I DROVE THE NEW 4.8i!!!!

[ChristopherM3]

The sport package will definitely make it look better.......Run flat tires are standard, I think.....
I didn't look at the 3.0si and the 4.8i side by side, but they looked pretty similar....

[ChitownX5]

Today I test drove the '07 4.8i and have to say I was disappointed. I was expecting more from the E70. For background, I have an ’05 4.4i with every option. You guys are going to flame me for saying this but I thought I was driving a the BMW MDX. Don’t get me wrong it has its’ pluses - the suspension is definitely more compliant and yet composed over bumps. But the vehicle overall hast lost its’ sportiness. I’m sorry but I feel BMW is going after Volvo instead of MB or Porsche with this model. I purchased the E53 because it was sporty and drove tight like a real German car, sedan, etc. The E70 did not feel like that. It’s large (relatively speaking), the non-active steering felt light and over boosted and the road feel was gone. I must be fair and state that this was not a sport suspension model and had the 18” all-season tires unlike my X5 with adjustable sport suspension and the 19” Diamaris. Here are a few more observations:

1. The new gear selector, which is similar to the one in the 7 series, is gimmicky with no feel since it’s now “select a gear by wire”.
2. Non-sport seats are flat with limited side bolsters.
3. The side mirrors are huge!
4. Panoramic roof shade no longer vents in the center, but at the front when the roofs are tilted open.
5. No electric recline for the second row seats.
6. The glove box opens via a button. Not sure if there’s a valet lockout.
7. With the same options as my ’05 the new X5 is over $70K versus $60K ('05 or '06).
8. The base stereo is awesome. I can only imagine how good the premium sound package must be.
9. Third row seats are useless except for small children. I’m 5’ 9” and when I sat in these seats my knees dug into the back of the 2nd row.

This just my opinion after about an hour in the E70 – it may grow on me. But at this time I’m in no hurry to trade in my X5. I sure hope there's a capable successor to the original 4.8is…

P.S. The 335i rocks!

[xdrive]

Originally Posted by ChitownX5

Today I test drove the '07 4.8i and have to say I was disappointed. I was expecting more from the E70. For background, I have an ’05 4.4i with every option. You guys are going to flame me for saying this but I thought I was driving a the BMW MDX. Don’t get me wrong it has its’ pluses - the suspension is definitely more compliant and yet composed over bumps. But the vehicle overall hast lost its’ sportiness. I’m sorry but I feel BMW is going after Volvo instead of MB or Porsche with this model. I purchased the E53 because it was sporty and drove tight like a real German car, sedan, etc. The E70 did not feel like that. It’s large (relatively speaking), the non-active steering felt light and over boosted and the road feel was gone. I must be fair and state that this was not a sport suspension model and had the 18” all-season tires unlike my X5 with adjustable sport suspension and the 19” Diamaris. Here are a few more observations:

1. The new gear selector, which is similar to the one in the 7 series, is gimmicky with no feel since it’s now “select a gear by wire”.
2. Non-sport seats are flat with limited side bolsters.
3. The side mirrors are huge!
4. Panoramic roof shade no longer vents in the center, but at the front when the roofs are tilted open.
5. No electric recline for the second row seats.
6. The glove box opens via a button. Not sure if there’s a valet lockout.
7. With the same options as my ’05 the new X5 is over $70K versus $60K ('05 or '06).
8. The base stereo is awesome. I can only imagine how good the premium sound package must be.
9. Third row seats are useless except for small children. I’m 5’ 9” and when I sat in these seats my knees dug into the back of the 2nd row.

This just my opinion after about an hour in the E70 – it may grow on me. But at this time I’m in no hurry to trade in my X5. I sure hope there's a capable successor to the original 4.8is…

P.S. The 335i rocks!

Thanks for posting your view. I've been reading too many positive comments about this vehicle. However, what is troubling me is that how can a 5335lb vehicle be driven like a sport sedan? Another thing is that since the gearbox is driven by wire, why doesn't bmw allow the X5 to have paddle shifters on the steering wheel to enhance driving pleasure?

[Bokke]

Likewise, I drove a new 4.8i and while it was nice, I was not overly impressed. To qualify, my wife drives an 02 3.0i and I have an 03 4.6is as a company car.

When I pulled into the dealer it was parked right next to a new X3 and it looks like an X3 on steriods - very similar lines. I think the original is much better looking - but time will tell.

The longer wheel base is nice the ride was smooth, the power delivery was smooth and the interior finish was nice. Not sure about the shifter. The 3rd row seat is "pure marketing" - not to loose sales to Volvo and other 3 row SUV's - the best thing is it is an option! Anyone older than 13 will be very uncomfortable! My SA showed me a loaded 4.8i is pushing $77k - that is nuts IMHO!

Perhaps the sport package will make it look better - but as of today, I am not sure.

Anyway, those are my thoughts...

I hope everyone is having a nice Thanksgiving weekend!

Cheers,

[MatzoBallsX5]

I can't get over the new X5's, they look horrible. I've seen multiple 3.0's and each time I dislike them even more. They look way too much like the X3 (which I also really don't like). I got a preview of the new X5 the only thing that I actually enjoyed was the shifter. They've completely taken out the leg room for the passengers in the back, plus the extra rows of seats in the very back could hardly seat two toddlers...what were they thinking?

[LeMansX5]

Originally Posted by MatzoBallsX5

I can't get over the new X5's, they look horrible. I've seen multiple 3.0's and each time I dislike them even more. They look way too much like the X3 (which I also really don't like). I got a preview of the new X5 the only thing that I actually enjoyed was the shifter. They've completely taken out the leg room for the passengers in the back, plus the extra rows of seats in the very back could hardly seat two toddlers...what were they thinking?

Can we see some big pics of X5 in your avatar?

[Bo knows X]

Hey Lemans:
Did not not know that you were into Hindu mythology (eg. avatar) .. I thought we were welcoming positive/negative feedback from forum members !!!

Please correct me if I am wrong.

[LeMansX5]

Originally Posted by Bo knows X

Hey Lemans:
Did not not know that you were into Hindu mythology (eg. avatar) .. I thought we were welcoming positive/negative feedback from forum members !!!

Please correct me if I am wrong.

You are wrong.
Nothing to do with any mythology whatsoever. I think you need to research before making comment. Seems like you don't know what an avatar is on internet forums. Avatar is the pic which shows next to your internet name(handle) in your posts. Oh! I see you don't have an avatar next to your handle. Click on Quicklinks at the top of this page--> and click Edit profile--> click "edit avatar" on left of page.

I am asking him to show pics of imola X5 4.8 in his avatar

[mazinkaizer]

Originally Posted by xdrive

Another thing is that since the gearbox is driven by wire, why doesn't bmw allow the X5 to have paddle shifters on the steering wheel to enhance driving pleasure?

Exactly!!! They have on the new 3 series as an optional why not on the new X5 E70? Anyone here think they might/going have that function on the new X5 eventually?

[crosvs]

yeah, i am 99% confident they will have paddle shifters -- perhaps controlling an SMG tranny -- on the 4.8 successor (5.0 V10 from M5?)