M3 driver tries out the X5M

[spmd11]

Okay, so my dealer took in a 2010 X5M from a customer the other day.. I've never driven one, so I thought that I would try it out. My daily is a 2011 X5 5.0 and my garage queen is a 2011 M3 Vert. I'm really sorry for what I am going to say...
... but I was disappointed. The car is extremely fast, for sure. But the exhaust note was really strange and actually sounded wimpish compared to my 5.0. This was a shock to me. It sounded more like an e46 M3 (which is not a bad thing, just totally different) than a V8 M. I cannot explain this.. a very metallic sound.. not deep and throaty like I was expecting.
Secondly, I did not like the transmission at all. Coming from the DCT in my M, which I am very fond of, this 6 speed Auto feels very ordinary.. much like the 6 speed in our 135i Vert.
The car handles well, for sure, but it still is not as fun throwing it in corners as a car is, just due to the higher center of gravity.
So, I don't know what to say, other than I came away really surprised. I guess that I will be waiting for the X5M in the next platform... or maybe I will just get another "normal" V8 in the next model. I was expecting the X5M to be like the M3, only more awesome, given the hype... oh well..
Sorry to you gents with the X5M. I mean no disrespect!!
P.S. This car was a dog. Owned by a doctor who traded it in after 2 years, rather than clean it. My CA joked that it was an expensive car wash! Instead of detailing it, he traded it! 46k miles in 2 years on a 3 year lease. LOL!

[Mmmdreamer]

I'm not a fan of SUVs and the idea of super powerful SUVs seems unnecessary to me.

[///M Rakete]

Originally Posted by spmd11

Okay, so my dealer took in a 2010 X5M from a customer the other day.. I've never driven one, so I thought that I would try it out. My daily is a 2011 X5 5.0 and my garage queen is a 2011 M3 Vert. I'm really sorry for what I am going to say...
... but I was disappointed. The car is extremely fast, for sure. But the exhaust note was really strange and actually sounded wimpish compared to my 5.0. This was a shock to me. It sounded more like an e46 M3 (which is not a bad thing, just totally different) than a V8 M. I cannot explain this.. a very metallic sound.. not deep and throaty like I was expecting.
Secondly, I did not like the transmission at all. Coming from the DCT in my M, which I am very fond of, this 6 speed Auto feels very ordinary.. much like the 6 speed in our 135i Vert.
The car handles well, for sure, but it still is not as fun throwing it in corners as a car is, just due to the higher center of gravity.
So, I don't know what to say, other than I came away really surprised. I guess that I will be waiting for the X5M in the next platform... or maybe I will just get another "normal" V8 in the next model. I was expecting the X5M to be like the M3, only more awesome, given the hype... oh well..
Sorry to you gents with the X5M. I mean no disrespect!!
P.S. This car was a dog. Owned by a doctor who traded it in after 2 years, rather than clean it. My CA joked that it was an expensive car wash! Instead of detailing it, he traded it! 46k miles in 2 years on a 3 year lease. LOL!

Having spent some time driving an X5M I agree with what you observed. It is incredible that an SUV can do what the X5M does but it's still a letdown.

[MDyDinanM]

Originally Posted by spmd11

Okay, so my dealer took in a 2010 X5M from a customer the other day.. I've never driven one, so I thought that I would try it out. My daily is a 2011 X5 5.0 and my garage queen is a 2011 M3 Vert. I'm really sorry for what I am going to say...
... but I was disappointed. The car is extremely fast, for sure. But the exhaust note was really strange and actually sounded wimpish compared to my 5.0. This was a shock to me. It sounded more like an e46 M3 (which is not a bad thing, just totally different) than a V8 M. I cannot explain this.. a very metallic sound.. not deep and throaty like I was expecting.
Secondly, I did not like the transmission at all. Coming from the DCT in my M, which I am very fond of, this 6 speed Auto feels very ordinary.. much like the 6 speed in our 135i Vert.
The car handles well, for sure, but it still is not as fun throwing it in corners as a car is, just due to the higher center of gravity.
So, I don't know what to say, other than I came away really surprised. I guess that I will be waiting for the X5M in the next platform... or maybe I will just get another "normal" V8 in the next model. I was expecting the X5M to be like the M3, only more awesome, given the hype... oh well..
Sorry to you gents with the X5M. I mean no disrespect!!
P.S. This car was a dog. Owned by a doctor who traded it in after 2 years, rather than clean it. My CA joked that it was an expensive car wash! Instead of detailing it, he traded it! 46k miles in 2 years on a 3 year lease. LOL!

lol, you expected a SUV, or rather SAV to behave like a performance 2 door coupe? You had your expectations too high then.

apples and oranges...these are two different types of cars. Just b/c it has a ///M badge doesn't mean it will behave like a M3.

now if you were expecting a high performance SAV, as compared to the competition out there, a X5 M isn't all that bad.

[gaeko]

The harsh and muted exhaust is likely due to the twin turbos. Isnt the same engine used in the new M5?

Thats what worries me about the future of BMWs being turbo.

What were your thoughts in the low end torque of the X5M? It must have felt pretty massive coming from an M3

[Michaeljh2000]

Although I like SUV's, I've never been a big fan of those considered to be bridging the gap between a sports car and average SUV. I would own an X5 50 but not the M.

[LTJohn]

Agreed....these super utes don't make a whole lot of sense.

I think they are fun, but I can't see me ever getting one.

[spmd11]

Originally Posted by gaeko

The harsh and muted exhaust is likely due to the twin turbos. Isnt the same engine used in the new M5?

Thats what worries me about the future of BMWs being turbo.

What were your thoughts in the low end torque of the X5M? It must have felt pretty massive coming from an M3

Yeah, but the 5.0 is a twin turbo, and in my opinion, the exhaust tuning sounds so much better.

[spmd11]

Originally Posted by gaeko

The harsh and muted exhaust is likely due to the twin turbos. Isnt the same engine used in the new M5?

Thats what worries me about the future of BMWs being turbo.

What were your thoughts in the low end torque of the X5M? It must have felt pretty massive coming from an M3

Low end torque? Yes, like a freight train. The vehicle is unbelievably quick. Yet it feels like a nimble elephant in the twisties. It still weighs 5000+ lbs! LOL!

[spmd11]

Originally Posted by mdyaman

lol, you expected a SUV, or rather SAV to behave like a performance 2 door coupe? You had your expectations too high then.

apples and oranges...these are two different types of cars. Just b/c it has a ///M badge doesn't mean it will behave like a M3.

now if you were expecting a high performance SAV, as compared to the competition out there, a X5 M isn't all that bad.

Yes, expectations too high.... interestingly, the jump in performance from the 335 to the M3 is quantum. On paper, the relative jump between the X5 5.0 and the X5M looks similar.. but in the actual drive, it just doesn't materialize (and actually disappoints in some areas, no DCT, strange exhaust tuning). At least IMHO.

[Purple88Gold]

I too have an 05 4.4 X5 and don't understand the need for a performance SUV like the X5M.

[a burrito]

I felt the same when I was considering the x5m to replace my range river. I was even more disappointed that it was less thrilling to drive than my old 06 x5 4.8iS.

[LarThaL]

I actually am a big fan of high performance SUV's. If you are a driving enthusiast, and need an SUV, then these are the vehicles for you. While my Cayenne GTS is not in the same power class as the X5M, it is no slouch, and will certainly outhandle an X5M. In fact, I am really blown away by the capabilities of my Cayenne....given that it is an SUV. And therein lies the key in terms of performance. As spectacular a vehicle as the Cayenne is, it can not match the M3 in any aspect of performance. I never expected it to. It is simply too big and bulky. Same for the X5M. It is spectacular for an SUV, but you can only bend the laws of physics so far.

[spmd11]

Originally Posted by VVG

I actually am a big fan of high performance SUV's. If you are a driving enthusiast, and need an SUV, then these are the vehicles for you. While my Cayenne GTS is not in the same power class at the X5M, it is no slouch, and will certainly outhandle an X5M. In fact, I am really blown away by the capabilities of my Cayenne....given that it is an SUV. And therein lies the key in terms of performance. As spectacular a vehicle as the Cayenne is, it can not match the M3 in any aspect of performance. I never expected it to. It is simply too big and bulky. Same for the X5M. It is spectacular for an SUV, but you can only bend the laws of physics so far.

Yes, exactly... so the point I experienced was this.. does it make sense to spend the money required to get this performance from an SUV/SAV, i.e. $100k for an X5M!!! Because after you spend that dough, you still don't have a vehicle that handles like a sports sedan/coupe or sports car. The X5 5.0 is $20 to $30k less than the X5M.

[TysonRa]

I drove a 2009 cayenne turbo s and then, when I ordered my m3 I tried out n X5M. And I have to say that the x5m is nothing against the turbo s! Yah, ok it is still n SUV but compared to the porsche it felt like a 2.0 diesel! (I´m just talking about performance)

[IFX]

as some stated about the 1M, it may be fast, but it can't outrun it's looks.

[Lovegreatcars]

Curious about the comparison one would make between the X6M and the X5M. Has anyone driven both and would offer a comparison? Thanks. Seems the X6M would be more like the Cayenne than the X5M.

[13 NF]

I agree with this thread totally, I have just owned an X6M for 3 weeks, I had to get out of it and return to my M3,my first experience with a M3 was wreaked by oil leaks and that was returned to BMW early November 2011.

I purchased a X6M as a rebound to the issues with my M3, but it just was not that special, really felt its weight and size and give zero entertainment, BUT that was not the cars fault, but mine, its a SUV and will never entertain like a smaller car. I lost sight of that and only realised when I had to live with it. I got rid off it and got new M3 with the individual pack on it with black wheels and grill and vents etc looks great!

And suddenly transformed my DD and put a smile on my face.

But I have to say X6M great bit of engineering the marketing suggests something wonderful, which it is! But its just as wonderfull in the diesel spec and here in the UK pointless.

If I lived in the USA I would have it as my second car over the wifes X5 diesel but in real world driving its no more impressive than the diesel ones we have had.

I totally agree with the gear box issues, lets hope an LCI sorts this.

Long live the thrill of the M3!

[LarThaL]

Originally Posted by spmd11

Yes, exactly... so the point I experienced was this.. does it make sense to spend the money required to get this performance from an SUV/SAV, i.e. $100k for an X5M!!! Because after you spend that dough, you still don't have a vehicle that handles like a sports sedan/coupe or sports car. The X5 5.0 is $20 to $30k less than the X5M.

If I absolutely needed an SUV and could only get one vehicle, I would get the X5M. Alternatively, if I was to go the 2 vehicle route, it would be the M3 and the X5 5.0. I also think the 5.0 gets pricier when you start adding the body kit, bigger wheels/tires, etc etc to get it closer to the M5. the price difference might be less than you think.

[needspeed]

I love my M, traded the M3 for it and chose it over the 5.0. To each his/her own....but the M is worth the money to me......Steve

[YolkyPalky]

I am an original owner of an '02 M3 w/ SMGII and love it. I have never tried DCT in newer models, but I've heard it's even better. I bought my M3 as a single man. Now 10 years later, married with 2 toddlers, the 2 door coupe is not working out so well with carseats, strollers, etc. lol. I have been seriously thinking about the X5M. I think it is the perfect car for someone in my situation, a confirmed lover of M cars, but now with toddlers, carseats, and needing to haul all the crap they bring along .

Comparing it's handling to a M3 is obviously not fair, since they are in a totally different class. However, just straight off the line speed, the X5M is actually faster than the M3, at least that's what all the reviews have said, and has miles more torque as well (granted it weighs a lot more too). I'm not sure why BMW didn't drop in the DCT in the X5M, but instead chose a regular "Auto" with paddle shifters, there probably is a logical reason. Perhaps they figure most SUV/SAV drivers will just drive in auto and not be shifting manually as much, like most M3 drivers would. In any case I think the X5M is a beast of a car, and for those that MUST have an SAV, I am glad BMW gave us an "M" model.

[niqui]

how does the x6m compare? is it pretty much the same - cause i was toying with one for dd/winter (was waiting to see cayenne gts too)