because, you don't own it anymore.;)

Well this too was stolen from Range Rover, considering that Range Rover and Volvo both lie under the same parent company - Ford...

You are correct sir. And might I add that I am very happy with the decision I made, and will not return to the X5 model unless it's in E70 form sometime in the future. I'm sorry but I just see too many other SUVs displaying better functional and engineering design, and the E53 is simply showing its age.

It happens - just like with all the E39s when the E60 came out. But in the case of the X5, I think that the E70 will bring the X5 to the top (or close) once again. :thumbup:

does any SUV have fully automatic two piece tailgate? weight, weight, weight. or can we change the tag-line from "ultimate driving machine" to ultimate pimp machine. may be appropriate from all of the nuerosis i have observed on this board concerning the E70's appearance. whilst no-one wants an Aztec ugly car, it is interresting to me that on a BMW board i do not believe i have read one thread relating to the potential driving dynamics of the redesigned X. a sign of the times?


Mike

The E60 touring has a fully powered one piece tailgate (optional). It is not a heavy vehicle, BMW has done a good job of keeping the weight down. On the E70, it would make sense to have the top portion powered, for easier loading. I do agree with you on the driving dynamics, I think the E60 has better driving dynamics than the E70 will achieve, simply due to the weight and CoG issues.

There is no way that the E70 won't have a power top liftgate (at least as an option). The ML has it, so they must follow suit. JCL, you're right that the E70 will never be able to reach the driving dynamics of an E60 Touring. It's also got much worse aerodynamics (being an SUV) and unsuitable tires/suspension for serious track handling. Even with the SP, the X5 obviously is still tuned to absorb the bumps for a 4500-pound vehicle. But at least we know that among the SUV category this will be right up there with maybe just the Porsche Pepper endangering it here and there.

I think the escalade currently has a full power rear tail gate. And if the X5 doesnt get one at least as an option i would be shocked

You forgot the most important thing of all:

higher center of gravity

first off i wasn't asking about the e60 touring. station wagon>SAV>station wagon>SAV ad infinitum. the point is that none of the stuff i see people stressing over has anything to do with what makes BMW in general and the X5 specifically special in the market place. i am becoming convinced that the heart and soul of a BMW automobile could be ripped right out and some would not notice as long as it looked good and the tailgate opens without discernible effort. <psst don't forget about the third row> merely my observation, i reserve the right to be wrong. By the way does any Sport Utility Vehicle with a two piece tailgate open fully automatically?


Mike

Mike:

The E60 touring is relevant because that vehicle is the basis for the E70. The E60 had significantly reduced weight, so we can remain hopeful that BMW hasn't forgotten that point completely with the E70. That reduced weight on the E60 came with a powered (one piece) tailgate.

Agree with you that there is a lot of focus on items like third row seats, and various styling features, that don't have much to do with driving dynamics. That's fine, everyone has different priorities.

I don't think you can expect posters on an X5 board to focus as much on the driving dynamics or 'heart and soul of BMW' simply because the theme here is a sport utility vehicle. Those that are most interested in the pure BMW driving experience are on the M boards, or if they need a touring, on the 3 and 5 series boards. What the X5 is, is a great balance of handling, etc, for an sport utility. As to the great traditions of BMW, many would say that the creation of a sport utility vehicle was a big step away from that tradition. I don't agree, but to debate whether simply a different sport utility ruins it all would be a big stretch for many.

As to your original question, does any vehicle have a fully-powered two-piece tailgate? No idea. My rental Navigator had a fully powered one piece tailgate, with a separate opening window for small packages. Not the same design. I found the powered tailgate there to be handy when your hands are full of packages, that is all. Similar to folding mirrors, it is unnecessary, but after using it for awhile it becomes a valuable feature.

Have a great day.

Jeff