I test drove two used E70s last week, one 3.0i and one 4.8i. I think going from 4.4 to 3.0 you will miss the power. The new 3.0 definitely feels (and is) faster than the E53 3.0 that I have, but not by much... I can not justify going from my 3.0 to an E70 3.0 as an 'upgrade'.

I really think that the diesel would be the best way to go though... torque is all that most of us need, and it has plenty of. :thumbup: I did not test drive it since they didn't have any, but from what the salesman was saying, it definitely has more acceleration than the 4.8i.

I've had my diesel for a month now, and I'm definitely glad I went that route. You do feel the lack of HP at higher speeds - say accelerating from 50 to 70 - but the torque from a dead stop is neck-snapping.

I "launched" mine for grins last week by holding the brakes while building RPMS enough to spool the turbos - and took off like a scalded cat.

As far as the E70 not feeling like a BMW - this is my first BMW, so I have no basis for comparison. However, the amount of technology packed into that car (and mine was "only" about $60K, so I don't have a lot of the additional bells&whistles) is impressive. It's also a VERY solid car - for something that weighs in at 2.5 tons, the complete lack of rattles and squeaks and the stiffness of the chassis is also impressive.

As far as interior materials go, I got the pleather - er, leatherette - interior for maximum durability, but the interior is still nice. No major complaints.

Oh, and on my 180 mile round-trip last night, I averaged 27MPG.

BTW, peak torque is developed at 2K RPM - any higher than that and your torque drops off drastiacally. I'm still trying to wrap my head around the VERY different torque and HP curves.

Torque curve? ha ha, try torque line. The 3.0sd has a flat torque curve.

we upgraded our e53 2k4 4.4 to a e70 2k8 4.8. handling AND ride is better on the e70 (in sport mode and out of IMHO)

the 4.4 still feels like it has more acceleration...hows that possible with a 75hp difference?

like the OP said, he don't like to race with the X, he wants handling and safety. he has porsche if he wants to race..Get E70, its alot newer and improved.

I get to drive my e53 at least once a week, other days of course is with my e70. The e53 is still fun to drive but looks very old inside compared to my 2010 e70. Get a 35d ftw!!!

I just don't understand...unless you are towing a 6000# trailer (never) who needs a V8, the 6's are the best engines BMW EVER made!
Living in any metro area what's the friggin' rush what's the hurry? Where are you going ?
SUV's (sorry SAV'sincluded) are NOT race cars.

....yeah, but they don't need to be slugs either. :nanana:

Both E53 4.4i and E70 4.8i are entry level V8's in the X5 lineup...with E70 4.8i being heavier and de-tuned, the 4.4i may feel the same or slightly quicker, acceleration-wise...particularly the 2004+ E53 4.4i.