E53 Interior has more character than X70?

[Spanker]

I recently acquired a super clean 2002 E53 4.4i with all Sport options, black on black, no nav but DSP and no CD changer .

I also recently had an opportunity to test drive a blac on black 2009 X5.

The interior of the newer X5 is very very nice, especially the trimming. . . . but it seemed a tad bit more "japanese" than BMW.

After test driving the 2009 and then sitting in my vehicle, I realized that I preferred my interior.

I wish BMW had improved on a good thing, like modernizing the pixel displays and getting rid of more plastic (rather than add...).

How many say you really prefer the interior of the E53 over the x70?

[igosal]

Well, I like exterior too for E53. It looks Macho and Manly whereas I find E70 so girly....

[indianapolisX5]

Agreed. The materials and switchgear of the current X5 and last gen 5-series look and feel of a lower quality than their predecessors. The interior of the current 3 is just pitiful (which doesn't stop me from wanting an E90 M3 though). The new 7 and 5 seem to be back to a more "driver-oriented" setup with better quality plastics and tigher fit & finish. Hopefully the soon to come 3 and next-gen X5 will follow the same trend.

Hate to say it, but Audi still has BMW beat on interior design - but I can't help think that they're still just fancy Volkswagens.

[o. l. t.]

I like the interior more on the e53, I think the e70 is bland and space ship feeling instead of just "nice" and appealing. I do like the rear of the e70 better though looking from the back.

[Patrick-Irish]

Sitting in an E70 feels like you're sitting in a doctors office .... sterile and clinical. The E53 feels more like sitting on the back of a bucking bronco .... tangible and connected. Each to their own I suppose but personally I prefer feeling like I'm sitting at home than on a dentists chair.

[julezw]

I'm disappointed that Audi have improved their interior finish & build quality while BMW has lowered theirs. Top Audi models really feel and look solid, where as the bmw interiors have some pretty shod plastics and materials. Inconsistent is the best I can describe it. I remember sitting in an X5M and a part of the door panel plastics where the magazine holder is had tonnes of give and also a gap that I could stick my finger into. Interior style between Audi and BMW is personal preference. With Audi in right hand drive variant some models suffer from a poor or cheap conversion where your legs are pushed off centre from the drive train tunnel coming out of the dash into the driver on an angle. Having said that I really get pissed with most Euro car brands, BMW included, for not changing the turn blinker stalk to the right when converted. You pay so much money...how hard is it to put it on the other side?

Comparing the E70 & E53......the E53 is regal and inviting and the E70 is futuristic and cooler looking. Personally I like the E70 interior more because I think its more contemporary and more ergonomic. I felt it wrapped around the body contours perfectly. Hate to drop a bomb but the new range rover sport interior is the biz! Regal like the e53 but cool at the same time. I sat in a white and black leather combo.