New 06 4.8 vs 4.4.

[x37]

IMO those MB's are still fugly though, and even with their few quirks, BMW still offers the best all round package of any of the SUV's. No need for rims or exhaust straight from the factory, even on the 4.4 sport.

[alpac]

I have a 4.4 sport package and it is a wonderfull car. I found the ride a little bit stiff at the very beginning but got use with it in a matter of hours. Although some may call this vehicle a 'truck', personaly I think it handles and feels much more like a sport car than anything else. The 4.4 has plenty of power for me but I must say that when I saw these 4.6's and 4.8 at the X5 meeting I was very envious. Man! knowing how fun it is to drive my 4.4 I cannot imagine what it must be to drive one of these monsters . I was a passenger in a 4.8 one time (thanks Ekaz ) and I found the ride amazingly confortable.

[jaba]

Originally Posted by mrkbbd

my '06 4.8is drives a little rough epspecially in the city, and when I pull into my garage, which is 15 feet above street level, the car likes to stall and catch itself, so its a toss up, the 4.8 is very high-sprung and your gas bill will show it, after buying it, I realized I don't need the power or really even want the power because I have been on the verge of getting so many tickets with it. If you get the 4.4i with the sport package and 19" wheels, it's basically a 4.8 and your insurance and gas will be a little cheaper. It's up to you though, if the power is worth it to you, then don't hessitate to get the 4.8. (Also remember that the ML63 AMG will be out in 9-12 mnths - and there is no possible way a X5 will be able to keep up with it)

That v8 engine is wicked. Isn't that the strongest naturally aspirated v8? I think I've might have read it somewhere or heard about it. I wonder how BMW would respond to that?...(put the m5 v10 engine on the x)

[vinuneuro]

It really is too bad that we won't get the V10. Damn XDrive. I see various transmission/drivetrain issues with putting that engine in the X5.

[dan_fitz]

don't be surprised to see the V10 in the next top-line X. They will need something drastic to keep up with the higher output engines that are coming online these days. The base V8 is going to have 360 hp. Not sure how else they are going to get the needed hp (425-500???)

[LX5]

Related question.

Visually, what is the difference between a fully loaded 4.4 vs 4.8? From what I can see, looks like:

Exhaust pipes are dual round on 4.4 and rectangular on 4.8,
Brakes (rotors and calipers) are larger on 4.8 than 4.8
Badging
Stance, due to different tire/wheel size (but I assume in aftermarket you can find 20x9.5, 275-40F and 20x10, 315-35R to fit the 4.4),

What else?

[X5Jay]

...4.8 gauges have gray faces plus the rev. warning lights and gauge rings; better available leather (nappa) plus couple of different colors available (like cream beige instead of sand beige); adjustable ride height is standard; 4.8 front/rear body kit plus fender flares - standard. I think that's about it, but I wouldn't be surprised if someone comes up with a couple more...

[jpm4.8is]

The ride is indeed "slightly stiffer" compared to the 4.4 sport IMHO, but it's not uncomfortable at all. If you can afford it go for the 4.8is BEAST, you won't regret it

[drex]

don't you know about the top secret X5 World Lemans II project car?

M5 engine, reworked X5 4.8 body, reworked driver interface???

(oh, need about $150000 in sponsorship to make it happen).

but we could do it.

[TestnDoc]

I owned a 4.4 and traded it in for a 4.8is. Not only is the 4.8 much faster, but the ride is alot smoother because the 4.8 has AIR springs rather than coil springs. Also, the interior leather is better (nappa leather). Get the 4.8is!!!!