Here are my overall impressions after driving it for almost a week. I previously had a 2004 X5 3.0 with NO sports package.
- This vehicle WITH the sports package drives far more smoothly than my E53 WITHOUT sports package.
- So far, I have been averaging about 16 MPG in mixed driving...not bad for a brand new vehicle that is still breaking in. Over 3 years, I averaged 18 MPG in my E53.
- The voice commands work GREAT. I rarely ever have to repeat any commands.
- Bluetooth is awesome...I find myself using it all the time.
- The power sunshade on the panoramic roof is a neat feature. My E53 was built just before they switched to the pano roof in the E53.
- I did not get the comfort seats (since the pricetag was already climbing quite high), but find the sports seats very comfortable and supportive.
- LOVE the look of the anthracite headliner...my E53 had the truffle/black interior and I never understood the light gray headliner with that combo.
- 3rd row seat is not as bad as it looks. We had 7 adults in the X5 one night this week (the two smallest in the rear) and it was okay for a short jaunt. A long road trip would not be comfortable for most adults, though.
- The premium sound system is slightly disappointing. But, I need to play with the settings more before I complain too much.
- The NAV screen is great...no glare in full sun. I like that you can split the screen so that the NAV is always on the right side while the left side is showing other features.
- The I-6 power is more than adequate for me...the cabin is quieter and the ride is smoother...so you don't FEEL as much speed, although the instruments say otherwise.
- The sport running boards LOOK awesome, although I don't find myself actually using them.
- This is my first car with I-drive and I was a little nervous after reading so many negative comments about it. But, I think the system is great and I find it very intuitive once you get the hang of using it.
- Love the feel of the thick sport steering wheel.
- Comfort access rocks. I never take the key out of my pocket now.
- The run flat tires impart slightly more road noise than my E53 tires.
- The deep green metallic is a fantastic color...I have been getting compliments on it everywhere I go.
- And most importantly...the drive is awesome. This is where BMW's really shine. This thing handles impeccably. You feel in total control.
That's all that comes to mind right now...let me know what else people are curious about!
