Comparing my 08 E70 to my brother's '06 4.4 (with sports package, too), I can tell that E70 is generally softer in "normal" mode, and more firmer in the "sport" mode - very close to the E53.

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His : 2013 X5 3.5d Deep Sea Blue/Black/Aluminum with ALL packages, 20" 214"s, running boards, Adaptive Drive, Spare Tire, BMW Apps
On Order : 2016 X3 3.5 MSport Silver/Mocha with DHP, CW, Prem, Tech, DA, Lighting

Hers : 2015 328xi MSport Silver/Red

Prior:
2008 X5 4.8
2011 X5 3.5d
2010 335 xDrive
2013 335 xDrive