2007 X5 Ride and Drive at PC in SC

[SignHere]

Well, I just got back from 2 days at the Performance Delivery Center in South Carolina where BMW sponsored a ride and drive with the new X5 and most of the competition.

When BMW does one of these events everything is well thought out, designed to train without boring, fully hands-on, and fun to boot!

We start out in a large tent with a new X5 under wraps and huge video screens all around. We are broken up into 4 groups and rotate through the 4 modules. First a brief classroom session and then into the cars.

We had 5 courses laid out for us.

The first designed for a comparison between the X5 3.0si and the X5 4.8i and regular and active steering in both.

The second was a road course on which we tested both vehicles with both steering configurations again but on real roads around the center.

The third was a 6 cylinder comparison against vehicles such as the Volvo, Lexus and Mercedes.

The fourth was an 8 cylinder comparison against the Mercedes, Audi, and something else (I was really tired by then!)

The fifth was an incredible 'off-road' course where we ran the X5 through DEEP water, up STEEP hills and teetered the vehicle on two wheels of opposite corners. (This was wild! They lengthened the wheelbase 4.5 inches but increased torsional rigidity 15%!!!) They made us drive with 2 side wheels on a 35% grade and I could have sworn we were going to tip over!!!

My first impression is that BMW hit the nail on the head. This vehicle dirves MUCH better than the original X5, has the right amount of power in both powertrains and is remarkable in terms of sophistication and technology.

The second impression is that you can't tell how sloppily the competition drives unless you do an A-B comparison like this.

I will post more when I get more time, but hopefully this will encourage all of the other CA's to post their feedback as well.

[ifly]

needed!

[TQ2K]

Yeah, the Performance Center has really been transformed to be like a BIG Marketing tool for the Dealer training sessions... Too bad the Performance Center didn't have an E70 for their use so for us ///M Driving School participants we can only take pics...

[cmyX6go]

Originally Posted by SignHere

My first impression is that BMW hit the nail on the head. This vehicle dirves MUCH better than the original X5, has the right amount of power in both powertrains and is remarkable in terms of sophistication and technology.

Can you elaborate? Now I'm itching to see one in person and take it for a spin.

:welcome:

[TQ2K]

Originally Posted by cmyX5go

Can you elaborate? Now I'm itching to see one in person and take it for a spin.

:welcome:

BMW is currently training Client Advisors from Dealerships and they have setup this new offroad & road course; moreover, they have brought in the competitor vehicles like the Audi Q7, Lexus RX300, MB ML & others in the same class to show how the new E70 is way superior?

[turbota]

What's your impression on the new stick? More Room on the center Console now?
I hope the the Volvo wasnt' even close. I considered buying that before the Cadillac?

[cue03]

Originally Posted by SignHere

......

The first designed for a comparison between the X5 3.0si and the X5 4.8i and regular and active steering in both.

....

....

Thanks for the post.

My question is 2 parts...

1) what was your impression of the regular vs. active steering?

2) does the performance of the 4.8i come close to the performance/handling etc of the outgoing 4.8is? Just trying to get a serious feel for the 4.8is replacement.

Thanks again.

Curtis

[RGX5]

You say it "drives Much better"...can you elaborate on that please...

[ifly]

Was it Sport suspension or regular??

[X5Boston]

I too am interested on your impression of the active steering. Right now I have a 4.8i on order without the option but can still put in a change. I have heard mixed impressions from those that it in the 5 series. Some say to takes away from the "feel" of the road while others say it enhances thes vehicle handling.