Sold the X5 4.8i & bought new Range Rover Sport S/C...

[King]

After owning 5 BMWs, two of which were X5s it was time for a change. I absolutely loved my E70 which had every possible option including dynamic handling etc. I am still a big Bimmer fan, still own a couple and know all the features and options like the back of my hand. I have done several bluetooth, navigation retrofits etc and stripped these cars right down. So I wanted to post some of the differences in options & features after two weeks of ownership.

This is the new 2010 Sport Supercharged with 510hp and 461ft-lbs torque. Although they rate it at a conservative 5.9sec, Car&Driver pinned it at 5.1 sec. This makes my X5 4.8i feel like a suburban! Smooth ride as you would expect from such a heavy vehicle with the power on tap when you need it.

This new vehicle is just such a pleasure to drive. I got it loaded with every option and they have fixed every little thing I found annoying in the X5 and daily driving.


-Styling although personal sets it apart. X5 is wayyy too common everywhere you go
-Beautiful interior, blk leather with white contrast stitching, analog clock etc
-Extended leather on dash and doors, blk piano wood trim
-Love the touch screen NAV. So much easier than scroll & click for every letter!
-This even has off road NAV so you never get lost
-The nicest integrated headrest DVDs I have seen in any vehicle
-Rear dvd audio, video etc all controlled from driver touchscreen unlike the X5
-Bluetooth integrates seamlessly. No lag like the X5 and waiting before placing a call
-Touch screen dialing beats idrive scroll and click method any day
-Xenons come on when you put vehicle in drive. No flicker or surge when starting car
-Park sensors go off when put in park. X5 continues beeping until you manually power off
-Side mirrors fold in automatically, not manually like X5
-Logic 7 sounds better than Premium sound & lets you control even the factory subs
-Very easy user control panel without any clutter of buttons.
-Several driving modes for snow, mud, rocks etc
-Raising/lowering suspension, high & low mode transmission, locking differential etc
-Dynamic mode is nothing like sport mode in the X5. Takes off like a sports car!
-This can drive through 2.5ft of water/snow at 45 degree incline. X5 can't compete off road
-Instant ipod integration, no lag when selecting song, playlist etc.
-Heated windshield! Front & rear automatically programmed according to external temp.
-Heated everything including windshield washer jets
-Paddleshifts on steering wheel. Automaitcally switches to sport mode when shifting down
-5 surround cameras to see all around vehicle! rear view, top view, curb view, intersection view etc
-Rear view camera in roof spoiler not lower down. Doesn't get as dirty and much better view
-Keyless fob works seamlessly. No lag! Often had to pull twice on X5 door handle
-Smart button on door handle works better to lock than sensor which was hit & miss with X5
-You don't hear the turn signals go 'click, click, click...' when stopped at a light. You only hear it when moving. Its about the minor details!


On the down side...

-Obviously gas mileage! But it is over 500hp and over 6700lbs! ...and still goes like stink!
-Comfort seats on X5 were more comfortable
-Soft close doors & Pano roof not available
-Power tailgate not available. Only motorized feature
-X5 is more spacious for tall people especially in rear seat
-Selecting songs through ipod was easier using scroll & click
-Large, heavy keyfobb compared to X5 comfort access keyfobb

Here are a few pics of the vehicle as delivered. Waiting for spring to get started on some mods!

[Jordo]

Looks great! Nice pick.

[King]

Here is what this vehicle will look like this spring once it warms up! I have already ordered the front grill from Kahn UK...

[xoutpostking]

Nice ride no doubt, but did you take a look at the M? Wonder whose ass gets whooped.

[chilliwilli]

Congrats...love the design of the RRSC. Wish BMW would've went towards similar exterior design for the E70.

[IndyRon]

I loved the RR sport S/C and almost purchased one. The RR interior is much nicer. I have the nappa leather wrapped dash and extended leather in my X and the RR with the accent stitching is still much nicer. I also love the 510hp, it was a blast to drive! That being said, there were 2 significant things that kept me from the RR and they were: 1) Even with 510hp, 12mpg in the city is ridiculous! (this wasn't the deal breaker though) and 2) I'm exactly 6' tall and felt that the RR isn't designed for folks taller than about 5'9" or maybe 5'10". The seat doesn't go far enough back so that your legs don't feel overly bent while seated in it. Those Indian guys over at TATA motors must be shorter than the average American guy! Congrats on the purchase.

[blue dragon]

Congrats, really nice ride. Enjoy it.

[Dking05]

I miss your old X already..
Best Pre LCI E70 in the world if i had to say..
GL modding with this one.. also, knock on wood on the topic of electronics..

[Thunder22]

Great SUV.... I've always like their look, but have been scared off by the perceived reliability issues.... the old "did you buy 2 so you have something to drive while they're in the shop" joke always comes to mind with them.

Congrats!

[King]

Originally Posted by xoutpostking

Nice ride no doubt, but did you take a look at the M? Wonder whose ass gets whooped.

We have the ML63 and Porsche Cayenne S in the family so the choices came down to the X5M and RRS S/C. The M is definitely faster and I seriously considered it. However I figured it doesnt look any different than what I had and of course the interior would be literally the same.

The M offers only speed. The RRS offers speed, serious off road capabilities and of course prestige. I have heard of problems with the older ones but the 2010 is a complete refresh from the 09 inside and out and with the new Jaguar S/C engines. I will keep it as long as it is under warranty and if I have any issues later, I can always sell it. So far it has been a pleasure to drive...