I DROVE THE NEW 4.8i!!!!

[mazinkaizer]

Wouldn't that be sweet!!

[scott27]

Paddle shifters are coming with performance models (gasoline & diesel).

Manual transmission is also to be offered in the future on some specific models.

[pseto]

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!

Your review is exactly why you need the sports package. I recently drove the new X5 at the Performance Center track and it handled better than the previous model. Granted, the 19" wheels help plant the SAV around the slalom, but a lot less body roll than before (especially the grip tight sport seats), even with the longer wheelbase. I couldn't believe how I could push it just like I did an hour ago in a 330i. By the time I was making my 5th lap, I was convinced that the handling was pure BMW, and I got even more aggressive around the cones (still never hitting one). The offroad track was even more amazing as we tested the Hill Decent, new suspension, and the occassional horizontal jaunt with barely 2 tires on the road

You're right about the side mirrors (probably my only complaint). They are 2-3 times bigger than before and looks really weird. You do get a lot more viewing area, but I still didn't like it.

[mazinkaizer]

Originally Posted by scott27

Paddle shifters are coming with performance models (gasoline & diesel).

Manual transmission is also to be offered in the future on some specific models.

Hi scott27, when you said the paddle shifters are coming with the performance models, can you be more specific on that? Are we talking about the new option for the E70 3.0/4.8i models or the replacement for the previous 4.8si?

Do you know when would that be if they ever going to have paddle shifter function on the X5? Next summer?

Where did you get that information from?

Thanks!

[PersonaNonGrata]

I'm not crazy about the looks from the front and the back especially and I haven't driven one yet but the big thing that sours me is just how bloody expensive they're going to be.

[6to]

Originally Posted by PersonaNonGrata

I'm not crazy about the looks from the front and the back especially and I haven't driven one yet but the big thing that sours me is just how bloody expensive they're going to be.

Ditto that..

when the high-power diesel version hits the road in this little tax-ridden spot of Europe a decently-equipped one will surely soar beyond 90.000€.. (110.000USD+)

[xdrive]

Originally Posted by scott27

Paddle shifters are coming with performance models (gasoline & diesel).

If that is the case, then will the 08 4.8i (with sport package) has paddle shifters? I suppose the 08 will commence production in Aug/Sept 07, right?

[MatzoBallsX5]

My X5 is only a 4.6is, I didn't see the point in getting the 4.8 when the horsepower barely goes up as opposed to the price tag. How can I post more picture on Avatar? As soon as I get a reply on that, I'll add some of the whole car.

[LeMansX5]

Originally Posted by MatzoBallsX5

My X5 is only a 4.6is, I didn't see the point in getting the 4.8 when the horsepower barely goes up as opposed to the price tag. How can I post more picture on Avatar? As soon as I get a reply on that, I'll add some of the entire car, including the inside which is a personal favorite.

You can attach pictures to your post using the Manage Attachments function of the forum.

You can find the Manage Attachments button right under the thread/post editor. Scroll down below the Submit Reply/Preview Post buttons and you will find the Additional Options section. Click on Manage Attachments and follow instruction in the pop-up window.