Now two generations back, the E39 5-series was a virtual shoo-in at our annual 10Best competition. Improving on what we thought was near perfection is tricky and, roughly six years ago, we lamented the launch of the then-new fifth-generation E60 5-series. Not only could we not get past the Bangle-ized styling, but the interior design seemed cold and the material quality a step backwards, too. And then there was the much-maligned iDrive. The 5 still drove mostly like a champ, but some of the new chassis technology, such as active steering, seemed to further isolate the driver.

Now BMW has invited us to the unveiling of the new, sixth-generation car at its design studio at the home office in Munich. The company is quick to point out that we’re among the first to ever be allowed access to the ultra-secret facilities, but perhaps BMW figures now that Herr Bangle is no longer around there’s significantly less risk of a journalist’s snarky comment leading to an all-out brawl.