2004 BMW 545i SMG Road Test

Seeing Beyond the Horizon

"Anyone can see the horizon. We wanted to see what lies beyond it." I lifted these words from BMW's glossy magazine-style

After a few short minutes of seat time in the 545i, I concluded that BMW is not only seeing what lies beyond the horizon, they're creating it. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

brochure promoting their 2004 5-Series. After a few short minutes of seat time in this week's test vehicle, an SMG (sequential manual gearbox) equipped 545i, I concluded that BMW is not only seeing what lies beyond the horizon, they're creating it; the complexity of which had me feeling techno-challenged in a techno-driven world.

Fortunately for me, using the 545i's iDrive system is not critical to movement; hence I made it out of the automaker's

While some may not agree, I find Bangle's cars outwardly challenging to admire. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

headquarters parking lot without the need to call BMW Roadside Assistance for help - but it was close.

For 2004 BMW didn't just add a chapter to the 5-Series book, they completely rewrote it, and albeit a book can't be judged by its cover the 5-Series cover is at best controversial thanks to the Bangle-effect. I had heard the unorthodox flaming surface design language described as the Bungle-effect in reference to the dramatic styling foisted, by Chief BMW design guru Chris Bangle, upon the previously clean lines of the 5 and 7-Series sedans. Now I don't personally ascribe to the "Bungle" analogy in describing the results of his work, but I do find his cars outwardly challenging to admire.