Drove the E70 X5 4.8i today
 

Went ot dealer today to test drive the new 4.8i. The handling and cornering is better than E53. The drive is much smoother; car drives a little softer and lighter for me. may be BMW wants to attract those soccer moms driving the MDX and Lexus RX330. The engine is also very quiet, maybe I am used to my 4.8is growl. ;). I like the new shifter lever....did not take too long to get used to it. E-brake is good too. Too many beeps though in the E70. Interior is very improved. Nice icons on dash. Disc changer is supposed to be in same place as E53 as we still have the same opening in the back.

Bamboo trim looks good. Like the CELIS taillight LEDs, they are bright and look great at night.

According to window sticker, 70% parts are sourced from Germany.

Also have the pics of aero-kit and the accessory catalog. Will post in separate thread.

I still like my 4.8is better as the engine sounds better and pull power is good and you feel the car to the road. E70 4.8i engine is tuned differently. To summarize there is no comparison between 4.8i and 4.8is, different beasts. Drive both and you will know what I mean.

The exhaust/muffler is one piece...see pics below. the big metal thing you see on top of pic is one long muffler.
http://s113117221.onlinehome.us/Images/E70exhaust1.jpg
http://s113117221.onlinehome.us/Images/E70-exhaust.jpg

http://s113117221.onlinehome.us/Images/E70-sticker.jpg

Is softer than a non-sport E53? This one didnt have sp right?

Yes and yes.

thx for the review...sound good

but couldn't u take more pics

I didn't take pics of car as there are enough pics of car and interior on my page. Check the link in my sig for pics.

Good to know that the 4.8is isn't overshadowed by the 4.8i. I was worried about that especially since I had just bought the 4.8is a week ago. I feel even better now.

May have a change of heart once the 4.8is replacement is out but that is still a good ways off. Whew.

Curtis

so how does the new shifter works? looks like u just press the sport botton for sport?

Any chance of a pic of the Bamboo wood? Also, did you see any E70 with the mystery color of the promotion pic? Was that saddle brown, terra or tobacco?

Sunil - what'd you think of the looks? I keep seeing Envoy/Trailblazer when I look at the side view. I just don't know :dunno:

Very little learning curve for the shifter. Similiar to E53 in terms of changing for manumatic mode and then tap forward or backward.

Did not take pic of interior, but I will be going back again when they have sports package X5 in a day for some more fun. The promo pic is saddle brown/terra.


Looks are good. But I will definitely get the aero-kit to hide the plastic in front and back. They have made the ride smooth, at least in non-sports package. I think BMW is trying to go after female drivers buying MDX and RX350 for smooth ride.