I drove the E70!

[Xstatic Owner]

Hello All,
I drove the 3.0 E70 yesterday. I wanted to not be too impressed so that I would continue to be thrilled with my 2005. I really like the E70. The ride is noticeably improved. The EPA is now 17/23, up from16/22. I parked mine next to it and compared body style changes and approve! The front end is more aggressive. The black mouldings more bold in appearance. I must say I do not care for the speedometer and instument cluster -- too crowded IMO. I wish they hadn't changed it so much. It does feels bigger on the inside, which of couse it is.
OK,here are my questions: does any one know if the dashboard with the tobacco interior is all black, or black/brown? Also, will my 2005 Style 75 wheels still fit on theE70 and can I carry a conceled spare tire?
I think most of you will also be pleased.

[bmwxdrive]

Can you tell us how the 3.0si pulls with the increased weight and some more details please......thanks

[AzNMpower32]

Is there any sort of engine sound at lower rpms? Newer BMWs have this unfortunate case of Lexus-itis, where you don't really hear the engine until past 5000rpm.

[Xstatic Owner]

I must say I have never driven the 8 cylinder X5. I guess I didn't want to spoil the thrill of the I-6 since I felt that over all the 6 would be adequate for my needs. I tried to be fair in my assessment of the ride and performance, as I wasn't looking to jump into an E70. I drove it for ~20 minutes on City & Hwy roads, the same drive I took in my 05 to get to the Dealership. The ride was noticealbly smoother and I honestly felt the engine to be more responsive than my MY05. I could not tell that I was pulling more weight. My 05 tends to lurch forward too easily upon starting from a stop. This one has a smoother throttle response. Engine noise seems about the same.

[Bimmer4life]

It's amazing how they can increase the mpg (if it's only by 1) with all the added weight.

You said: The ride is noticeably improved. Do you mean it feels smoother on the road then your X5? Maybe BMW is trying to stear people away from Lexus RX?

[Xstatic Owner]

My wife drives a Lexus RX330. I drive the X5. On long road trips on Intersate Highways there is something to be said for the Lexus ride. From my albeit brief encounter in the E70 I did get the feeling that their was indeed emphasis on a smoother ride. When I mentioned it to the BMW salesman he said not to let that fool you as he drove last week the E70 as well as the RX350 at the Performance Center and said the BMW edge is still very much there in manuevers. I think the new suspension is going to be welcomed by most.

[Investor]

I drove a 3.0 E70 yesterday and was not overwhelmed. I have never owned an E53 so I can't do the comparison, but do currently own three BMW's. The car felt, looked and drove very much the way you would expect a BMW to be. The six was adequate and smooth but I personally would want the eight. I was handed the keys with no instructions and just drove away. No problems using any of the controls if you are used to driving BMW's. The third seat was definetly for children, the seat is very low to the floor( I guess for safety reasons keeping the heads lower in the rear). The storage didn't seem as large as I was expecting. I would like to hear from current owners for the storage comparison. Overall a very nice competent vehicle but no "wow" factor. Having said all that I will probably order one after I drive a 4.8.

[LeMansX5]

Originally Posted by Investor

Overall a very nice competent vehicle but no "wow" factor. Having said all that I will probably order one after I drive a 4.8.

You will find "wow factor" in 4.8i although after driving 4.8i, I feel my E53 4.8is has more "wow factor" but then again they are different beasts.

Originally Posted by Xstatic Owner

does any one know if the dashboard with the tobacco interior is all black, or black/brown? .

Check this thread for Dashboard color with tobacco

[AzNMpower32]

Hmmm, a friend of mine is considering the X5 (that or a 335i coupe). Maybe I'll take a test drive with him to see how BMW did with this one. Honestly, there has not been a single new BMW recently that has really endeared itself to me. The 335i coupe is monster fast but absolutely dull to drive around town at slow speeds. The E46 felt more entertaining at all speeds..........heck even my X3 is more entertaining.

[Thunder22]

I agree about the 335, it's dull...