Believe it or not, I test drove both and I prefer the regular one. Price was not even the issue. The S model has tons a torque steer (FWD with a turbo), and the ride is extremely harsh -- probably due to the low profile run-flat tires that come on that model. Coming from the smooth ride of the X5, that is the first thing I noticed. But the regular model comes with smaller wheels, which means a larger tire profile, and the ride is much smoother over rough roads. As for the handling, both seemed to have that go-kart handling -- the smaller wheels/tires of the base model did not seem to hurt the handling much at all. Even though the base model only has 118 hp, it still has some zip to it, probably because it's a very light car. The power to weight ratio is about the same as the X5 3.0. I'm expecting delivery sometime in late July.

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my experience on X5world when I spend too much
time posting in political threads in the lounge...

www.northamericanmotoring.com

No Lounge/Politics over there though...just car-related stuff. So I'll have to come back here for that.

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my experience on X5world when I spend too much
time posting in political threads in the lounge...

I'm surprised you found the S model's ride harsh. The E53 with Sport Package isn't smooth by almost any standard. Manual trans on this one too hopefully?

Good luck with the new ride and don't be a stranger.

Yup, of course I got the 6-speed. My E53 had the sports package and the ride was very smooth. But I had the 3.0 which came with 18" wheels and all-season 55-series tires. I think the 4.4 with the sports package comes with 19" wheels and summer performance tires, so I would imagine the ride on that one may be a little more harsh.

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my experience on X5world when I spend too much
time posting in political threads in the lounge...

Be sure to stop in


The Chevy to my Ford

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An unwavering defender of those I see worth protecting.

"promote the general welfare, not provide the general welfare"

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

I guess we all have different definitions for ride harshness. Our 01 3.0 Sport had the same wheel/tire combination as your 06. The ride was sometime pretty choppy imo (not complaining). Maybe the roads are worse here.

Aww Good Luck Eric, We loved our Mini (minus the painted-on alloy and terrible seats) Oooh wait, we sorta loved it, it was a love-hate thing

Kinda like your relationship with X5world :P

Don't be a total stranger!

I got the 'Dub and Still post alot, but I'm the Blondboi, so My presence would be horrifically missed!

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The Present:
2014 Audi Q5 TDI Prestige
The Past:
2013 Lexus GS350
2013 VW Golf TDI
2007 BMW X5 4.8i LOADED & Loved
2009 VW Jetta
2008 VW Touareg VR6
2005 BMW X5 3.0i
2005 BMW Z4 3.0i
2004 BMW X5 3.0i
2003 BMW 325i
2000 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4x4

I am on NAM too. I sold my MCS recently and miss her. MCS is the fun car to drive....ramps at 80. What is thecolor and config you ordered?

Pepper white with the body colored roof and the exterior chrome package, and the interior is the black lounge leather with cream piping, piano black trim, and interior chrome package. I'm debating whether or not to get black or silver bonnet stripes or sport stripes.

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my experience on X5world when I spend too much
time posting in political threads in the lounge...