I will wait a bit before I comment on the weight/handling... But, let's say it's very, very different. For a hair-splitter like me (sports package steering feel, 330i vs. 330xi, servotronic mod, tire feel and on and on) it's such a different planet.
Short comments on power/engine:
* Awesome engine. I never feel like it's lacking for power, especially in mid-range. Keeping it in DS helps, but doesn't hurt mpg's badly. Yesterday got report 31mpg on the trip computer, roundtrip to Greenwich, CT from North NJ, mostly hwy with some traffic and NYC crossings! You simply should not be able to have such decent power in such a heavy vehicle and get such decent mileage but it seems the wizards have managed it, though probably at a cost of high complexity.
* It's a little bit slow off the line, 0 to 10mph or so. You don't feel like jumping into a gap in traffic when standing. That's partly not having a manual clutch to burn and the autotragic lag, but also 5100lbs cannot be denied. Once rolling, it moves well and beats average traffic effortlessly with power to spare.
* Currently on michelin winter tires (long story do not ask!), while I'm sourcing an appropriate set of tires/wheels. As they are not run-flat the ride is pretty good until we get to our broken inner city and then imperfections become quite noticeable. Essentially, not as good a ride as the e39 528i, say. OTOH, it probably has as much grip/corner speed as a e39 sport, so you simply need harder springs to hold all this weight so high and in so much control.
* I got car sick in the passenger seat - a first for me. Will ask gf to slow down a bit over bumpy/curvy highways. She was designated driver last night (and I guess I was designated drinker - I might need to slow down a bit as well). Fortunately, my stomach settled without reaching puky finale. Perhaps adaptive suspension is a must. Oh well, beggars/choosers.
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