Who drove the 35i and the 50i?

[kwilkins]

I'm doing a lot of reading on both models and some reviews say to go with the 35i for a better balanced ride. The max torque range on the the 35i starts lower and is wider than with the 50i, obviously the 50i has much more torque and HP.

I recently test drove an X6 50i and of course it is a beast, however, there was a slight lag every time I stepped on the gas and then it went like a rocket. I've also driven the 550i sedan (I know, I know, it's totally different) and hitting the gas gave instant power no matter what gear I was in or how fast or slow I was going.

Anyway, I'm thinking about getting an X5 and will soon test drive the 35i and the 50i. I'm interested to hear from anyone who has driven them both. What were your impressions of the differences in acceleration, handling, ride, etc. I don't need to go as fast as possible in a straight line, but I do like performance.

Thanks to any and all for your thoughts.

Ken

[pfbz]

The 50i has monster power and great handling, but is 400+ pounds heavier, almost all of it on the front wheels. It was definitely noticeable to me.

35i is still pretty darn quick, with most reviews putting it at 6.2 0-60. Not bad for a two-ton SUV.

Subtract 419 pounds and almost $7,000 from the 50i, and the 35i is the right choice if you enjoy curvy roads more than stop-light drag races...

[263464757]

It's real simple...one cost about $7000 less and one get 14mpg. $7 grand is 7 grand and 14mpg sucks!

The only time I hate my 5.0 is at the pump...the throttle lag you mentioned, you'll learn to feather it in about two weeks.

For me it boiled down to one thing. City or Highway, I never like to be at the mercy of other traffic. I learned how nice that was years ago with my 540. I never get pissed off when I drive... you stutter for a moment... and I'm gone.

I not bragging or beating my chest in the least, and truthfully, I almost never hotdog around others. Just trying to describe how easy it is to always put yourself exactly where you want to be in the traffic...it's effortless...but I pay for that at the pump.

Good luck choosing.

[richard in NC]

I've had all types of motors but go for the top or near top motor of each car I've owned.

I have always liked a peppy V8, for the sound and ease of acceleration. Nothing beats a motor with low to mid range torque plus high RPM power. The 50i has that in spades. Even saddled with the X5 weight.

It's not that I floor it at every opportunity. Its that you don't have to punch it hard or wind it out to get the impressive power to pull away from others at a light, or merge into traffic, or just show off.

It always amazes me how lazily people accelerate for on ramps. Everyone knows that traffic flows at 70 mph when it can, so why merge into a lane at 50 mph and take 1/2 mile to get to 70 mph. If I have the opportunity when merging on to an interstate behind someone like that, I move over another lane, nudge the gas, and hit the 70 mph speed in seconds. I usually end up 100 yards ahead without trying. I can average 16 mpg in my daily commute and 19-20 pure highway so you tell I'm not crazy with it.