Personally, I do not like 'adaptive' suspensions. Too artificial. The standard suspension is typical BMW - firm, with some body roll when loaded up in the turns. AD is the opposite - more comfortable, with little body roll in the turns.

If you have an opportunity to drive both, decide which you prefer.

Interesting ... never heard it put that way, very descriptive and it makes a helluva lot of sense.

Any others out there that have driven both? Opinions? How would you describe the difference?

(PS. Very interested in hearing your opinions, because I am searching for my next X5 and so far have restricted the search to cars with adaptive drive. My current e70 has self leveling suspension)

With adaptive you can turn it off. ;) without it you can't. Which option do you want to have? Wish you had it and don't or have it and turn it off when you desire to? I keep mine on all the time. If you have an e70 if you have sport from 07-09 then you have it. Like it or not? I hate body roll so adaptive all the way. It's not a sports car I know but I still like my curves and with adaptive it helps immensely.

Drive it and pick. It's easier than getting a bunch of opinions because it is subjective. A 30 minute drive around some corners and you will know what you want.

Adaptive drive cannot be turned off. There are just two modes normal and sport. You just switch between the two with the sport button.

Chuck

You know I meant :)

Adaptive Drive Explained
 

The new BMW X5 2007 Adaptive Drive English Language - YouTube

I got it on my '12 X5 35d. It's a personal thing, you should try to test drive an x with/without it and see what you prefer.

Ive driven both. I've also driven a q45 with their AD back in the 1990s.

The BMW AD is brilliantly engineered to be minimally intrusive. IMO it simply makes the car 'feel smaller' no dramatic interventions, just a very well balanced alteration to the driving dynamics.

Salesmen never get to drive them so they canot be a source of advice

a

:iagree:
For a 2 ton SAV to drive like this is amazing...AD is a must have!

As some will say, AD is kinda like the "old" sport package set-up on previous BMWs (before it was a stand-alone option). Pre-2010 on the X5, when you got the sports package, AD was included--now it's separate an a la carte option.