Earlier this month, BMW unveiled its new 5 Collection Touring mannequin, which, whereas boasting an array of superior options, has made a notable exclusion: the rear glass opening function. This modification marks a departure from earlier fashions, the place the comfort of opening simply the rear glass supplied fast entry to the trunk with out the necessity to open all the tailgate. Traditionally, the rear glass opening was a valued comfort for loading smaller gadgets into the trunk or permitting air flow with out opening the tailgate. It was additionally a helpful function for drivers who had pets and wanted fast entry to them.

The Design Allegedly Killed This Characteristic

In fact, BMW’s resolution could possibly be influenced by a number of elements, together with design aesthetics, area and value effectivity. Streamlining the tailgate meeting with out the separate rear glass mechanism might result in a sleeker profile, doubtlessly enhancing aerodynamics and gas effectivity. Furthermore, simplifying the tailgate’s building would possibly improve reliability and cut back manufacturing prices, however we needed to ask.

Throughout our dialog with the product supervisor of the BMW 5 Collection Touring, we posed the query: What prompted BMW to eradicate a function as simple and helpful because the rear glass opening? Based on the product supervisor, the removing of the tailgate window opening function has to do with the extra coupeish design of the rear finish. With a view to enhance the coefficient drag – which additionally helps with the vary of the electrical variants – BMW designed a extra sloping roof and a extra upright trunk. Moreover, the person in control of the automotive tells us that by eradicating the the opening of the tailgate window, the trunk quantity just isn’t compromised.

Value Slicing?

Now, we’re not engineers, nor designers, so we are able to’t problem that assertion, nevertheless it’s additionally a bit far fetched to imagine that the window mechanism would have considerably affected the cargo area and the aero drag. We pushed again a bit asking whether or not that is merely a price slicing measure, however BMW caught to its unique reply. No matter what the explanation was, this variation didn’t sit nicely with all BMW aficionados. Lengthy-time followers who appreciated the practicality and comfort of the rear glass opening view its omission as a step again in person expertise.

We might even argue {that a} automobile on this phase ought to emphasize versatility and comfort, particularly since this can be a function embedded within the DNA of the 5 Collection Touring for the reason that unique E34. Though BMW might recommend that knowledge signifies a decline in iDrive controller utilization, there seems to be no concrete proof to recommend that clients lacked curiosity within the tailgate window opening function. Come on, BMW!

Replace: BMW of North America additionally said to Motor1 that the design influenced this resolution.