So BMW made it a little bigger and ......

[lionkang]

and spiced up the interior and redesigned some sheet metal, and now I'm supposed to drop more of my hard earned cash on this?

I remember sitting in my dorm room in 1999 reading articles about the new X5, that was to be introduced that .fall. I was smitten reading about the options that were available. A silky smooth 290 hp V8 engine, unibody construction, AWD standard, those new Xenon headlights that I see every once in awhile that really stand out, that Navigation thing that I've heard about and that beautiful teutonic look, all in an SUV! It was such a leap forward for SUV's. The X5 was my dream car and two and half years ago I fulfilled my dream and bought one.

I know this should be a time for celebration being that BMW just announced their second generation SAV, but sadly I'm dissapointed with this X5. What additional utility am I gaining? By utility I mean in the economic sense. This hog probably gets worse gas mileage to boot!

What does this X5 have that an X5 from 7 years ago doesnt (or couldnt have been outfitted with technology wise)? I hate these short buying cycles auto manufacturers have seemed to of inculcated us Americans into and I feel BMW is without a doubt playing the game just like every other auto manufacturer. I'm sure the profit maximization curves BMW's economics and finance genius's generate dictate their policy and I'm fine with that. The problem with the auto industry and most sectors of industry is that there can be a conflict of interest between profit and the general well being of the customer. In the auto industry this leads to sandbagging. I've got news for people who havent realized this. The combustion engine has basically been mastered for a long time. Everytime a new model has a more powerful engine to entice you into purchase remember this.

When people dont purchase cars, manufacturers are forced to add additional features and benefits to increase a persons perceived value until it reaches a level above or at where he/she values it at. This is what stimulates a purchase. That and women. I for one have vowed not to purchase a new daily driver until a great leap forward has occurred.

Don't get me wrong, I like the new look of it and I love the interior too, but give me a new model that is revolutionary, not just slightly evolutionary. I'm thinking, "hey, I buy a new TV when there's a great leap forward in technology, why not with cars too?"

I wouldnt be a critic without possible solutions that I feel are viable and here's what I feel BMW could reasonably give. BMW, give me an SUV that is completely constructed of aluminum and weighs less than a 5 series. Give me an SUV that gets great gas mileage due to its low weight and highly efficient engine. For god sakes have an optional manual with good gearing, the purests like myself and motorin Dave would pay extra for it. Just reach into the 5 series parts bin for the tranny if you need to cut costs! If the last X5 had used that 4 to 1 ratio reverse gear in place of the 5 to 1 1st gear, pulled out that silly CDV , and offered it with the V8, more people would have opted for the manual I feel. The X5 should have the option of deactivating cylinders while cruising like in some american cars, chrylser and GM have been doing it for years and who knows what the ceiling is on gas prices. For convenience it should have voice activation for controls and navigation, Acura has had it forever. It should have a touch screen, Lexus has had it forever. Why not an integrated car PC with Wifi and in-dash USB ports? Those that would want something like this would pay top dollar to get it. License the self driving technology that Honda and Mercedes are now pioneering. I promise I wont switch it to Euro mode to eliminate the accept screen and for cryin out loud give me a heads up display that doesnt cost as much as a big screen DLP TV please.

I hope the only thing holding back BMW from introducing an M variant of the X5 is the name lol. M-X5 would be a logical choice... if only Mazda would release their grimy paws off the trademark. Heres an idea, just call it the M SAV, similiar to the M roadster in nomenclature. I hope someone from BMW reads this and takes some of these ideas.

For all the lucky few individuals out there that choose to make themselves an owner of the second generation X5 this fall, I do sincerely hope you enjoy it. I'll be joining you all in a few years when I pick one up cheap off the used market. It sure looks like its going to be a wonderful beast!

[Brad_p]

good point! I also think that bmw will sell less of their x5s with the current gas prices, why haven't they introduced a hybride like lexus... or indeed, the option/or automatic to shut down some cylinders.

[Wagner]

Originally Posted by Brad_p

good point! I also think that bmw will sell less of their x5s with the current gas prices, why haven't they introduced a hybride like lexus... or indeed, the option/or automatic to shut down some cylinders.

The hybrid Lexus offers is useless as hybrids go, getting almost identical mpg to its all gas equal in the stable.

[xx3]

Originally Posted by lionkang

I remember sitting in my dorm room in 1999 reading articles about the new X5, that was to be introduced that .fall. I was smitten reading about the options that were available. A silky smooth 290 hp V8 engine, unibody construction, AWD standard, those new Xenon headlights that I see every once in awhile that really stand out, that Navigation thing that I've heard about and that beautiful teutonic look, all in an SUV! It was such a leap forward for SUV's. The X5 was my dream car and two and half years ago I fulfilled my dream and bought one.

I know this should be a time for celebration being that BMW just announced their second generation SAV, but sadly I'm dissapointed with this X5. What additional utility am I gaining? By utility I mean in the economic sense. This hog probably gets worse gas mileage to boot!

How about a entirely new body. Entire new suspension and an entire new technological system. Better safety and more powerful engines that use less gasoline.

What does this X5 have that an X5 from 7 years ago doesnt (or couldnt have been outfitted with technology wise)?

Lots of things. The entirely new electronics sub-system. DSC III. A 3rd row seat. Daytime Angel eyes. Cornering fogs. Dampening suspension. Flexray.

I hate these short buying cycles auto manufacturers have seemed to of inculcated us Americans into and I feel BMW is without a doubt playing the game just like every other auto manufacturer.

You are 100% wrong on this. The E70 introduces many innovations into the SAV category and raises the bar higher. If BMW was truely playing the game, they would have simply given us an E60 (what they did with the X3 - rehashed an E46) and what they did with the E53 (we simply got a rehashed E39). In this case BMW has introduced many new technologies and innovations on a car that is supposed to be based on another platform, but in reality isn't.

In the auto industry this leads to sandbagging.

While this might be true for other companies. BMW has not been building SUV's off of pick-up truck platforms or standing still on innovation. I think you classify BMW unfairly.

I've got news for people who havent realized this. The combustion engine has basically been mastered for a long time. Everytime a new model has a more powerful engine to entice you into purchase remember this.

Well if there wasn't anything newer or better, why would anyone buy a new car?!

The combustion engine is far from being mastered. Again you want to criticize BMW, but it is they who come up with some of the greatest new ideas in the past century in terms of both power and fuel economy. Vanos, Valvetronic & piezo are all examples.

Don't get me wrong, I like the new look of it and I love the interior too, but give me a new model that is revolutionary, not just slightly evolutionary. I'm thinking, "hey, I buy a new TV when there's a great leap forward in technology, why not with cars too?"

Don't like it... Then don't buy it. Vote with your wallet. You have every right to do so.

It took 50 years for us to go from analog to HD. So good luck waiting for that hydrogen car.

I wouldnt be a critic without possible solutions that I feel are viable and here's what I feel BMW could reasonably give. BMW, give me an SUV that is completely constructed of aluminum and weighs less than a 5 series.

Lol. This is absolutely out in the clouds. You expect BMW to make the E70 lighter then the E60 it is built on?! BMW didn't even have to make as many advances ontop of the E60 to sell as many cars as they will with the new E70..!

Give me an SUV that gets great gas mileage due to its low weight and highly efficient engine.

I laugh again. You havn't read the press release either.

For god sakes have an optional manual with good gearing, the purests like myself and motorin Dave would pay extra for it.

Perhaps the only part of your post that I agree with. The X5 should come with a manual.

The X5 should have the option of deactivating cylinders while cruising like in some american cars, chrylser and GM have been doing it for years and who knows what the ceiling is on gas prices.

Then again, the Americans do not have advanced engine motronics like the germans have. There no need for any for any of this with double-vanos, valvetronic and direct injection.

For convenience it should have voice activation for controls and navigation, Acura has had it forever. It should have a touch screen, Lexus has had it forever.

It has voice activation. Even E53 (if specced right) can have voice activation ! Understand what your criticizing, before you criticize !

A touch screen is never optimal when you consider screen placement (high in the dash) as well as ergonomics (becomes too far away arm-legthwise when you have to shield it from the sun).

Why not an integrated car PC with Wifi and in-dash USB ports? Those that would want something like this would pay top dollar to get it.

Why not a butler and someone to shine my shoes? Oh, while were smoking dope, how about retractable wings so that I can fly !

License the self driving technology that Honda and Mercedes are now pioneering.

There is no such thing as self piloting cars... Maybe you are talking about Active Cruise Control + braking which premiers on the E70 as Dynamic Cruise Control.

I promise I wont switch it to Euro mode to eliminate the accept screen and for cryin out loud give me a heads up display that doesnt cost as much as a big screen DLP TV please.

Maybe if we didn't have people on crack in this country, we wouldn't have crazy lawsuits (or crazy E70 rants on this board either) and BMW would give us a nav system without an accept screen. If they didn't you know some bozo would crash while playing with nav and then sue BMW for not telling him he couldn't play with his navigation system while driving !

I hope the only thing holding back BMW from introducing an M variant of the X5 is the name lol. M-X5 would be a logical choice... if only Mazda would release their grimy paws off the trademark.

Again, do your research. Mazda has said on repeated accounts that they would be fine if BMW used the name MX-5. BMW will never make an M SUV because it simply will not perform to the guidelines that make up a BMW M car. When BMW makes an M car, they make an M car through and through, unlike AMG who throws badges on any MB it can find in Stuttgart.

Nothing is holding up BMW from releasing the 'is' or sport variant of the X5. It will debut right on schedule around 2 years from now. No company introduces high performance variants of their line-up during a model changeover. These are low volume cars and the E70 must prove itself before being officially greenlighted into production.

Also, its a way for manufacturers to create more buzz for a product line. BMW will wait until the initial buzz off of the X5 wears (in around 2 years) and then re-ignite everyone's interest in the X5 by offering a new top of the line model.

I hope someone from BMW reads this and takes some of these ideas.

I really hope not. Or if they are, they are laughing as hard as I am...

For all the lucky few individuals out there that choose to make themselves an owner of the second generation X5 this fall, I do sincerely hope you enjoy it. I'll be joining you all in a few years when I pick one up cheap off the used market. It sure looks like its going to be a wonderful beast!

Ok you dish on the E70 the entire thread, but then hope you can have one in a few years...

It seems to me like you wanted more from the E70's debut. A lot more. More like BMW was supposed to reinvent the car.

You have to remember that the E70 is/was supposed to be an evolutionary car - as it follows BMW's strict new model pattern. (One gen of revolution, one of evolution - E70 is 2nd gen, hence the evolution). However with the E70 I think they have broken the mold. So many new technological advances have debuted on the E70, as well as a design which is I think quite different then the outgoing model (they resemble yes, but very different indeed).

You are entitled to your opinion, and I respect it.

Sorry that the E70's launch was so disappointing for you...

[xx3]

Originally Posted by WagnerX5

The hybrid Lexus offers is useless as hybrids go, getting almost identical mpg to its all gas equal in the stable.

Oh so true. You won't make your money back, you won't get better gas mileage and you'll hurt the environment at the end of its life then with a gasoline car.

Where do I sign up ?!

Hybrids are a joke. Especially large car hybrids (GS450, RX400h, Highlander, Accord etc...)

[Scottie]

I kinda like the look of the new X defo leans more towards the look of the X3 but obviously they have had to make it bigger so you can seperate the two motors.

One thing though I can't really understand why BMW market the car as a 4x4 in the sense of Off-Road 4x4 why do they not market it in the same as a Subaru WRX that has 4x4 traction.

Maybe they could call it a 4x4 MPV. what you reckon.

Lets face it no X5 is good off road. Unless they have really made a step forward in this department for the new X5.

Have they. any one know.

[xx3]

Originally Posted by Scottie

One thing though I can't really understand why BMW market the car as a 4x4 in the sense of Off-Road 4x4 why do they not market it in the same as a Subaru WRX that has 4x4 traction.

Maybe they could call it a 4x4 MPV. what you reckon.

Lets face it no X5 is good off road. Unless they have really made a step forward in this department for the new X5.

Have they. any one know.

Its all in the mind. People want to think they can go anywhere, but in reality they never do. Its this feeling of invincibility that has attracted so many to the SUV movement.

BMW has marketed a little different than other manufacturers. It has tried to differentiate itself with the term SAV or Sport Activity Vehicle.

I'd bet that if Subaru marketed the WRX as a 4X4 sportscar that you can take anywhere, including offroad that sales would increase.

No-one really knows for sure, but I highly doubt it. Why change such a winning formula of the E53?

[LeMansX5]

Originally Posted by WagnerX5

The hybrid Lexus offers is useless as hybrids go, getting almost identical mpg to its all gas equal in the stable.

.....and you pay more for hybrids. The current hybrids in the market do not make sense. BMW and Honda are working together for a smart hybrids, which will save on highways as well, not just the city.

[ZettaQuattro]

Originally Posted by Brad_p

I also think that bmw will sell less of their x5s with the current gas prices, why haven't they introduced a hybride like lexus... or indeed, the option/or automatic to shut down some cylinders.

Yes of course, because now there is more competition on the market - Q7, Touareg and many more.

But I think most of the current X5-drivers will buy the new model, because it is the best in class in my eyes.

[06SapphireX5]

Yes, they could have made what you wanted, but the market didn't necessarily want that as well. BMW and most manufacturers (I don't include GM in this) have a lot of people looking into what people want and what they are willing to pay for. The fact is, BMW could have made the new X5 revolutionary but it would have cost more and sold less. Not really the goal of the X5 in BMW's mind I imagine.

All you have to do is look at the pages of posts from this or any other BMW forum to realize that BMW buyers, in general, are looking for evolution not revolution. Look how many people beat up on the 5 and 7 series for being "Bangled". I-drive has been pounded repeatedly, and while it is not perfect, other car makers are starting to copy parts of it. Now, which car has recieved the best press lately of any new BMW product? The new 3, which by most standards, would be the safest design, least revolutionary product BMW has put out.

I guess my point is that it is not just the car manufacturers driving all the small changes, their customers drive them to make the safe choice, because most people don't like big changes.