X5 vs G37xS vs F30 335i MSport

300hp · #1 02-20-2013, 11:22 PM

Hello

Its been a while since my last post here, at least 6 months ago. I wanted to just give my observations about the X5.

Up to December I had a 2011 X5 35i and my 2010 G37xS. As I drove these cars I could not believe that the X5 was just as fun to drive as the G37. Given the refinement of the X5 I actually thought wow, I am not missing out on much by driving the X5. Before people think I am nuts, we are not talking tracking the cars here, just daily driving, 0-60, 60-0 30-75, some twisties etc, so not really taking the car to its limit. At some stage I started thinking the Infiniti was not such a great car given the SUV is giving it a good run for its money.

In December I got a F30 335i X Drive MSport. The G37 is still around until the lease runs out. The 335i is much much better than the G37 in every way. However now I realize that the G37 was not the problem but rather the X5 is a really well executed truck. Of course I prefer the 335i's driving dynamics but the X5 in daily driving is a very capable truck, considering it weighs 1300 pounds more than the 3er. When I drive the 3er back to back with the X5, I dont feel as if I am driving a heavy truck, it still feels like a "sporty car", so to speak. As you all know the X5 loves the curves too.

I think my observations arent that far off from reality given the 0-60 times are as follows:

X5 6.2
G37 approx 5.5(this is the awd model which is heavier than the RWD once tested at 5 flat)
335i 4.7 (mine has staggered summer perf tires and x drive so could be a little faster than the non m sport models that have been tested this far

Just wanted to share

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seattle · #2 02-21-2013, 03:49 AM

I had a loaner (328i Msport coupe), and to my surprise, when it was time to go back to my x5, the feeling was not as bad. We are talking about 3 series, probably one of the most fun cars to drive. Althouth, I could feel right away how X5 is more top heavy due to height, and it's tail a bit less stable than the 328.

By the way, 35d (diesel) is even more fun around town.
35i will beat it in acceleration at any point (standstill, freeway), but the 425ft/lbs torque alwasy readily available at any point makes the diesel more fun to drive around town and on freeway. Precisely why I chose the diesel after driving the gasser and diesel back to back.

ALPINE_X5 · #3 02-21-2013, 10:00 AM

I have the last of the 4.8i motors before the 5.0i switch. The X5's is hands down to me the best SUV/SAV on the market. I had the Cayenne GTS 09 and although that motor was greatly executed the overall SUV was not. I didn't have it for long before i got rid of it. i still kept my X5 E53 during that time to haul the dog and stuff around. Ended up with an E70 4.8i sport again soon after. My next one might be the 2012 X5M but right now I am content with my X5 E70. I drive it daily and leave the mountains to the E30 M3 or the E60 M5.

300hp · #4 02-21-2013, 02:45 PM

Good to know my observations are consistent with what others are experiencing. Prior to getting the X5, I test drove the FX35, although its a great SUV in its own right, I was not impressed by that test drive. This is how I ended up here.

rocky1536 · #5 02-21-2013, 05:05 PM

you could always trade them all for an x5m and get a sub 4.3 0-60 and some unbeleivable handling for ANY kind of vehicle

zx45 · #6 02-21-2013, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ALPINE_X5

I have the last of the 4.8i motors before the 5.0i switch. The X5's is hands down to me the best SUV/SAV on the market. I had the Cayenne GTS 09 and although that motor was greatly executed the overall SUV was not. I didn't have it for long before i got rid of it. i still kept my X5 E53 during that time to haul the dog and stuff around. Ended up with an E70 4.8i sport again soon after. My next one might be the 2012 X5M but right now I am content with my X5 E70. I drive it daily and leave the mountains to the E30 M3 or the E60 M5.

You are right the X5 have something special, even compare whit my E89Z4 it's not boring, but i may be tempted to give a try at the Touareg i'd just sat in one at the 2013 motorshow and i was really impressed by the overall quality of the cabin the fit and finish is impeccable, it feels more luxurious than the X5,but i have not drive one yet...