So, now that I have been living with my new Full Size Range Rover HSE after selling the X5 4.8i, I have a pretty good evaluation of the pros and cons of each car. I think I am to the point, where I can almost say "I love my Range Rover".
For sure, the X5 handled better, was faster, braked quicker and was sportier.
Both the 4.8i and the RR drink gas like there's no tomorrow. When I got the RR, I never expected it to be economical with gas usage though. It is somewhat better than my 4.8i actually. The 4.8i was about 10mpg in the city, and about 15/16 on the highway. The RR is about 12-14city and 16-18 highway. Not bad, considering the RR weighs in at just under 7000lbs! Yeah, she's a big girl!!
The climate control is SO superior in the Range Rover, I don't even know where to begin. It is even, consistent, strong, whisper quiet, logical and just works. Just hit the "Auto" button, set the temperature(s)...and perfect A/C or heat. Vents are automatically distributed, even and basically perfect.
Although the E70 has some preset buttons, that can be assigned for the radio or Sirius...mine unprogrammed themselves or set new stations all the time (not a welcome feature). The Nav screen is also the radio screen in the Range Rover...and it's touch screen (same supplier as Lexus). Flawless, easy and to the point.
My biggest (daily) joy is the RR key. Unless you have Comfort Access on the E70, the key fob is a joke and annoying. Why must you insert the key fob, push a button to start the car, and then for turning off, push the button & then push the key fob to release. WHY? If you want a key chip, then make it like MBZ..insert the key, and turn it. 1 step. Period. The Range Rover has a thick (drop and waterproof up to 75 feet) fold out key (kinda old school) but it feels good in the hand!
While I always thought the new gear shift selector on the E70 was cool, I do find the traditional lever (like in the 3 Series, or the old X5) to be easier and practical. Never a problem in my 2 E70s, but the RR is easy too...and manual shifts "feel" more tactile and engaged.
I do miss my Auto tailgate feature on the 4.8i. The RR is not hard to open & close, but it was super easy in the X5.
Heated seats in the X5 are much better. The RR uses heat from the climate control pumped in. It's nice & dry, but it takes minutes & minutes to feel any warmth. Also, the X5 has more even heating in the seats. Not bad at all in the RR, and since I'm in Southern California...it only gets used a few weeks out of the year.
While the seating position is good in the X5, it is awesome in the RR. You sit so high, you can see everything. Side and front visibility is great, as the glass all around is expansive!
Ride comfort, oh Ride comfort. My X5 felt on many roads as if my fillings were going to bounce loose. The RR is smooth, soft (not spongy though), poised and so comfortable.
The transmission in my 4.8i was terrible. Rough, jerky, held gear to absurd RPMs and downshifted miserable. The 6 speed transmission in the RR is silky smooth, responsive and pretty perfect.
Most importantly, in the first 30 days of both my '07 and '08 E70 ownerships...I had many, many visits to the Service Dept (both minor and major). So far, the RR has been perfect. No warning lights, messages, faults, snafus, quirks, etc.. This is the best part of the new car
So, I know I wrote a lot...just thought some members might enjoy reading about the pros & cons first hand.