Car and Driver Comparison

[RamVA]

http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/12669

E70 is third of eight.

[Cairns]

Thanks for posting. It looked like a pretty fair summation to me and is reflective of many of the views I've seen here.

While I wouldn't really consider a Cadillac or Acura (well probably not- but I hope BMW is listening- maybe I should go drive one?) it's obvious the BMW falls short in some areas and could be improved. I agree the shifter is hokey too; like I Drive it's the opposite of intrinsic.

One advantage of the (untested) Cayenne are the tiptronic switches on the wheel. BMW could have offered paddles and one upped them- this is the 2nd gen after all- why not?

[chris24]

Thanks for the post, I've been waiting to see some comparisons of the new X5.

These comparisons are somewhat subjective though, depends on what you're looking for and what you're comparing. If it was more performance oriented, I'm sure the FX45 and Cayenne would have been tested next to the X5 4.8i, which is a comparison I'd rather see... hopefully they'll do another one of those soon.

[jcreed]

i disagree with what they said about the shifter. i like the way it is. I think its more intuitive the way it is. almost all cars shift forward to go back and backwards to go forwards. what is not intuitive about the e70 shifter?

and i agree with above. why no paddels bmw? all new bmws have it so why leave it out on the x5?

[X5FX]

Originally Posted by jcreed

i disagree with what they said about the shifter. i like the way it is. I think its more intuitive the way it is. almost all cars shift forward to go back and backwards to go forwards. what is not intuitive about the e70 shifter?

After several days of using it I started likeing it, now I love it...I would hate to go back. This is a very forward thinking concept. Must have been an old man doing the review.

[trueX5er]

I'm ignoring this post till I get the issue in the mail....
you need *spoiler* in the title

[X5_2_OBX]

I'm sorry but I've been extremely underwhelmed by both the MDX and SRX. The SRX wouldn't be an option considering our experiences with GM vehicles over the last few years and I just can't understand how you could put the MDX and the X5 into the same category! Oh well... I guess that's why I'm not writing these things!

[grover432]

I test drove a 3.0 E70 a while back. I had it for a couple of hours and did some shopping chores. I pulled into a parking spot at one stop which was against a brick wall. Confusion with the shifter (pulled it back to select reverse) almost had me drive forward into the wall. I'm sure I'd get used to it, but why should someone have to? I also agree with comments regarding the wiper and turn stalks. They are not intuative (compared to what we have been using for 40+ years) and as a result are not an improvement. If you have to explain to someone how to use the turn signal then it's not a positive feature unless it adds some safety and functionality that wasn't there before. My 75 year old mother tried the 328iA and was so confused by the turn signal/wiper system she bought a Lexus IS250. And before you say that she is too old to get the hang of new technology, she's been navigating with the DVD Nav system just fine, thank you!

Sometimes, I think BMW changes things just for the sake of change. I'm not usre that is always a good thing. Ask Mercedes about that in reference to their brake by wire system, which is now gone.

Just my .02 worth.

[X5FX]

Originally Posted by grover432

Confusion with the shifter (pulled it back to select reverse) almost had me drive forward into the wall. I'm sure I'd get used to it, but why should someone have to?

you dont, you can refuse to buy the vehicle...but seriously change is good. If we cannot adopt change, we stand still. Good thing the Wright bros didnt think this way.

After using the stick for a week it becomes very intuitive and second nature...give it time, you will like!

[trueX5er]

I found it intuitive from the get go...Kind of like the steptronic's logical directions...