Test drove the X5 diesel (euro version)

5352X5 · #1 12-20-2008, 11:46 AM

Just thought I would give some feedback to everyone from an American's perspective on the new diesel. My wife and I will be purchasing an X5 soon and we wanted to wait and test drive the new 35d. Granted, here in Europe the one we test drove had the extra 15+ hp. We will be getting the US spec version through our military car sales rep. Anyway...all I have to say is wow. The engine is simply marvelous. As you can tell by my screen name, I'm coming from a 535i so I was eagerly waiting the opportunity to test drive one. The pull this engine has is incredible. We took it on the autobahn as well and before we knew it we hit 100+ mph in an instant. I can definately say that we will be getting the diesel. As much as I wanted to the 4.8, this will be my wife's daily driver an 80% of her driving is in the city. I did not want to be filling up every 3-4 days. The 3.0si just doesn't have enough kick. When your wife say it feels slow you know something is wrong. The X5 we test drove today had the Active Steering. While this makes sense in an SUV, we weren't big fans of it. We'll be placing our order soon...just trying to decide the color combo now. BTW, we will have the sport package, that is a must have. At least for this family.

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rh71 · #2 12-20-2008, 01:13 PM

sounds good... the torque is definitely what sets it apart from the 3.0si... and coming from your 535 which has more hp and is lighter, it's no wonder the 3.0si wouldn't measure up.

I think it's all about perspective. If she wants power for city driving, she would definitely not like the 3.0si with the low torque. If at the time of my order the 35d were available, I'd go for it too... but the 3.0si drives great except from stoplights so I'm satisfied.

Craig · #3 12-20-2008, 01:29 PM

The diesel in the U.S. can't be ordered with active steering. I did order the sport package.

Craig

5352X5 · #4 12-20-2008, 01:48 PM

RH - We'll be getting your color combo...at least I think we will. We can also vermillion red if wanted at no extra cost. It is a Priority 1 option. What I am mostly frustrated with is the lack of 20s as an option on the Sport Package.

jimsaq · #5 12-21-2008, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig

The diesel in the U.S. can't be ordered with active steering. I did order the sport package.

Craig

ouch that sux

I got used to active steering in about 5 minutes and now if I hop into a loaner without it it feels weird, like you have to turn the steering wheel way too much

Craig · #6 12-21-2008, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimsaq

ouch that sux

I got used to active steering in about 5 minutes and now if I hop into a loaner without it it feels weird, like you have to turn the steering wheel way too much

Yeah, we also can't order the 20" wheels either...

Craig

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