Cayenne GTS vs. X5 M sport????

[Pex5]

We have an 09' 4.8i sport with the 20 inch wheels. A friend has a Cayenne GTS that I have driven 2 or 3 times. The GTS is much much lower, and the ride is more solid, which I think is probably down to the runflats. I'm no fan of the Cayenne in general, but the GTS really is a great vehicle (better as a man's performance SUV than any X5 I've ever driven). But, I've never driven an M sport. Does it have the same suspension as an M I wonder? I read that its lowered, so it must handle noticeably better than the standard X5.

Any comments? Is the M sport ride much different than a 4.8 sport on 20s??

Just curious. Thanks.

DRP

[LeMansX5]

M-sport package is more of cosmetic stuff. It has EDC which augments the stiff suspension.

[Pex5]

The 4.8 sports have the EDC as well. Its not unique to the M sport. The wheels and tires on the M sport are the same size as the sport 20s, but the car is lower (no doubt due to shorter and probably stiffer springs).

The X5 feels and rides somewhat regal whereas the Cayenne GTS is buckled down to the road. Since I was never overly impressed with the Cayenne S, I'm gathering that the key change to the GTS that makes it ride and handle well is the suspension. So, I'm wondering how different the M sport rides compared to the regular sport 4.8? Only someone whose driven the M sport could say... anyone??

[bmwman3241]

Cayenne GTS and X5 with M sport kit are on the same level. The M Sport is just a body kit, bigger wheels, and a thicker steering wheel. The 4.8 and M Sport are the same other than the cosmetic changes like LeMans had mentioned.

The X5 M and Cayenne Turbo S on the other hand is something to see. I saw a magnum in person for the first time today, and fell in love. It will be a very very hard decision.

[Pex5]

Believe me, the Cayenne GTS and X5 4.8i sport are not on the same level, literally and figuratively. The GTS sits noticeably lower than the sport X5, and drives noticeably better than the 4.8 sport (from a performance point of view).

People want to believe that the M sport packages are cosmetic only but I just don't think that's true (with some exceptions). My 740i sport had M sport suspension and it was literally a different car than a 740i. The 550i sport was transformed when it went from BMW sport package to M sport package with the LCI update in 2007 (which is only this year being advertised as an M sport suspension).

M sport, as the letter implies, is specified by GHMB Motorsport division. The springs, shocks, bushings, bump stops etc... They are a seperate company with their own test track. From a performance point of view is goes BMW then BMW sport pack, then M sport pack then M car. Again there are exceptions, but I'm surprised how many people think M sport is just for show. If that was the case I'd have bought an M sport X5 for my wife. I didn't because I don't want the baby riding around on stiffer shocks and springs etc...????

[Pex5]

Okay. I think I've got it now...

"BMW X5 Sports Activity Vehicles fitted with the M Sport Package will be instantly identifiable thanks to the BMW M Aerodynamics Package which adds a new set of sports-oriented body-colour front and rear bumpers, side skirts, colour-coded door protection strips and wider wheel arches to accommodate the special M light alloy wheels.

BMW M Sport Suspension provides firmer damper settings as well as revised spring rates. If Adaptive Drive is optioned, the M Sport Suspension is not fitted.

The BMW X5 M Sport Package is available in Alpine White, and the following metallic hues: Titanium Silver, Space Grey, Monaco Blue, Black Sapphire and Carbon Black."

I'm guessing that U.S. X5 with M sport all come with Adaptive Drive and thus don't have an M sport suspension. I got it now.....

Wish they'd explain these things a little better...

DRP

[gokudo_90]

quick Q whats the diffrence bitween the adaptive drive and the M sport suspension and which is better?

[Pex5]

Originally Posted by gokudo_90

quick Q whats the diffrence bitween the adaptive drive and the M sport suspension and which is better?

I have spent lots of time and effort analyzing your exact question ever since the E65 7 series came out in 2002. Here it is:

M sport is old-school traditional stiff sport suspension. There are no computers, trick hydraulics or award winning technical solutions, just stiff shocks, stiff springs and stiffer mechanical roll bars. Mind you this is all brilliant for an enthusiast driver because these components are tuned to harmonious perfection by the hard core performance wizards at BMW M division. The ride is a bit firmer than most BMWs, but cars with M sport suspension go into corners easier, grip harder and feel lighter on the road.

Adaptive drive is BMW's solution (and a decent one at that) to providing the benefits of sport suspension as mentioned above with a more compliant ride quality. So adaptive drive - even on a sport package car like the X5 4.8 sport - has relatively normal springs & shocks settings, but it uses a hydraulically adjustable anti-roll bar, that remains almost limp while driving straight (unlike the Msport suspension's hard mechanical roll bars that are always connected and always very tight). Then as the car enters a corner, adaptive drive senses this using the DSC sensors and gyros and stiffens the anti-roll bar. The end result is a car that rides well in a straight line but then does not roll on a corner. Usually to get a car to resist roll, you'd have to really tighten the suspension settings, which then has an adverse affect on ride quality all the time.

Adaptive drive is great for most, but for hard core drivers, there is much less information coming to the driver through the adaptive drive suspension, and also, because it is variable, it is not as predictable as the M sport suspension is. M sport cars sit lower and feel more glued to the road. There is a reason that the M5 doesn't use adaptive drive.... or runflats...

Hope this answers your question.
DRP

[gokudo_90]

its answered it perfectly(Y) thank you very much

[gokudo_90]

another Q the x5s with m package they say the have engine tunning does 0-60mph differ?