Comfort on long drives and fun to drive rating?

[amh]

Curious how owners would rate the new X5 for comfort on long drives? Love my 335i but my knees are sore and stiff after about 1.5 hours. Just turned in our A8 off lease which was no fun to drive but did last a little longer on my knees. Maybe this is just turning 50 and there is no solution but more frequent stops?

On a 10 scale, how would those who have tried/owned both cars rate the new X5 with sport package in fun to drive compared to the 335i? I would rate the 335i as an 8.7-8.8 leaving higher ratings for the M and other cars.

I have trouble with fit so most cars don't work for me-like the 5 series. Other than the 3's, the two cars that fit me best are the new S550 and the X5. Different species to be sure but am also interested in any thoughts or advice from those who have similar issues or experience with these vehicles. I am looking to have two cars that satisfy me on a daily basis and on 8 hour trips.

[jwhkc]

I am a big guy. 6' 3", 280 lbs.

So there are many cars I am not very comfortable in.

I think the X5 (with active ventilated seats) is great. I knew the comfort seats were good, but I was not sure about the 'active' stuff. Having driven as much as 10 hours in a single day in my X5 I am now a proponent of active seats, they really do make a difference (at least for me).

The X5 is also among the best handling cars I have owned (others include Volvo, BMW, Lexus & Infiniti.)

Ultimately however many of these things are personal preferences......one driver's comfort is often another driver's pain.....the best bet is to find a dealer that will let you take an extended test drive in a vehicle with the seating & other options you think you want.

Good luck!

[golfer4life]

I have a 3.0 with 19" RFT and no comfort seats. I've driven the E70 on a non stop 5 to 6 hour drive to the ski slopes and did not even feel tired afterwards. I could have gone 5 more hours of driving without any complaint.

[rh71]

Same without comfort seats (but sport seats) and we were stuck in traffic for quite a few hours because of snow effects and I did not feel uncomfortable in the least.

[buschy]

The fun to drive factor is there in the x5 4.8i, but its not a 335i.
If what you need is comfort for longer drives then the x5 will be great, but you for sure want the sport package and the comfort seats. We took our new x on a 700 mile one way trip and its was effortless with no discomfort. wel, other then the kids waking up.
If you are chosing between the cars then I would go with the x5, because of your complaint. you will still get plenty of fun factor out of it. you may miss the 335 but not much.
I got rid of my 335 two months ago and got a jetta to drive untill my M3 gets here, and its teribble, but whenever the wifey is home I take out the x and its great.
hope that made sense and helped you out

[Quicksilver]

My short answer no matter what vehicle you drive, seat position may be very important. And while bumpy around town my X5 which does not have sport suspension is a dream on the road.

I learned long ago that long drives needs to be broken up so that the body gets a chance to circulate the blood. Doing so means you arrive at your destination feeling good.

[amh]

These posts are helpful, I appreciate the input. I am going to borrow each car for a day and hopefully that will clarify whether an X and S550 or one of them with the 335i will get me off the vehicle treadmill. (admittedly, a pretty insignificant problem in the scheme of things) Still not sure about the statement the Mercedes makes.

Do you miss the 335 or is the fun itch cured when you can drive the X? I basically drive the 335i around town and 2.5 hour (one way) trips to daughter's college. Mostly at 80-85 mph on highway. The longer 8 hour trips would be through mountains to NFL games.

I guess the knees will be an issue with either car-and more frequent stops are inevitable.

[Quicksilver]

Suggestion:

Replace the word "inevitable" with the word "sensible" and you change the way you think. Change the way you think "in this case" and you bring yourself peace and enjoyment. Have a safe trip.

Originally Posted by amh

I guess the knees will be an issue with either car-and more frequent stops are inevitable.

[amh]

Point taken re stops.

If the X5 is a reasonable amount of fun with sport and 19"s, then I can replace the 335 as my daily driver.

[theprof]

My other car is a Maserati Quattroporte. While the Maser has certain attributes that my X5 can't touch; when it comes to road trip comfort, a quiet serene cabin the X5 is the winner. Just a joy to drive. Get the most deluxe seat package