EJ,

Does it have Dynamic Drive with Electronic Damper Control? Does it have Active Steering? I'd be interested in your opinion of these options. I test drove a 3.0 for an hour on Saturday and really liked the vehicle. The comfort seats felt like they were made for me and the drive was very nice overall. The engine power was totally inadequate, though so I'd want the 4.8. I've currently got a 2006 Range Rover HSE on demo (returning it this morning). This is a tough decision as the RR is a very nice vehicle but misses the point in the handling department. I'd say the ride is 20 - 25% softer than the 3.0, which helps soak up the bumps, but you aren't as confident driving it as it leans in turns and feels quite heavy. It does track dead straight down the road though; something the 3.0 has a bit more trouble with (ahh ... the BMW tramline behavior!).

This is why I ask about the Dynamic Drive and EDC. If the 4.8 has a stiffer suspension that the 3.0, I'd be looking for a bit of a softer (but still firm) ride. The dealer tells me Active Steering helps reduce the tramline issue by maintaining directional track (I haven't been able to drive one though).

I'm leaning strongly towards BMW at this point. Anyone who is comparing an X5 to the HSE should know that these are two different animals. The HSE feels like you are riding in it. The X5 feels like you are driving it.

I drove my 4.8 for the first time tonight at the dealer. I wanted to drive it before I bought it so that I would be convinced the X5 was for me...and wow what a ride. It does have the sport package and active steering and it came with 19" wheels. It also has HUD and the tech package. The active steering is interesting but I'll have to experience it a bit more before passing judgment. The ride was excellent on and off the highway. So I told them to prep it and I'll take it home Tues or Wed. I hope it's everything Ive waited for but these launch cars do worry me as I experienced several issues with my A8L '04 launch vehicle which I'm turning in 2 weeks from now.

Congrats!!! looking forward to hearing about your experiences in the next month or so. What did your CPA tell you?

CPA still crunching numbers but it does qualify for section 179 deduction and percentage depreciation on remainder ( about 29K for 2006) if I decide to buy it...haven't decided how to do it yet but will get final numbers from CPA tomorrow. Lease numbers are still high.

Congrats EJCX5 :thumbup: looking forward to seeing some pics.

:worthless:

Sounds great EJ. In Canada we only get Active Steering with the Adaptive Drive, which includes Electronic Damper Control (EDC). I notice in the USA you can order Adaptive Drive separately. Did you get adaptive drive? I'm concerned about ride quality - so I'm considering Adaptive Drive. I found the E53 too harsh a ride (and the Range Rover HSE too soft). I thought the E70 3.0 was just about right (maybe a bit firm), so if the 4.8 has aharsher ride, I'd be looking at the Adaptive Drive (a costly option up here).

Thanks for any comments,


Grover

Well, any pics of your new X5 to share with us, EJCX5?

pics!!!