Today I test drove the '07 4.8i and have to say I was disappointed. I was expecting more from the E70. For background, I have an ’05 4.4i with every option. You guys are going to flame me for saying this but I thought I was driving a the BMW MDX. Don’t get me wrong it has its’ pluses - the suspension is definitely more compliant and yet composed over bumps. But the vehicle overall hast lost its’ sportiness. I’m sorry but I feel BMW is going after Volvo instead of MB or Porsche with this model. I purchased the E53 because it was sporty and drove tight like a real German car, sedan, etc. The E70 did not feel like that. It’s large (relatively speaking), the non-active steering felt light and over boosted and the road feel was gone. I must be fair and state that this was not a sport suspension model and had the 18” all-season tires unlike my X5 with adjustable sport suspension and the 19” Diamaris. Here are a few more observations:

1. The new gear selector, which is similar to the one in the 7 series, is gimmicky with no feel since it’s now “select a gear by wire”.
2. Non-sport seats are flat with limited side bolsters.
3. Exhaust seams more subdued. Maybe related to non-sport model.
4. The side mirrors are huge!
5. Panoramic roof shade no longer vents in the center, but at the front when the roofs are tilted open.
6. No electric recline for the second row seats.
7. The glove box opens via a button. Not sure if there’s a valet lockout.
8. With the same options as my ’05 the new X5 is over $70K versus $60K ('05 or '06).
9. The base stereo is awesome. I can only imagine how good the premium sound package must be.
10. Third row seats are useless except for small children. I’m 5’ 9” and when I sat in these seats my knees dug into the back of the 2nd row.


This just my opinion after about an hour in the E70 – it may grow on me. But at this time I’m in no hurry to trade in my X5. I sure hope there's a capable successor to the original 4.8is…

P.S. The 335i rocks!