Purpose of Split Tailgate
 

Sorry for the stupid question.

I've read on other threads that they love how BMW continued with the split tailgate design (like with Range Rovers).

But can someone explan to me why a split design is better than a single piece tailgate?

I figure with a split piece, even if I only open the top portion, loading things would require me to lift things higher to get it in and out.

With the lower portion down too. I have to reach more to get items deeper into the trunk. Plus I'll have to manually lift and close the lower portion.

The only benefit I can see, is sitting on the lower portion while tailgating at a game. Any other benefits?

One...I think it's a clearance thing...to be able to open in normal home garages as well as parking garages without hittig the overhead...

Two...when sliding something heavy out, there are no clumbsy latches to snag the bottom of whatever your trying to drag out

Three...to extend the lip out past the rear bumper...

Four....A great place to sit when tailgating...

Not that there is any truth to any of it, but I wondered the same exact thing, and it was the best I could come up with..

I think a big portion of the design, is due to style. The MBZ ML, and the VW/Porsche SUV have a single rear door. All 3 cars have a "mini-van" esque look to the rear. I think BMW did the split tailgate, to break up the rear-end design, and make it more "car" like, and less soccer Mom.

I think it is also good for if your putting in groceries or items in the back, you just pop the top and don't need to worry about things falling out as you do with a one piece. I've have the one piece auto tailgate and when you drive around (no net) and then go to open it, if things have moved, you may see them on the ground prior to it opening fully.

What I like about the split tailgate design is that the door is smaller so it weighs less, and you won't bump your head when closing it...at least in the E53s

My old Volvo V70R of course had a one piece rear door and if you have a dog it is much nicer not having the dogs using the rear bumper as a jumping off and on stop. They were painted bumbers which made it worse.

All in all I like not worring about messing up the bumper finish.

My gripe is I have the rear organizer but if you buy any cargo protector you cover up your channels which defeats the whole idea.

It seems everything is a compromise.

Also, you can put long items like 2x4x8 but still can close the top hatch

Thanxs for the input! Great to see things that I didn't before. Now I'm totally cool with the split design. :)

:thumbup:

The bottom half feels so lightweight and flimsy I'm afraid to put any real weight on it. I was insecure about my other SUV's tailgate drop which is big/heavy and makes up 50% aside from the top (glass)... and I have been afraid to sit on that. This smaller piece on the X5 seems pretty useless other than to keep things from sliding out. It also does a good job of preventing the auto-tailgate close if you don't actually slam that bottom half shut.