X5 35d review/comparison to Cayenne S, LONG

[KenB]

Originally Posted by DSE

Very interesting comparison. Does your new X5 have the sports package with Adaptive Drive? Did your Cayenne come with a sport package, or is the suspension firm on them across the board?

One of my pet peeves about modern BMWs is the lack of approriate temperature guages such as for oil or coolant. They should be in all BMWs - which are supposedly built for folks who like to drive. I agree they are even more compelling in towing situations. I also agree a booster guage in is approriate in all turbo engine applications. If BMW won't include such guages as standard, maybe tehy can offer a "driver's" or "guage" package.

Count me among those anal enough to notice the build quality issues you mention.

I do have sport package, I didn't bother with the adaptive drive. There was no "sport package" for the Cayenne S, or sport seats like they have now. I had PASM (active air suspension) with 3 levels of 'firmness' from what I have read and heard the standard suspension is a bit firmer then comfort mode.

[Naz24]

I really like the older Cayenne... The "facelifted" one is not as nice IMO. Especially from the back, the rear bumper is oddly placed..

still a great car though.. I probably would have gotten it if my parents didnt refuse (they said driving a Porsche will make me look really spoiled--i do agree, but having the Cayenne S would've been awesome)

[DSE]

Originally Posted by KenB

I do have sport package, I didn't bother with the adaptive drive.

In my mind, a fair comparison on handling has to include a BMW with Adaptive Drive, since it is specifically designed to improve handling, body roll and absorption of bumps, but it is still an interesting comparison report. Thanks.

[KenB]

Originally Posted by DSE

In my mind, a fair comparison on handling has to include a BMW with Adaptive Drive, since it is specifically designed to improve handling, body roll and absorption of bumps, but it is still an interesting comparison report. Thanks.

Porsche also offers an active sway bar package that I did not have (also wasn't available in '04). I think this is about as fair of a comparison as can be made. The softest Cayenne available vs Sport pack X5, they were just tuning their suspensions with different goals in mind.

[rh71]

How much of the Cayenne is from the Toureg? I keep hearing about it.

[KenB]

The Cayenne and the Toureg share a platform. VW and Porsche did their own development on their individual vehicles. I know that the cheap feeling sun roof control dial came right out of the Toureg, and feels like it. I think the only sheet metal that they share is the roof panel.