Just noticed, no hand brake...must be electronic like the 7 series. Also, one of the posts above speaks about 6 programmable button for i-drive, but the pics show only the "menu" button...

IMO BMWs greatest weakness are the the electronics. Now they come out with a new car with way more electronics than anything else (many of them totally new). Sounds like a disaster ready to happen. I bet state Lemmon Laws will be put to the test with these.

I am sure it will have the navi-traffic option.

It does have pano roof, seen in this spy shot. Notice 2 sections of roof. More shot on my custom page.
http://www.bilnorge.no/export/bb_42693.jpeg

Diesel version of X5 will come to US in 2008. And it will meet CA and NY emission requirements.

Also the new V8 in development for X6 and new 7-series will be replace the V8 in 4.8i E70. I guess that reminds of what BMW did with e60 5-series engine/transmission just 2 years after its release. So good things come to those who wait. ;)

damn i want one!:nanana: but ill wait what will be the problem of this one!:rolleyes: thats bmw u know?:rolleyes:

I thought it was 8 programmable buttons, but nevertheless, you can see the buttons on the center dash below the climate control. At first I thought it was radio presets (1-8), but once you program your presets on iDrive, you can scroll through your presets on the steering wheel buttons.

errr, microsoft supplies much of the vehicle software I believe.....

:iagree: Yes there are eight buttons for speed dial, phone #s, navigation destinations, entertaiment/media sources, etc. The destination input is 'supposed to be' a lot more easier than E53.

Kind of strange that they would put them on the dash, in lieu of putting them around the i-drive controller, like Audi does...

Well, gotta make room for the cupholders which looks like in the U.S. cars will be where the E53 ashtray area is (front of the shift lever, below the center dash).