Merc1

Which leads me back to my original question: is there something really special about the X5, which is plain as day to my colleagues, and for some reason is evading me? I wanted to love the X5; BMW is, admittedly, one of my favourite automakers, and I'm very fond of most of its products. I tried to be objective, and I did find many high points, but I found even more that turned me away from it. Of course, in the long run, only a test-drive and your own opinion will decide if it's the right or wrong vehicle for you.

Second Opinion: Greg Wilson

You're not alone Jil. I have to agree on most points: the 2007 X5 3.0si does feel heavy and ponderous on the road, particularly around town. The ride is stiff and the steering effort at slower speeds is firm. The step-in height is rather high and the optional aluminum running board actually makes it more difficult to get into the cabin.

Inside, the quality of the materials is top class, but the ergonomics aren't good. The separate key and start button is a dumb idea; and the shift lever, with its electronic Park button, is unnecessarily complicated.

The new X5 seems to have lost some of its nimbleness - not surprising since it is bigger. In a way I regret having criticized the last X5 for having a small trunk - as did many other writers. Now BMW has made it bigger and heavier, so it's lost some of its sportiness.

Regarding the X5's complicated controls and difficult ingress/egress, I wonder if BMW designers drive and use the products they design? Anyone who drove this X5 for a few days would see the problems.

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M

Tycoon

Obviously not their choice...

Well, mine is and i'm going to buy one, regardless of what few people say...

Merc1

Strange, usually they're right on the money but here they're going against the grain of new X5 reviews so far. I'm not sure if cold/frozen pavement was the reason they didn't get the agility out of the vehicle others have.

I find it interesting that they regret saying the old model was too small now that BMW has made the new one bigger.

M

Tycoon

This car was tested for a loooong time in much worse conditions and it was praised. So their complaints are...Hmmm...Pathetic?

Merc1

Way overboard there, I wouldn't say that. They didn't find it to be as agile as before and others have complained about the ergonomics. There is a comparo in the May issue of Car and Driver in which the same gripes were noted. I think some are too quick to label any negative comments about a BMW as pathetic and/or clueless. Who knows maybe the Canadian version gets a different suspension calibration than the European or U.S. version. It isn't enough to get worked up over, IMO. The vehicle is still outstanding IMO, without having driven it yet of course.

M

Tycoon

Don't try it...

Marcus, do you really think that this new X5 is a step back, as it seems to those that tested it? Do you really believe this quote:

You don't need to be a BMW stalwart like i am to say i'm not buying it. I don't and i won't believe that this is true. And very soon i'll try it myself and if it's true, everything what they've said, i'll appologize and withdraw everything i've said. Above quote wasn't the case even with old X5, so CanDriver won't fool me with this crap.

Just_me

Well I read several times the ride is harsh and that X5 need the extra option "Active Drive" (I cant remember the name) too improve the comfort and make the X5 in the same league as the competition. Its obviosly C.D didnt test the X5 with "Active Drive".

Tycoon

Adaptive Drive is the name...

Oh and btw, the car was tested by her:



Jil McIntosh

Sure, judging from the pic, i see here at least 55-60 years old person and of course such need 13" rims, with 205/90 tires for the soft ride...

klier

LMFAO

Merc1

Whats the point? You aren't going to find fault with the car when you drive it anyway.

I can surely understand that you don't agree with what they found, but to instantly label the review "pathetic" is ridiculous when you clearly haven't driven the car for yourself and/or don't know what conditions they drove the vehicle in.

For example a lot of U.S. magazines complained about the ride of the previous X5, especially those that test in and around Detroit. Why? Because the roads in Detroit are horrible, but the testers in other states like California loved the previous X5. I'm not saying I agree or disagree with the review, but man this instant disqualification of the reviews is just plain ridiculous IMO.

As far as her age goes, a lot of magazines especially U.S. magazines are run by folks her age and two of them in particular (Car and Driver and Automobile) love, absolutely love BMWs.

M