Jeep SRT-8 -vs- 2006 X5 4.8i driving impressions

[TRAINER]

Well, I’ve had my new X5 for a week now so I felt it was time for my write up.

Power – SRT

The power of the SRT was like nothing I’ve ever experienced in any other truck let alone car. My SRT did 0-60 in 4.4 seconds (as per G-Tech). I blew away un-expecting Corvettes, M3’s and 911’s all the time from a dead stop. My wife would explain it the best, “This thing is like trying to hold back a pack of it pitbulls on a leash!” The engine was simply raw and vicious. I installed the OEM Mopar CAI on this beast as well. This not only gave her a sound best described as Chewbakka the Wookie screaming but also crisper throttle response. At WOT this thing sounded like a NASCAR, no kidding.

The 4.8 is a very powerful vehicle. The power is MUCH more refined and smooth all the way through. I almost forgot just “how” smooth these engines are. The exhaust note is deeper than the 6.1 Hemi, it’s just loud enough. The tranny shifts smoother than the one in the SRT too (The SRT shares the tranny with the Mercedes AMG CLS55 F.Y.I.). Perhaps this is due to the 6 speed vs 5 speed in the SRT, who knows.

At 100 MPH+, these two cars are closer than I expected. The Jeep was geared more towards 0-60 where the BMW is geared more for the highway IMO. With the Jeeps lurching power and between the engine/exhaust noise, it “seemed” much quicker than it was on the highway (placebo effect of the louder intake and exhaust, perhaps)

The BMW in sneaky. From an 80 mph roll on test, this thing gets you there almost as quick as the SRT only without all the yelling and screaming, no drama, just goes like a frat train and with authority.

Overall, I’ll miss the all out raw power of the SRT “sometimes” however in the real world; my X5 will get the job done with more elegance and poise while being no slouch! One thing I WON’T miss is the horrible torque steer that the SRT had. That car demanded your full attention, no point and shoot there.

Handeling – X5

Speaking of torque steer. Here’s one reason I got rid of the SRT. As mentioned the torque steer was horrible. It would also drift over imperfections on the highway and launch passengers out of their seat while sitting in the back, sometimes resulting in their head hitting the roof! Now, don’t get me wrong, she handled AMAZING, dare I say like my 87 Vette did – but is that a good thing?

The X5 is a DREAM. For those of you that think that your 4.8 is a ruff ride, go out and drive an SRT and then get back into your 4.8 and smile all the way home. This is one thing my wife commented on immediately. The ride in the SRT was just too stiff for the roads in the north east. The X5 just soaks up these bumps and imperfections beautifully. The X holds the turns with confidence and simply keeps you in control even under less than perfect conditions.

Brakes - even

So far I can't tell a difference. They are both amazing brakes. I'm planning on installing my dustless Axis pads this week though. I hate that brake dust!


Interior - X5

Do I even need to compare the two?? Napa leather, wood and steering wheel heat verses plastic and pleather, enough said…

Here’s one more reason I got rid of the SRT. The front Brembos were so big that there weren’t any 18” or 19” rims that would clear them. I need my cars to do VERY well in the snow and slush. I’m out and about before the plows hit the streets and do a lot of highway driving. I like to have an extra set of 18” rims with winter snows for my cars when ever possible. Not having this option for my Jeep was very disappointing to me.

My 18” rims with Pirelli ice and snows are scheduled to be here early next week. I’m planning on slappin those puppies as soon as they arrive as well.

As you can see, I love my new X5 and miss my SRT less and less with every mile that I put on my new toy.

As a side note, and I may post the details elsewhere on this site too, I replaced my OEM HID bulbs yesterday with 8000K bulbs. Did you know that you have to remove the front bumper in order to get to those F_____ g bulbs? The fog light bulbs took all of 10 seconds each but those HID's, never again.... They do loook beautiful now though...


Be Well everyone and happy holidays!

Ken