Going to Q7

[samguan]

My X5 lease is ending August and I’m not sure if I’m happy with the way this X5 drives coming from E93.

No doubt it’s a great looking car but I really have a hate relationship with the steering feel... it’s feels like I’m turning a dial a lot of times like it’s just not smooth at all. The other thing I dislike about this car is it’s kind of floaty, both my brother and I find it in the beginning that it’s “harder” to drive straight....

So I went to test drive a Q7 3.0T, I really liked the way it drove. The steering felt great and cornering felt great. I think in general it drove more like a sedan than the X5. It’s got a dynamic ride package so maybe that was the difference. My x5 has the msport adaptive suspension not the DHP.

Hope I don’t start a war here just my honest opinion... has anyone have similar experience or any inputs?

[iconoclast]

If you had DHP your handling complaints would not exist but either way I hope you enjoy your new Q7. Good luck with it.

[firstbimmer]

I love my x5 for the family hauler and daily commuter it is. I also find it extremely difficult to drive straight at highway speeds as it has zero on-center feel when past 45mph going straight. Probably the weirdest thing I've ever said about a car before...haha. It just wont track straight and constantly requires minor inputs if at speed. I chalk it up to early 2015 electric steering. Checked tires and alignment and nothing wrong. It doesn't help that my e92m3 will track straight with no input at all so it's a completely opposite feeling than I'm used to.

[CatalinP]

Have you considered tramlining?

[firstbimmer]

Long ago my old 335i had that issue. This is definitely an electric steering issue. The slightest bend in the road eliminates it as it isn't present with any active input in the steering wheel. There is no rough pulling or moving, the wheel simply doesn't have a dead on center position at speed. It's very weird, but it reminds me of the early 3 series electric steering loaner cars from my dealership as they would have the exact same issue. It's not a huge deal, just more of a side annoyance.

[Wavy]

I've had a loaner X5 and own an X6 and I never noticed this issue.

[turboawd]

Ban him! Lol

[deutsch100]

Originally Posted by Wavy

I've had a loaner X5 and own an X6 and I never noticed this issue.

My 17 40e and now 17 35d have no steering issues at all!! 100% perfect!

I personally think the F15 looks, drives and handles better than the Q7...but I would consider Audi or Porsche suvs just to get proper and fully functioning Auto Climate Control (or at least A/C that can blow strong). F15 is ice cold, but man...I hate my A/C.

[gtrsam]

I have both cars. My wife drives the q7 and it has the adaptive air suspension. I do agree I think the q7 drives way better . Just overall smoother. Although I do have almost every option in the q7. Here are some pics of it.

[Chigger]

I had a 2011 Q7 Premium+, loved it but my wife said it drove like school bus. I haven't had a chance to drive the newer ones... I really like the one gtrsam has, white with black rims.

Might go back to a Q (or SQ) in the future.

[iconoclast]

There is no SQ7/SQ8 slated for US/NAR yet... If so it definitely is not getting the TDI motor ROW receives. The rumors are it would be the V8TT. The only thing that keeps me optimistic about it arriving here is that AOA does not offer an S-Line package for the Q7 and this may be to help differentiate the SQ7 from it's plain Jane counterpart and justify the premium it will have on the window sticker.

[Germanauto]

The F15 is not the driver's 'ute the X5 once was. It's the reason my folks kept their 2015 X5 M Sport. They are excited for the G05 and hope it drives more as a BMW should.

The F15 was a very warmed over E70 from a styling and interior design perspective as well. It didn't feel "new" enough and was a pretty lazy effort overall.

[spyderbret]

I am on my second f15 with DHP. Had an E70 without it and for me it makes the vehicle. It feels much more sporty and like a sedan with DHP. No floatyness, direct steering (although still not perfect) and flat around corners. Get the DHP and your complaints will most likely disappear....