X5 Test Driven today at Autodromo in Mexico

MexicoCityM3 · February 11, 2007, 01:31:00 PM

I am just back from the Autodromo where BMW had a test drive day. The track was not the full F1 circuit, just the oval sprinkled with some cones to keep things safe for all kinds of folks who attended. I test drove a 4.8 X5, a 3.0 X5 and a 2.5 X3 (still available here in Mexico) for a couple of laps each.

My pick would be the 3.0 X5 followed by the 2.5 X3 and finally the 4.8 X5.

The new 6 cylinder engine is a gem in both displacements in my opinion. The V8 did feel faster but also heavier and less agile. The improvement in power over the 6 is not worth the money in my opinion and you lose some handling ability. Overall I was impressed with all these SUV's. Their agility is amazing for a truck. In particular the new X5 feels extraordinarily nimble. As nimble as the X3. I believe any of these SUVs provide more than enough performance for any conceivable real world situation. The V8 is nice, but overkill. I'd be very happy in a 2.5si X3 as my daily driver.

There were also a few other models like a 335i, 325i, 530i, and Z4 2.5si but there were long lines and I had had enough.

cawimmer430 · February 12, 2007, 01:58:48 AM

You guys get the diesels in Mexico?

If you love the X5 3.0, you'll adore the X5 3.0d.

MexicoCityM3 · February 12, 2007, 09:48:19 AM

Quote from: cawimmer430 on February 12, 2007, 01:58:48 AM
You guys get the diesels in Mexico?

If you love the X5 3.0, you'll adore the X5 3.0d.

Unfortunately, no. The only diesel car we get in Mexico is the VW Bora (Jetta) TDI. I'm sure I would love the diesel, especially in an SUV. In 2000 I drove through Spain and France in a rented 320d and found it 95% as fun as the 328Ci I had then. If diesels were available here from BMW, I'd get a 120d or 320d as my daily driver.

850CSi · February 12, 2007, 11:32:52 AM

I like the new X5.

If Diesels were available here, I'd likely have a 325d.

The Pirate · February 12, 2007, 11:40:16 AM

I've never driven any X5, but I do prefer the styling of the last gen up level model. The X5 4.4 or 4.6, I think it was. A bit small for my anticipated SUV usage though.

TheIntrepid · February 12, 2007, 11:41:39 AM

Styling wise the new one looks like shit in pictures but amazing in person.

SVT_Power · February 12, 2007, 10:01:36 PM

Quote from: The Pirate on February 12, 2007, 11:40:16 AM
I've never driven any X5, but I do prefer the styling of the last gen up level model. The X5 4.4 or 4.6, I think it was. A bit small for my anticipated SUV usage though.

What size are you looking for in a SUV? Like Suburban size?

cawimmer430 · February 13, 2007, 04:28:47 AM

Quote from: MexicoCityM3 on February 12, 2007, 09:48:19 AM
Unfortunately, no. The only diesel car we get in Mexico is the VW Bora (Jetta) TDI. I'm sure I would love the diesel, especially in an SUV. In 2000 I drove through Spain and France in a rented 320d and found it 95% as fun as the 328Ci I had then. If diesels were available here from BMW, I'd get a 120d or 320d as my daily driver.