Today is delivery day for the X5d.

[equ]

I'm curious to see how I feel about it now that I'm back from annual leave. So far only two short test drives and then a leap out to yonder...

The x5 will feel extra strange as I spent the last twelve days in a rental Renault Clio 1.5 dCi (a smooth 90hp/160ft-lb diesel that achieved an exact 50mpg with relatively heavy use). Much improved over previous Clio's, and drives/rides like a larger car (say e46 feeling), with a curb weight of about 2500lbs, less than half that of my new-to-me monster truck.

[robg]

Chris Harris just posted a Clio Vs Fiesta review- looks like a fun car
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ktb40...6EEEFA&index=1

[equ]

Pics:

[equ]

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.

[John V]

5100 pounds?!

[SARAFIL]

What happened to the 20" factory wheels?

[JST]

That's a lot of pounds.

[Alan]

That is one good looking X5 ... great color choice !!!

[equ]

Originally Posted by SARAFIL

What happened to the 20" factory wheels?

Previous owner traded in without. It does have OEM 19"'s and fresh michelin winter tires to somewhat make up for this, but obviously it does take away from the value of the car.

I realized the missing wheels and got some discount for it, but it is what it is. I'm not sure I need 20" wheels and I'm not a big fan of stagger on AWD or even any daily driver... We'll see, I am on the hunt for a 3-season set. In any case, the ride without runflats is very good.

JV: It's either 5100 or 5200. Who's counting?

[SARAFIL]

Originally Posted by equ

Previous owner traded in without. It does have OEM 19"'s and fresh michelin winter tires to somewhat make up for this, but obviously it does take away from the value of the car.

I realized the missing wheels and got some discount for it, but it is what it is. I'm not sure I need 20" wheels and I'm not a big fan of stagger on AWD or even any daily driver... We'll see, I am on the hunt for a 3-season set. In any case, the ride without runflats is very good.

JV: It's either 5100 or 5200. Who's counting?

Didn't it have the factory sport wheels in the pic you posted last week?