Here is my reasoning for picking E53 over E70. It is clear that 4.8 of today is 4.4 of the late nineties. New, poweful, fun to drive, but with introduction of 4.6is it became second best. I doubt there are many 4.4 owners that would not have chosen 4.6 over their 4.4 after just one test drive. 4.8is with all the refinements over its predecessors represented a fully loaded beast of a vehicle, which made it the best of the class. What shocked me was the fact that its gas mileage was not that different from 3.0 model.

When it comes to looks, though some people find E53 dated, you have to admit it could not be mistaken for any other vehicle when it was introduced, and cannot be mistaken now. IMO E70 is just another SUV on the road, too plasticy, too tin-can stamped heneric body style which fails to turn heads as it passes by.

Driving impressions: 4.8is pure seat of your pants experience, 4.8 is like fly by wire control of airplane. I drove E70 3 times and every time I got the impression of being slightly removed from total control. I know a few hundred pounds is not a lot, but you feel it, and lower center of gravity fails to eliminate this feeling. E70 needs 400+ HP to make it sporty. Right now it is just a nice family SUV.

Honestly, I do not like to be in 4.8is as a passenger napping in the back seat. E70 gives a more comfortable ride for the passengers, but passenger comfort was not my personal preference.

My advice: Drive them both, analyze your future family driving habits, and ask yourself if you want the best of the class, or you will be willing settle for second best, because current E70 4.8 is destined to be just that.

Good luck.