I've had an order in for an E70 X5 for just over 2 years now and managed to get a sneak preview today to help me make up my mind on my order. I sat in the 3.0d SE launch car which is currently awaiting prep. I have to say that once again whoever is the marketing genius at BMW GB who specs up the launch cars, he/she has done the dealers no favours yet again. Titanium silver, standard 18" wheels, black leather and brushed aluminium trim - hardly an inspired choice IMHO and not one that I suspect will show the car off in the best light. Privacy glass, 19" wheels and a panoramic sunroof would have worked wonders I'm sure and would be far closer to the spec most buyers go for. The new shape looks good though and is much more modern in the metal than the pics would suggest. It also looks bigger than the old car which it instantly makes look very dated. The car I saw had the third row seating option. I'm 6'2" and could easily sit in the middle row with plenty of comfort behind a driver's seat which was set up for me. I can't understand some of the US guys comments about lack of 2nd row space with this option??

I was a little disappointed with the quality of the interior plastics which seem inferior to the previous model. I've owned a lot of BMW's in the past including a first generation X5. I had one of the first E60 5 series and felt the interior quality of that was poor next to the E39 but was pleasantly surprised by the E90 3 series which indicated BMW were back on the right track. The E70 is closer to the E90 in terms of quality but it really should be ahead of it when you take the price tag into account. Nappa leather, different interior trim and anthracite headling with the panoramic roof would make a significant difference I suspect to the impression of quality.

Overall I think BMW have done a good job and I hope you all enjoy your cars. I'm going to pass as the car just didn't appeal enough to me personally.