Dynamic Handling Package

[McDonaldD]

An update regarding Dynamic Handling Package (ZDH) on the F15's. My October 2015 F15 with ZDH now has 20,000 miles on it... I one hundred percent stand behind my earlier post (if one ignores its (and this one's) many grammatical errors). The F15 with ZDH drives more like a sedan (or sport sedan if you're in Sport+) than any SUV I've had the privilege of driving (including the Porsche Cayenne Turbo (with porche's dynamic handling package variant)). It's just a joy to drive. While the normal F15 suspension is nice compared to its competitor's offerings, the Dynamic handling package is just superb. The chassis always feels (and is) composed. The added benefit of Sport+ just makes freeway on ramps all the more enjoyable. It is eerie how much of a difference the various driving modes impact the driver's (and especially passenger's) experience. I was driving some family through Calistoga to a winery, the roads there are...not the best. So, I wanted to see what Sport+would do and also see if anyone noticed a difference (I have the "driving mode" alerts disabled because I find them annoying). Not even 5 seconds after I put the car into sport+, my grandma turned to me and said: "whatever you just changed, put it back. I don't like the harsher ride. It makes me feel like a bobblehead."

Obviously ZDH is a lot of money and I'm not advocating for people to go further in debt...however, if you're not incurring further debt by adding it, it'd be a foolish option to pass up.

An aside: I just wish ZDH included 4-wheel steering, too (or even as an additional option). My aunt's 640i has the dynamic handling package AND 4-wheel steer, it's pretty impressive how tight of a turn it can make. It can U-turn in the middle of a tight, country two-lane road. Living in SF, that'd be an amazing feature for the F15 to have.

Originally Posted by 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. [...] 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.

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.

[...]

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.