Thoughts on the 35d loaner

[jspdr]

I too, recently had 2013 35 as a loaner for 10 days. My comparison between mine and new one is this. Mine is 4.8 with AD, active steering, multi contour, and 20". Loaner w/o these options. I was surprised as to the ride and handling, it is big different, it is not like typical BMW, the steering feels numb, not as responsive compare to mine, ride is bumpy, seats not as comfy, the gas paddle is slower respond from stop, once it is going i feel plenty of power. I lost interest of driving this thing in 10 days, can't imagine owning it for 3 years.

[atreidy]

2009 35d with sports package and AD here. Just spent the weekend in Santa Cruz and for those who know the highway-17 is pretty windy. I've driven that road with several cars, including an 03 MDX, an 06 z4 3.0si with sports suspension, my x35d.

Mdx was really unconfident and hesitant. Comfortable and muted but really unsafe at speeds above the speed limit.
Z4 was a dream. Felt like i couldnt go fast enough because other cars couldnt speed up with their suspensions. (I would get stuck behind two cars blocking the lanes at same speed)
X35d .. I definitely missed my z4 but honestly not by so much as I had expected. Probably mainly due to missing stick shift and the more rev-happy linear power curve and the better braking. But the x35d was really flat around corners and very confident all around.

[Suge206]

I've done the drive on 17 to my friends house in Felton many times in various rentals. The ford Escape was the worst. Its gutless and handles like shit. Had a v-8 mustang which had the HP needed but the handling and braking made it feel really sketch.

My old Touareg did it pretty well but have not had the pleasure of taking the X5 down there yet. I'd have to take out a loan for the gas bill.

My fiance always gets nauseous and cranky on that drive.