A US driver's first impression of the X5 3.0sd

[np2004]

I have to say the diesel does sound appealing but my 4.8i engine has exceeded all of my expectations it is a true animal when you want it to get moving quick. Above 4k rpm the engine just keeps going and by the time you know it your at 80mph with a loud grunt saying push me harder. The handling is second to none it feels like my 330ci when I take corners and really put the X5 through its paces. Yeah it sucks to pay more for premium gas and get less mpg's compared to diesel but overall I would be hard pressed to give up my X5 although the jerky transmission is unacceptable and should be fixed by BMWNA without excuses. I just dont see how BMW couldnt get more hp and torque out of this engine when the Cayenne S and GTS can with a similar V8 thats NA. I would love to see the 4.8i engine making 400hp and around 400 lbs/torque or even the same current specs of the 4.8i engine with better gas mileage especially in the city.