at the table next to us. I didn’t speak to him but I was whispering “Z4M” in his presence to subtly enter that into his conscience. It’s coming boys __________________ she’s home! '22 M4 Comp xDrive
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08-21-2024, 01:26 PM	#9
AVB-AMG Private 137 Rep 83 Posts Drives: 2016 BMW X5M Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: NJ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 BMW X5M [10.00] 1961 M-B 190SL [10.00] 2014 BMW M6 Coupe [9.13] 2007 M-B ML63 AMG [9.25]	I find the front end/grill of both M5 variants to visibly seem “unfinished” in appearance. To me, they seem to be missing a number of either horizontal or vertical slats to better define the grill. I can just imagine road debris being kicked up by a vehicle in front of you and damaging the M5’s clearly exposed engine and brake radiators. Also, the front end design seems to have a much too literal influence from Star Trek’s Darth Vader’s helmet, which at this point is a rather dated design motif. __________________ 2016 BMW X5M - 2014 BMW M6 Coupe 2007 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG 2004 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG 1961 Mercedes-Benz 190SL
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08-21-2024, 01:50 PM	#10
M3N4CE Private 157 Rep 71 Posts Drives: M440i Join Date: Mar 2023 Location: New England iTrader: (0) Garage List 2022 BMW M440i xDri ... [9.50]	That M8 is by far the nicest new offering IMO, the X7 and new 7 remind me of the Predator without his helmet for some reason.
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08-21-2024, 03:02 PM	#15
M_Torx First Lieutenant 441 Rep 401 Posts Drives: M Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Ontario iTrader: (0)	just noticed wtf going on with the grill either make it smaller or use the thermostat 😂 what were they up to __________________ TTP
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08-21-2024, 10:04 PM	#16
IcewaterPete Lieutenant Colonel 2776 Rep 1,804 Posts Drives: 2020 F33 M Sport, 2021 M2C 6MT Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: Illinois iTrader: (0)	Thanks for posting all the pics. I realize this was supposed to be a M5/M5 touring post, but honestly the real highlight are the pics of the LeMans winning cars and other vintage rides.
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08-22-2024, 01:37 AM	#20
rabith007_b58 Software Engineer VII \| Lockheed•M 89 Rep 59 Posts Drives: F30 340i Join Date: Aug 2024 Location: Colorado iTrader: (0)	Damn they look too good 💯 💯 💯
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08-22-2024, 03:15 AM	#21
Mani59 Moderator 15913 Rep 8,143 Posts Drives: F32 435i Luxury & G26 i4 35 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Leicestershire iTrader: (1)	Excellent photos, what a great collection and presentation that BMW had for the day. Thank you for sharing! __________________ Visit my (mainly) BMW gallery http://jetone.co.uk and BMW miniature model collection http://bmw-miniatures.co.uk
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08-22-2024, 03:37 AM	#22
dezzracer Major 1257 Rep 1,298 Posts Drives: 2018 M3 CS Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: The Great Mojave Desert iTrader: (0)	M5 Touring is ok looking I guess but I’d go with the Audi wagon instead all day long
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