Richard in NC

For what it's worth, in my opinion the X5 50i is more connected and more fun to drive than the 550i. The 550i was smoother and more quiet. I drove them back to back on the same route. The 550i may have been slightly quicker higher up but the lower axle ratio and AWD allow the X5 really move off the line. And the X5 can hold its own on the twistiest of roads.

Petes550i

Well the 550i and the X5 50i share the same engine. But I personally have a hard time believing a SUV with a higher curb weight and higher center of gravity is more "fun-to-drive" than the sedan.

On the other hand, if you're talking about the X5M or the X6M, then that's a different story altogther.

kscarrol

Have you driven the X5 5.0 Pete? I can't say I have but you are the one preaching to folks that they should drive the cars before they pass judgement... Richard has driven both.

Petes550i

Ok, kscarrol calling me out.....

I haven't driven the new one. (but I did test-drive a '09 X5 V8 once and I use to own a '01 X5).

I've owned plenty of SUV's in the last 10-12 years....X5, Cayenne S, RX330, Escalade, MB 550
...it's common sense that SUV's don't drive as well as sedans...it's simple physics.
...of course there's going to be exceptions....my '08 Cayenne S for example came pretty close to driving as well as my last 545i. It was definately nowhere near as fun but dynamically, the Cayenne really surprised me. I'm sure the new X5 50i can run pretty well, but fun-to-drive?...well, I have my doubts.

I will say though that if I didn't have my 550i, I would very much like to be in the new Cayenne S (MT's SUV of the year). For some reason, the BMW X5 just doesn't do it for me.

Richard in NC

Just go test drive the 50i with M Sport package. A C&D test of the 35i with M Sport recorded .89 Gs and a 57.8 mph slalom, 3-5 mph faster than any other SUV in that test. Note that a C&D test of an '11 535i shows .86 Gs. And longer braking for the 535i too(161 vs 157 ft).

EDIT: I should add that fun-to-drive is more than numbers. It's quick steering, neutral handling, minimal lean, great grip, great cornering balance and at the limit feeling, tossability, strong brakes, strong power, etc. The X5 M Sport DOES have all those attributes.

kscarrol

Sorry Pete, wasn't trying to call you out, guess I'm guilty of typing with a scotch in my hand!!

In general I agree with you but as you point out, the suspension on those SUV's can be tuned to handle pretty darn well. I'll have to take Richard's word as I have not driven the 5.0. My wife had a 3.0 and while it was surprisingly nimble for an SUV, it certainly wasn't up to my '08 550.

I do generally agree with you on the looks of the X5 though I must say that the new M-Sports package that is now available is a big improvement and I think it does look good.

Petes550i

Hey I'm not going to argue with you about stats. But driving experience, to me, is more than stats. If you feel like the X5 is better driving than the F10, fine...that's your opinion and you're entitled to it, but I disagree.

Like I said earlier, if I'm going to go with a SUV, I prefer the Cayenne over the X5. That's just my personal preference. Porsche has that uncanny ability to work their magic just about on any type of vehicle.

geobmw

No way BMW sedan is less connected than BMW SAV. My wife's car is 2008 X5 4.8 with sport package and it feels like truck if I compare to my 550i xDrive.

Richard in NC

Maybe it's the changes for '11, the M Sport package, the adaptive suspension, active steering, 285 wide rear tires (I don't even have the 315s but will in the spring), or all of the above but it is impressive.
Here is a picture of it running the Tail of the Dragon. There's no more lean in the turns than a friends lowered M3. He said he had to work hard to keep up, especially on corner exit where I've got the massive torque.

kscarrol

Great picture Richard!!