The E70 is a good upgrade from the E53 and its close enough in nature that is not a major transition. The AD feature in Sports equipped versions really makes for a nice cornering change compared to the E53. I still have a 02 BMW X5 Sports model with 157K miles. I am fixing some small things before I sell it. I kept it around for trips back and forth from Florida as it gets pretty decent gas mileage compared to my E70. It is a 4.4i model. I average 20/22 on the hwy driving compared to 15/17 on the highway with my current E70. Besides I just drive it and not worry about mileage.

I travel less now and will sell the E53. The E53 was easier to drive(if that makes sense) and was more like a car to me. I love my E70 but there are still some characteristics about the E53 that is missed.