Got it, love it...

[chris24]

Got back from vacation Sunday morning at 3 am, picked up my X5 at noon. So far, I love the car. Now, I had an FX45 prior to this, so was used to excellent performance and handling from an SUV. But the X5 is truly superior in every way, including some I did not expect. I knew the interior was more refined and higher quality, but what I didn't realize even from test drives is how much smoother this car is all around. While the FX45 was a touch faster, I don't think I feel it much, if at all. The X5 handles a touch better than the FX. However, with both speed and handling, the X5 is just "smoother" is the best I can describe it. Accelerating and hitting turns hard is effortless and while it's not head and shoulders above the FX45 in terms of ability, it absolutely is in terms of driver confidence, comfort, etc... making it feel like it handles much better and almost making it feel faster.

I also love the interior and the iDrive. Very clean and smooth dash, IMO much nicer than other cars/SUV's (ex Audi Q7) with a million buttons. I can only imagine those that don't love it just aren't very tech savvy. Took me not much more than a detailed overview from my salesman and some playing around with it myself to learn it rather quickly. Very intuitive and useful. Between the iDrive and the Voice Activation, I barely touch anything else in the car besides the steering wheel, shift lever, and window/roof controls.

Here's the info and some pics:
4.8i Black Sapphire with Black Perforated leather and Dark Bamboo.
Sport Package and 20" wheels
Premium Package
Tech Package
Premium Sound with Sirius, HD radio, & iPod integration
Cold Weather
Rear Climate
Heated Rear Seats
Comfort Access
Active Ventilated Seats
Running Boards

[xnsf]

very nice

is that black sapphire?

[chris24]

Yes, Black Sapphire with Black perforated leather... I'll update original post with more details.

[Estroil 4.8is]

Noice E70. BTW is that the mountains at Lake George, NY?

[chris24]

No, Bear Mountain, NY, just north of NY City...

[R8DX5]

Very nice Chris. Slap on the aero kit and some 128's and you're good to go.

[ncx]

Good lookin' ride you got there Congrats.

[chris24]

Originally Posted by R8DX5

Very nice Chris. Slap on the aero kit and some 128's and you're good to go.

I'm debating the Aero Kit, will most likely put a hitch on and so far doesn't look like I can do both.... But I'm not ready to give into cutting up the back bumper, so waiting to see if I can find a better option.

And I love the way the 21" wheels look, but I like the design of the 20's better.

[cmyX6go]

Originally Posted by chris24

No, Bear Mountain, NY, just north of NY City...

Then you should come show off your new baby. We need an E70 in the group pic. She's a beauty. Congrats.

(http://www.xoutpost.com/x5world-x3wor...amford-ct.html)

[chris24]

Originally Posted by cmyX5go

Then you should come show off your new baby. We need an E70 in the group pic. She's a beauty. Congrats.

(http://www.xoutpost.com/x5world-x3wor...mford-ct.html)

The Crab Shell is great in the summer. Sounds like a good time, but I'm actually out of town that weekend. Thanks anyway though.