Best looking iteration of long-running car models

[Jobbo]

Inspired by seeing the new 3-series around now, I got to thinking which was my favourite 3-series. While I loved the first couple of them, the E46 stands out for me as the best looking; it looked great when it came out, muscly but compact, and still looks amazing even today. The E36 and E90 both look a bit narrow relative to their height.

So I thought about the direct competitors to the 3-series. The B8 Audi A4 is, I think, the best looking version; the current model looks just like a slightly bigger, uglier version and the B7 and all before it looked more upright and practical. As for the C-class, the W204 (pre-facelift for me) is definitive; the current one might sell really well but the W204 was so right in my eyes that I doubt Merc will ever better it.

As for the Golf, I think the pre-facelift mk7 is my favourite. It was as if VW took essence of every Golf before it and melded it into the perfect Golf. It looks taut, not flabby like the mk2, mk3 and mk6 did, and I think it'll age really well.

I bet nobody agrees with my choices anyway, and there are plenty more cars with many iterations (even just since the Evo forum started 20-odd years ago) so from a historical perspective, what are your favourites?

[ZedLeg]

Range Rover



911



5 Series



Pretty much an ideal 3 car garage for me .

[JLv3.0]

This is up for sale locally, 20k or so:



Had to talk myself down from that one. E34 is my answer to the thread title.

[dinny_g]

As for the C-class, the W204 (pre-facelift for me) is definitive; the current one might sell really well but the W204 was so right in my eyes that I doubt Merc will ever better it.

Agreed...

[Jobbo]

E34 is my answer to the thread title.

Such an obvious one I should have said it in the first post. Best looking BMW ever.

[JLv3.0]

Jobbo - you think the Mk2 Golf looks flabby? It's about the size of a Matchbox car

The B8 A4 is a lovely thing. The B7 (apart from mine) is one of the most bland designs of car I have ever seen.

[JLv3.0]

E34 is my answer to the thread title.

Such an obvious one I should have said it in the first post. Best looking BMW ever.

I stayed sober on New Year's Eve when I was 17 so I could drive my dad's mate's E34 525i home for him. Just perfectly proportioned, and I still remember the rev-counter swinging around without any accompanying vibration whatsoever.

[ZedLeg]

You could probably have a good argument just limiting this to BMW and Mercedes .

Best 7 series?

[JLv3.0]

The Bangle one, believe it or not. Would you believe me if I said your choice was by far and away my least favourite or would you think I was just being fighty?

In second place is whatever model iteration that saw the first 750i. edit - E32.

[Jobbo]

Jobbo - you think the Mk2 Golf looks flabby? It's about the size of a Matchbox car

Yeah, it just looks like a fat mk1.

[JLv3.0]

That's why I liked it so much, I think. The Mk1 looked a bit "skinny" to me. But then I do like a little junk in the trunk.

[ZedLeg]

That's why I liked it so much, I think. The Mk1 looked a bit "skinny" to me. But then I do like a little junk in the trunk.

7 series post confirms . TBH I can see it with the Bangle 7 series, the facelift headlights help and it's aged quite well.

[GG.]

I would think on the whole for BMW, the original models, or perhaps the slight revisions that followed looked the best. E30 3 series, E23 7 series, E28 5 series (although a bit of a toss up with the E32/4 on that one).

I would say Mk2 Golf perhaps (but I'd agree with Jobbo on the MK7 of the modern generations).

For 911s, on pure aesthetic purity, it would have to be an original long-hood car. For modern wasser cooled ones it'd be 997 (probably a .2 over a .1 but little in it) or a 991.2

[McSwede]

This is up for sale locally, 20k or so:



Had to talk myself down from that one. E34 is my answer to the thread title.

This I like. A lot!!

[ShockDiamonds]

E38 7 remains an absolute class act. E39 M5 also remains the best of that line IMHO. Somebody clearly knew what they were doing.

[ZedLeg]

Don't like the E39 5, couldn't tell you why but I've never fancied one.

[McSwede]

With regards to Jobbo mentioning the E46, I'd say the M versions look bloody awesome. The normal versions look a bit weedy and shit.

[ShockDiamonds]

Don't like the E39 5, couldn't tell you why but I've never fancied one.

Standard cars can look a little undernourished. But the M5, the way the wings are pulled taught over the wheels, the view from the front as the front wings fan outwards a little. Perfect.

[Rich B]

All of these are improved with wide arches.

[ZedLeg]

Ah that's a different story though, there's a few M cars that have vastly improved an underwhelming standard car. E36 & E90 M3 spring to mind as well as the E39 M5.

Estate versions have improved a few as well.