**Warning, this is a pretty long read**

Ok so this morning, I woke up at the crack of dawn (630am) to head out and participate in the Teen Driver program held as part of the Ultimate Drive event at FedEx field. I signed up in part because I feel that the more experience, the better especially at this age. Mostly though, I wanted to try out the new E70. Truthfully, it is a great learning experience for your 15-20 year old. I highly recommend this program; it ought to be required for driver's licenses.

But you want to hear about my take on the E70, no? Ok, if you don't already know, all the X5s used are Monaco Blue, TiAg, or Sapphire black (and mostly beige leather...ew) X5 4.8i equipped with the sport package, Active Steering, 3rd row seating, cold weather, rear climate, premium packages. Some had sport seats, others had comfort seats. Some had the rear entertainment system. I drove the X3 on the way back for direct comparison, and of course me being me, attempted a couple of the manuevers practiced on the track (in a safe place of course).

First exercise was an emergency lane-change. Full throttle for a few hundred meters, then the instructor would wait until the very last second to call out "left" or "right" and you were to snap into the right lane without hitting the cones. After that you were to slam the brakes to a grinding halt. The transient left-right response of the X5 is very good, very stable. It's quick to respond to inputs without losing composure. However, the Active steering, while good for exercises like these (your hands never leave 9 and 3 o'clock, there's no need), lacks feel. I felt the difference right on my second run. Turn-in is crisp, but it doesn't tell me what the tires are doing. Plus I could have sworn the AS is doing things of its own.

At the braking exercise, we were to accelerate in various stretches and then brake mid-corner, utilizing DSC, EBD, and ABS. Me and my partner were good enough that our instructor let us bypass one of the "stops", allowing us to go full steam on the straight. We'd get up to ~60mph then slam the brakes full tilt, full throttle around a corner at 45mph and brake, then full throttle through a chicane and brake mid-way though. The stress was enough on the vehicle that after some stops, brake dust would come flying in through the open window . I noticed brake fade on all the X5s I drove, though stopping distances remained relatively the same. Hittin through the corner and chicane, I understand what they mean when they say the X5 drives smaller than it is. The Active Roll Stabilization really cancels out much of the roll, but I think it's a bit too much and unnecessary. The size and weight of the vehicle is felt though, no denying physics. My X3, while not as firmly planted, feels more willing to change directions and more responsive to steering inputs. Once again, the Active Steering lack-of-feel was a disappointment. On the plus side, the engine is quite strong, the transmission shifts are excellent even at full throttle, and it will let you do redline upshifts in SD. There were a couple instances of hesistation though the other kid was driving when they happened.

Third exercise was done on a wet skidpad, teaching us to correct oversteer. Basically the skidpad was doused with soap and water, all 4 wheels were on the skidpad with DSC off. We were to have the steering full lock left and punch the throttle max. As it oversteered we were supposed to let off the throttle and exit neatly on the left side of the mat. Eh, I really didn't like this because the mat was too small and we're supposed to exit slowly. I wanted to just steer the car with the throttle instead of letting off, but I wasn't supposed to. And when I DID do it right, it was kind of boring because well, I didn't hold ridiculous drift angles. I dunno, the X5 just felt unwilling to cooperate, and for some reason I couldn't get the seating position right in this vehicle which adversely affected my footing. Active Steering is also a pain in the butt here.......not much feedback and I swear it's doing its own "things" under the hood.

I really did enjoy the event though. I had the opportunity to tear up $70k BMWs and do all this in a controlled environment. The straight line power and sound is great from the V8, the transmission smooth and quick under full throttle, braking distances pretty short despite increasing pedal travel. I really didnt like the interior; feels cheaper than the E53 despite fancier materials. It's all shiny and glossy and such, but doesn't feel as solid. And the X5 I drove on the braking session kept popping up warning lights and messages on the iDrive. The yellow oil pressure light came on and stayed on, and at one point it turned red and the iDrive told me to stop driving. (Instructor said keep going). :eek: So they took the X5 to the shop onsite, did something, and when we got it back, the check engine light was on. Then a couple laps later the yellow oil light came back . The throttle response with Valvetronic isn't quite as sharp, but only perfectionists will notice it. The Valvetronic does allow for freer revving up to the redline, the engine never feels strained, and it returns 6 miles per gallon. I know that sounds horrible, but on the track it's not bad at all.

I really do like the X3 better though. In many respects, the X5 is just too big. While the ARS makes the X5 less prone to body roll than my non-sport X3, the X3 is a livlier dance partner. It's much easier to get it pointed where I want to, despite the non-active steering. Sure, in my X3 it takes more of a turn on the steering wheel, but there's more feel and heft. I swear the brakes stop better in my X3, due to the lighter weight. The X5 is more luxurious and offers superior room and comfort. But trackwork? X3 is better.