How does an M sport X5 handle?

[Pex5]

I wanted an X6 so bad b/c I like the look and loved the drive. So car like. But the wife insisted on room, so we got a 4.8 sport with the 20in. Car is great, but gas drunk and a little harsh on the run flats at time.

So the lease is up in a few months. I'm pushing for an X6 with the new 8 speed. Probably won't be that much better on gas? Primary advantage is the drive. The X6 with the active diff. is so much more car like.

But I saw a 3.5i M sport X5 on the lot today in blk/blk. Looks fantastic. It sits lower than other X5s, so I'm presuming the suspension is a little different?

Has anyone driven an LCI M sport either 3.5 or 5.0? I'd like to hear opinions on the ride/handling. My wife and I love the "old" M sport feel. From the E38 and E60...where the suspension became firmer, but with nice dampening. The runflats on the X5 crash a bit even though the springs aren't that firm. Maybe the Msport is firmer with less crashing - which would be perfect.

Anyone driven one? Can you compare with the X6?

Thanks,
DRP