My First E70 Impression
 

Today I test drove the '07 4.8i and have to say I was disappointed. I was expecting more from the E70. For background, I have an ’05 4.4i with every option. You guys are going to flame me for saying this but I thought I was driving a the BMW MDX. Don’t get me wrong it has its’ pluses - the suspension is definitely more compliant and yet composed over bumps. But the vehicle overall hast lost its’ sportiness. I’m sorry but I feel BMW is going after Volvo instead of MB or Porsche with this model. I purchased the E53 because it was sporty and drove tight like a real German car, sedan, etc. The E70 did not feel like that. It’s large (relatively speaking), the non-active steering felt light and over boosted and the road feel was gone. I must be fair and state that this was not a sport suspension model and had the 18” all-season tires unlike my X5 with adjustable sport suspension and the 19” Diamaris. Here are a few more observations:

1. The new gear selector, which is similar to the one in the 7 series, is gimmicky with no feel since it’s now “select a gear by wire”.
2. Non-sport seats are flat with limited side bolsters.
3. Exhaust seams more subdued. Maybe related to non-sport model.
4. The side mirrors are huge!
5. Panoramic roof shade no longer vents in the center, but at the front when the roofs are tilted open.
6. No electric recline for the second row seats.
7. The glove box opens via a button. Not sure if there’s a valet lockout.
8. With the same options as my ’05 the new X5 is over $70K versus $60K ('05 or '06).
9. The base stereo is awesome. I can only imagine how good the premium sound package must be.
10. Third row seats are useless except for small children. I’m 5’ 9” and when I sat in these seats my knees dug into the back of the 2nd row.


This just my opinion after about an hour in the E70 – it may grow on me. But at this time I’m in no hurry to trade in my X5. I sure hope there's a capable successor to the original 4.8is…

P.S. The 335i rocks!

I am guessing the one you drove did not have the sport suspension or 19/20 tires etc.

I too drove the E70 4.8i and it was OK but I don't think it is a fair representation as to what I would buy. The 4.8i I drove was space grey and did NOT have the aero kit or sport suspension or technology package etc. It was a plane jane 4.8i. The dealership also had a 3.0 and outside and inside they were exactly the same to me. The only way I was able to tell them apart was from the exhaust pipes in the back.

I did like how the 4.8i drove and the gear shifter was easy to get used to and shift manually. Getting in and out of "P" was interesting but I figured it out after a min or two.

I much prefer the look of my 4.8is all day long.

Curtis

The ride definitely softer, at least on non-sports. BMW wants to attract the Lexus, Acura customers. Its funny as MDX, with their new model is trying to come close to X5.
I had no problem with shift lever
Agree on the seats.
Exhaust is definitely quieter as I was taking pics under next to exhaust and could barely hear any noise on engine idle.
Side mirrors actaully improve the view:thumbup:
3rd row is for height under 5' 4"

Different thread; same conclusion: In order to configure your E70 to behave as sporty as your E53 you'll have to buy the sport suspension. Another option; another couple of grand; and here we go over the $70K mark. :mad:

But the new sport package has Adaptive Drive, shouldn't that make the E70 superior over the E53. Guess customers won't be too happy if the addition of Adaptive Drive only makes the new car as sporty as the old one.

You're right. I admit the new suspension gives it a better ride. I just wasn't expecting a $70 sticker for my X5.