Don't make a statement without backing it up with a link to article. I have driven both and 4.8i is not even close in handling, and yes I have driven a E70 4.8i sport package on highway and on rough roads. The gas pedal in E53 4.8is is very responsive and the handling is much sporty for E53 4.8is as compared to E70 4.8i. Also, E70 4.8is is longer and heavier than E53 4.8is. Beside E70 has 5 HP less than E53. On rough roads E70 4.8i has a smoother ride. I also tried the manumatic shifter on E70 which works as designed. Slalom on E70 is better than E53 4.4i.