It's totally different. Can't feel the road through the steering wheel nearly as much. I like that that the suspension and performance can be changed by a couple of steps on computer. I like that the info on the windshield especially the M mode. I like the launch control. It handles great but it is harder to know when you are getting near the limits. Now that I know the limits I don't care. It's a thrill when the turbos get wound up. Very little lag but a big difference between launch and after about 3500 rpms. The 4.6 launches harder. I purchased the X5M for my wife because I liked it but wasn't sure I would like driving it. It is much better for casual driving and long trips. I did add a tune to the X5m. I like it enough it enough that if things go as planned I will purchase a X5M competition in the fall as my daily driver and start the modding all over again.

Bear in mind I modded the 4.6 suspension shortly after purchasing it in 2002. I do remember that the OE tires wore out very quickly, made way too much noise and it was easy to find other tires with more grip and quieter. Also, that I didn't think it had enough road input in the steering wheel until I upgraded the suspension but stock it was better than the X5M.I really like both but for very different reasons.

__________________
X5 4.6 2002 Black Sap, Black interior. 2013 X5M Melbourne Red, Bamboo interior
Dallas