Honestly, I’ve always had manuals and the e53 was my only significant auto experience until we got her new x5. I was blown away at the difference. My quick google search says the 6hp used a completely new architecture…basically two gearboxes inside the transmission housing, sort of like a DCT I guess? This would explain the power delivery. The X5 50e can put down 500 flt lbs when using both the ICE and electric motors and it’s just seamless.

__________________
Current
Original owner 2002 E53 X5 4.4i to 4.6i swap
2026 G80 M3 6 spd
2025 G06 X5 50e
Former
1972 Audi Fox
1986 Saab 900S
1996 BMW Z3
1998 BMW E36 M3 Sedan
2004 BMW E46 M3
2006 Audi A3 Quatro
1993 Mopar 318 Jeep Grand Cherokee
2015 V6 Jeep Grand Cherokee