why is the drive different on the x5 and the 5 series
 

I had my 2013 (2012 build) x5 in the shop today and they gave me a 2013 5 series for a loaner. The idrive seem to be a different version. While on FM radio, it showed album art. The interface isn't even there for my x5. Whats up with that? Do I have an older version of drive installed on my new car?

Because the 5 series was refreshed already and the X5's are being refreshed this year?

^ well I think he's talking exclusively about the idrive... and they really are supposed to be identical aren't they?

This shows there's been only 1 version of CIC after its introduction in Sept. 08 even up to now. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IDrive

Since '08, was there an update to it that allowed the newer features such as top/side view cameras, night vision, etc. introduced in the last 2 years or so? Or would those work with an '08 CIC implementation?

The 5 series you drove most likely had the latest NBT idrive which replaces the CIC idrive in your X5

^ hadn't even heard about that... found this via search:
New iDrive Navigation Professional system for F30, ActiveHybrid 3, 5 Series, 7 series - BMW 3-Series Forum (F30 / F32) | F30POST

So, as I said ;)

Total bs. Ive had ford loaners that have a better system than what i have in my 2013 x5.

If you bought a BMW to have a industry leading infotainment system, you bought the wrong brand.

So why don't you trade the X5 in for one of the loaners :dunno:.