Xoutpost.com - X5 3.0si TEST DRIVE

I just returned from a test drive of the 3.0si with just premium package.....what a vehicle this is....way beyond my expectations and much changed from the E53 :

1. I love the more rounded feeling and smooth look of the car.
2. The interior feels vastly superior and luxurious compared to the old X5.
3. I love the camel/black interior available in Canada !
4. The LED tailights are really classy !

As for the drive:

1. I was a little disappointed with the lag in acceleration of the 3.0si initially but then it became second nature during the test drive.
Im going from a 2006 330i Sports so Im bound to feel the lag ! Also Im sure after break its going to pep up a little.

2. I had a lot of questions regards the firmness of the ride and driving the standard X5, no sports or Adaptive, I can now see that smooth ride of standard is what I need.....with a 3 series I think one might need a sports susp to really enjoy the car, but unless you have a 4.8 I dont think the sports is really essential....as king of the road you want to feel comfortable and when you can simply drive in "sports-gear mode or steptronic" and get that roar then I personally dont see need for sports package.....BTW in sports mode & steptronic.....the X5 turned into an animal and into a different vehicle.....brought an uncontrollable smile to my face !

3. The 18 inch wheels dont look too bad at all, although the 19 inch Y spoke style 211 wheels look gorgeous.....again ride will stiffen but I think its a nice balance of looks and ride comfort....still cant decide in this area !

4. I was going to get running boards but after getting in and out of the vehicle I can see that I'll have to get my pants washed regularily in the winter !!!!!:confused: ... getting in is tedious using the boards and getting out you have to step on them otherwise from your back of your ankle to the back of your knee you'll certainly have stains !

5. When I heard the 2nd row of seats reclines and slides I was excited....till I found out that if you choose the 3rd row of seats , then this applies....otherwise just a standard second row with maybe just inch extra leg room for 2nd row occupants.....the sliding an reclining was real cool but the 3rd row of seats is outright ridiculous...I sat there and my knees were touching my chin !...truly for kids and even then they will not get to see anything...and parents wont see their kids either from the front !.....so 3rd row option becomes an expense essentially for reclining 2nd row !!

6. Comfort seats were like clouds with the smell of leather.....wonderfully comfortable and the headrests remind of airline seats that adjust for neck support !..nice touch !

7. Audio system was disappointing till I out in a CD.....could then feel the woofers at work !.....I still wonder if Hi Fi Professional is worth extra money??...No Logic 7 though.

8. Cupholders were nor present in 2nd row !!!!!!!!!! Till we discovered they are hidden in the centre headrest when folded down....bad design.
If you take 3rd row of seats the design is much better and typcial in centre of armrest....( again the 3rd row provides a different 2nd row configuration ... )

9. With 3rd row even folded down there seems to be very little room ....losing the empty space beneath the cargo cover......

10. Centre Bin had problems opening...tried the tip from another forum user of pressing down on lid and then pressing button and then it worked...BMW need to work on this !

11. Loved Panoramic roof......HUGE !...great for showing guests from abroad around any "skyscraper" city !

12. Brakes were awesome !

Overall I am drooling at the prospect of my own custom X5, but am not looking forward to the wait !...will go again during a daytime test drive on Monday and will report more :thumbup: