New 06 4.8 vs 4.4.
 

I'm considering a new 4.4 Prem,Sport pkg with 19"wheels or new 4.8 (20" wheels and sport included) Question is the ride diferrence? I have driven both but only for short distances as demo rides. My driving is mostly "in town" on decent roads. My concern is from searching this wonderful forum that the 20's on the 4.8 may give a slightly "harsher ride while being a litlle "quicker" Thanks for you thoughts.. Allandpm

Ive got a 4.6is...it is stiffer than the premium package..but it is still a very comfortable ride.

i too have an '03 4.6is. i don't think the word "harsh" has ever come to mind when describing the ride quality.

Sorry about the "slightly harsh"... probably an oxymoron Maybe more road feel ..... Allandpm

I dont think it is any more road feel than the 4.4i sport. I actually think the steering is lighter at slow speeds on the is even with the 20" wheels.

4.4
 

I have a 2005 4.4.

It rides great and has more than enough power.

I live in NYC and low profile tires and these street don't match.

But even if I live were all the streets were glass I still would go with the 4.4.

I just don't know what you would do with the addtional power?

I am a adult and don't drag race; with 0 to 60 under 7 seconds and tons of power to pass what is the point?

I also think that rims make the car look good but the stock wheels are great.
Unless you want to get crome wheels that spin ;) (not my idea of style) why do you want bigger wheels?

I like to drive fine cars but my ego does not require that I have the fastest car. :p

Good luck with your purchases you will be very happy with your X5 :) :)

The 4.8 still has a very nice ride even with the 20" wheels and tires. 4.8 IS all the way especially if you are going to get your new X loaded, a loaded 4.4 starts getting close to the price of a 4.8 which has a lot of standard options along with a much better sounding exhaust, more power and a higher resale value dollar for dollar, and don't forget that aggressive stance straight from the factory.

i have an 2005 4.8. go with the 4.8. the ride is superb, you can drive it in the city or on the open road for miles without any problems

I am very happy with my 4.4. Of course, I was happy with my CLK 320 (V6) when I had it, but then was overjoyed when I got a CLK 430 (V8). The X5 4.4 has significantly more horsepower than even my last CLK, so I am fine. If I get another X5 someday, I might have to bump it up to the bigger engine, just to see.

My take: the 4.4 is an awesome machine, as is the 4.8. I have to agree with x54.4blue, though. If you aren't into racing or ego stroking, the 4.4 may be more than enough.

my '06 4.8is drives a little rough epspecially in the city, and when I pull into my garage, which is 15 feet above street level, the car likes to stall and catch itself, so its a toss up, the 4.8 is very high-sprung and your gas bill will show it, after buying it, I realized I don't need the power or really even want the power because I have been on the verge of getting so many tickets with it. If you get the 4.4i with the sport package and 19" wheels, it's basically a 4.8 and your insurance and gas will be a little cheaper. It's up to you though, if the power is worth it to you, then don't hessitate to get the 4.8. (Also remember that the ML63 AMG will be out in 9-12 mnths - and there is no possible way a X5 will be able to keep up with it)