2016 X5 35i as a loaner, not impressed

[IndyRed128i]

So I have always thought that aside from the X5 being sort of a "soccer mom car", that they were a decent looking SUV, and I assumed the driving was good as well.

Fast foward to today, and while my 128i is in the shop, I get to drive an X5 35i around, and I gotta say, was pretty disappointed, especially considering this is a 70k vehicle.
-Drive like a tank, with so-so acceleration
-Poor turning radius
-Feels bland overall

The X3/X4, for far less money even seem to drive better, which I get because of the size, but still, just kinda surprised me because this vehicle is supposed to be competing with Range Rover, Porsche Cayenne, and other large SUV's that still drive well

Anyone else that has driven a late model X5 notice these things, or is it just me?

[Evolve Automotive]

The poor turning and lack of steering wheel I agree with. I like the new x5. I think they need to add a few things, but I like it overall. I would replace my e70 with one.

[F80Dreamer]

Interesting...I am taking my car in for the 1200 mile service this Friday and asked for an X5 loaner as we are thinking of getting one for my wife. Hoping I like it more than you did!!

[VRG_135]

Originally Posted by IndyRed128i

So I have always thought that aside from the X5 being sort of a "soccer mom car", that they were a decent looking SUV, and I assumed the driving was good as well.

Fast foward to today, and while my 128i is in the shop, I get to drive an X5 35i around, and I gotta say, was pretty disappointed, especially considering this is a 70k vehicle.
-Drive like a tank, with so-so acceleration
-Poor turning radius
-Feels bland overall

The X3/X4, for far less money even seem to drive better, which I get because of the size, but still, just kinda surprised me because this vehicle is supposed to be competing with Range Rover, Porsche Cayenne, and other large SUV's that still drive well

Anyone else that has driven a late model X5 notice these things, or is it just me?

Its got to be better than the 320 I got last time.

[mleun481]

Haven't driven a 2016, but I did have 2012 X5 35i. I liked it, but wasn't enough - so I got rid of that for a 2013 X5M. Much better. Last time I got a base 3 series as a loaner. Talk about disappointment.

[sygazelle]

Originally Posted by IndyRed128i

So I have always thought that aside from the X5 being sort of a "soccer mom car", that they were a decent looking SUV, and I assumed the driving was good as well.

Fast foward to today, and while my 128i is in the shop, I get to drive an X5 35i around, and I gotta say, was pretty disappointed, especially considering this is a 70k vehicle.
-Drive like a tank, with so-so acceleration
-Poor turning radius
-Feels bland overall

The X3/X4, for far less money even seem to drive better, which I get because of the size, but still, just kinda surprised me because this vehicle is supposed to be competing with Range Rover, Porsche Cayenne, and other large SUV's that still drive well

Anyone else that has driven a late model X5 notice these things, or is it just me?

I rented one for 5 days while in Hawaii this summer. We had been eyeing the X3 for my wife and I wanted to see how the X5 compared. My wife and I both love the X3 and we are waiting for the G01 model, but this X5 really got our attention. Yes, its larger (600 to 800 pounds more than the X3) so its going to feel tank-like by comparison, but we both loved the ride. I had no issues with steering or power (3.5l petrol).

I was actually surprised how well the 3.5 power handled the X5 weight.

The X5 is generally praised by both the media and consumers. Your tastes are more sporty so maybe the 5.0 X5 or one of the other brands you named would be a better choice for you.

[sygazelle]

Originally Posted by F80Dreamer

Interesting...I am taking my car in for the 1200 mile service this Friday and asked for an X5 loaner as we are thinking of getting one for my wife. Hoping I like it more than you did!!

I hope the X5 is available for you as a loaner. Give it a good spanking and let us know what you think.

[IndyRed128i]

Originally Posted by sygazelle

I rented one for 5 days while in Hawaii this summer. We had been eyeing the X3 for my wife and I wanted to see how the X5 compared. My wife and I both love the X3 and we are waiting for the G01 model, but this X5 really got our attention. Yes, its larger (600 to 800 pounds more than the X3) so its going to feel tank-like by comparison, but we both loved the ride. I had no issues with steering or power (3.5l petrol).

I was actually surprised how well the 3.5 power handled the X5 weight.

The X5 is generally praised by both the media and consumers. Your tastes are more sporty so maybe the 5.0 X5 or one of the other brands you named would be a better choice for you.

I do agree about the ride quality...i'm sure it's a great vehicle to be a passenger inhale. I guess like you said I prefer sportier, but its surprising this things feels so much more like a tank than the other BMW SUVs. Unless you have a need for the extra storage, I would probably get the X3, or even the new X4 with an upgraded engine(which would still cost less than buying an X5).

On another note, if anybody ever gets the chance to drive an MB G63, that SUV truly is the epitome of both sports car and suv in one haha.

[IndyRed128i]

Originally Posted by VRG_135

Its got to be better than the 320 I got last time.

I'd agree haha

I was speaking in terms of what you are getting for 70k

[Naz24]

You took in a 128i and got an X5 Loaner and youre not impressed?

I dont disagree that the X5 in base form is sort of bland, but put M Sport or the 50i engine in, and its a whole new kind of beast.

I've been really considering replacing my M3 with a 50i X5 or an X5M.

[sandwi54]

The issue is you are comparing a 128i's driving dynamic with that of a X5, which weighs 1700 lbs more. They serve different purposes and there is no way a X5 can drive as well as a 128i, regardless of how much money is thrown into it.

I agree that a X5 with base suspension drives crappy compared to a performance SUV like Cayenne or RR. You'll need the DHP or even a X5M to have a fair comparison.

[P1]

I have a 135i M Sport and an X5 35i M Sport. Going from one to the other is about as apples and oranges as you can get. The 135i is a go-kart and the X5 is a very comfortable cruiser.

I wouldn't say the F15 drives like a tank. The E70 drove like a tank. The F15 is much more nimble, and actually faster than my E70.

Do you have the VIN of the X5? I bet if we pull it, you'll quickly notice it probably had very few options. Get a nicely loaded X5 and it's a whole different ballgame.

[TallTrees]

The driveability should in no way compete with an 128i as they are 2 completely different vehicles. You definitely sacrifice handling and sport for added utility. When you need to transport 7 or tow a boat you'll start to appreciate what the X5 offers. If you don't need utility there are much better driving experiences to be had for much less.

[Danman5666]

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

As someone that has a F30 335 and a 16 X5 3.5 it's a totally different class of vehicle.

My wife and I wanted a new SUV and compared with the other competitors - you are trying to compare a CAR TO A SUV.

The X5 is worlds ahead in driving dynamics compared to the MB, Acura/Honda, etc. equivalent. The features and functionality are top notch, compared to those other SUVs.

There are things on the X5 I like even more than my 335. Seems to be built a lot better too IMO.

Does my 335 handle and turn significantly better? Heck yeah. But it's not a all-wheel drive SUV.

[Alan l.]

Typical loaner spec that my dealer stocks are stripper models which isn't indicative of how good/bad these cars really are. Was the car you got a stripper as well? There is a massive difference between a well optioned X5 vs a bare bones one. Everything from the luxury feel to driving dynamics are very different.

Alan

[Kzang]

One word... Loaner...

[bubbahead]

Did you think you'll be able to take corners like your go-kart? Even though the 128i is no slouch, get a 35i with the MPPK and you'll just be seeing taillights.

[wifesbimmer]

You cannot possibly compare your 128i to the X5. The X5 has many of the characteristics you described as disappointing because it is an SUV. Understand that it is a different breed. It is usually used for bussing families around town with kids like 99% of users here in this forum including myself. We do not particularly look for handling and acceleration when shopping for SUV's. When I want accurate steering and quick acceleration, I usually hop in my M3. Don't make wrong comparisons OP.

[2016sx5]

1 series, what is that. One of those small european imports like a
Honda Civic. X is a luxury SUV not a beginners model

[samguan]

I somewhat agree with the OP. Haven driven the older 3 series and X4. I have to say I'm a little disappointed with how the X5 drives. I currently own the X5 MSport, its a very comfortable don't get me wrong but I feel like they could bring out some more raw feel with the car but then it defeats the purpose of the car.

From various posts I got, I think the previous gen X5 will fit me better. But then it's a 5000lbs SUV, so it's not fair to compare it to a 1 series or even a 3 series.

[RR-NYC]

Of course it's gonna feel like a tank, the thing is larger, taller, and heavier than your 128. So-so acceleration? Unless I'm missing something, 0-60 is almost identical to a brand spanking new 128i.

I came from an M3 and was thoroughly underwhlemed but it's on par with what I expected from an SUV. I had a s/c Range Rover Sport and it outperformed my X5 in every way but I still wouldn't consider it a disappointment.

[midlifecrisis]

Originally Posted by IndyRed128i

So I have always thought that aside from the X5 being sort of a "soccer mom car", that they were a decent looking SUV, and I assumed the driving was good as well.

Fast foward to today, and while my 128i is in the shop, I get to drive an X5 35i around, and I gotta say, was pretty disappointed, especially considering this is a 70k vehicle.
-Drive like a tank, with so-so acceleration
-Poor turning radius
-Feels bland overall

The X3/X4, for far less money even seem to drive better, which I get because of the size, but still, just kinda surprised me because this vehicle is supposed to be competing with Range Rover, Porsche Cayenne, and other large SUV's that still drive well

Anyone else that has driven a late model X5 notice these things, or is it just me?

I had a 2011 f25 X3 28i and traded it for a 2014 X5 35d. In my opinion, the X5 is better in every way. I agree that the ride with run flats isn't perfect and the steering's too light, but overall I'm really happy with the X5. The X3 didn't feel as good to me, although I recently drove a friend's X4 and it appears they've improved things since 2011. The diesel powertrain in the X5 is fantastic. I'll probably buy it when the lease comes due in May. I have the beige multi-contour seats with fineline wood trim, and I've had many complements on how elegant and comfortable the interior is. Trim choices make a huge difference in people's perception in this regard.