Dynamic Handling Package

[McDonaldD]

BMW's Dynamic Handling Package (ZDH) has the greatest impact on the X5 - while nice to have in the 7, 6 and occasional 5 - the X5 is where this option really shines. I have an e53 with sport suspension. I love the way it handles but I feel guilty when I have passengers. I feel like I'm punishing them. My parents purchased an e70 and it happened to have adaptive drive. I had experienced it in a friend's 7 series but the e70 w/adaptive drive felt impossibly solid - nothing seemed to disturb its chassis AND it was unbelievably comfortable. Fast forward a few years and I still feel a sense of loss each time I return to my e53 sport from a road trip in my parent's e70. Overall, I would prefer my e53 to my parent's e70. However, the e70's adaptive drive was too nice to ignore and I knew that my next vehicle would have it. My 2015 X5 (F15) entered production today and it absolutely has the new version of Adaptive Drive: Dynamic Handling Package (ZDH). I will not order another vehicle without it.

ZDH is elusive because dealers rarely order it for dealer-stock - no one pays 4500 for an option they don't understand. Customers that do understand just order it.

The Dynamic Handling Package is not something that needs to be activated, you do not need to change modes or hit "sport" to see a benefit. It is always improving your comfort, handling and safety. It is always there regardless of which mode you're in (comfort, sport, sport+) - I actually find BMW's modes to be unfortunate and misleading...unless you have DHP.

With ZDH, the the modes actually mean something: ZDH gives you the best of two previously distinct worlds. Comfort and Sport. ZDH outperforms all other suspension options on a track but, more importantly, does so in complete comfort. ZDH is also the most comfortable of any suspension option AND it is still the best performing. ZDH means you no longer have to compromise between sport or comfort...just between $ and $$$. Even if your X5 is never tracked (do people actually track their X5s?) you will always benefit from improved handling and safety - think safety maneuvers or times when you feel unsettled (like accidentally taking a corner a little too fast).

Unfortunately, given its unobtrusive manner, the Dynamic Handling Package is not something you'll truly appreciate until you lose it; when you are forced into the unfortunate experience of driving/riding in a vehicle without it - like I was, returning to my e53 from my parent's e70. ZDH changes the way you think a vehicle should perform - it makes any other vehicle, without ZDH, seem broken. Other vehicles require you to lean into each turn, cause your head to bob and sway. Rides in other vehicles will evoke an involuntary flight response - you'll want to politely scramble from such an "unsafe vehicle." Other cars will seem broken. Thats ZDH. other vehicles will seem broken/unsafe because they do not have ZDH. Reentering your car, you'll be wary of such an pompous assumption. Is ZDH really the difference? You'll be wary of entering corners and lean in, anticipating the centrifugal force. Leaning in will make you'll feel like a fool, thankful that your seatbelt kept you from falling out of your seat. Relax, you're back in your vehicle with ZDH. The dynamic handling package really does make that much of a difference.

If you have the money, buy it. If you're weighing several options, move ZDH to the top of the must-have list and go from there. You'll likely only realize how nice it is when you are forced to drive/ride in something else...but you'll never question ordering it again. ZDH gives you, silently, whatever driving style you'd like. You'll hear your tires hit bumps but the car does not become unsettled. The harshest of potholes are acknowledged but not disturbing. Curbs and speed bumps are taken in stride, a smooth transition. Winding roads and freeway onramps induce a maniacal grin.

If you're lucky enough to find an F15 w/ZDH on your dealer's lot, take it around a cloverleaf freeway onramp in comfort and in sport mode - then, immediately, swap to any other ZDH-less vehicle and do the same thing. Swap, again; repeat the same loop in the one with ZDH. The difference will be truly night and day.