anyone here miss the interior handle on drivers side??
 

the new model does not have the same kind of handle on the interior drivers side. i used to find it comfortable to hold and good for support generally.

does anyone miss this on the new car? they kept it on the passenger side, but not the drivers side... and i think it looks sportier and is more function WITH the handle.... not the new design.

thoughts?

When I test drove I didn't notice it missing. I kind of prefer it not having a handle. To me it seems easier to open and close probably because the door is lighter than the previous model

This is a trend in all new gen BMW's. The E90 & E65 have both gotten rid of such handles.

The new lower handle placement does make it easier to close the door while entering the vehicle quickly though...

I did NOT miss it at all, I actually like the new design, it feels much better when opening and closing the door and the window switch are much easier to get to.

E70
http://www.roadfly.com/gallery2/d/27...bmw-x5-077.jpg

E53
http://i11.ebayimg.com/04/a/000/77/38/f156_4.JPG

This might be their way of eliminating the problem of the peeling door handles. ;)

At least one can easily get to the window switches on the E70. Reaching around the door handle on my E53 is a major PITA.

I never had that problem at all. Hmmmm interesting.:confused:

That new interior looks vastly superior in my opinion but then again, it is newer.

it's just that ergonomically when you lay your hand on the side rest area, it naturally goes into the handle on the e53... whereas you have to twist your wrist to put it in the handle on the e70. might look better... but just felt strange to me.