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      11-22-2013, 05:14 PM   #1
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F15 first thoughts after driving

So, I just got back from the stealership after test driving, and seeing in person, the F15 for the first time - a 35i Luxury Line in white with mocha dakota interior....

I've been a "BMW guy" ever since moving to the US from the UK. I started out with an '03 X5 V8, had a moment of madness with an Acura MDX, moved to an '07 335i Coupe, and '09 X6 35i, an '12 X6 50i, added an E46 M3 'vert, a K1300S bike, swapped the M3 for a '12 335is 'vert, then traded the 335is and X6 for a '13 X5M.

After a few short months with the X5M it went back for some niggling issues, and I decided to try a different brand. I wanted a full-size Range Rover, but couldn't live with the roly-poly ride, and actually ended up loving the Evoque.

Now 6 months in with the Evoque, I realize that I miss the BMW. It's a the little things - the fact that I can't read inbound texts on the central display, the fact that the navigation doesn't display the actual distance to my next turn on the driver display, and the fact that even though it'll tell me there's traffic ahead I have to push through about five screens to get to what it is.

We'll disregard the fact that the map lights turn on randomly whilst driving, the visor rattles, the rear washer doesn't actually spray water, and that it randomly bitches about having no coolant in it. The handling is actually pretty decent, and the engine torquey. It doesn't sound good, but there ya go.

I toyed with waiting for the F16, but the reasons I'd moved to an X5 will still be there. The trunk and back seat just aren't as practical, and adding a ski box to the roof is a pain.

So, it was going to be the F15. Then a matter of spec. I've got used to the awesome gas mileage of the Evoque (~26mpg on a tank, vs. the ~13mpg on the X5M) and my head told me to go with the 35i.

On first impressions, the F15 is a *big* vehicle. It feels much larger both outside, and from the driver's seat, that the E70 did. The mirrors are smaller, but overall visibility seems to be better.

The cabin is a dramatic improvement - it feels generally more open, the the huge new iDrive screen is crystal clear with really smooth and impressive graphics. The LED backlighting on the dash and door panels looks really cool in lower light too!

The 35i sounds really good as it starts up. You can tell it's not a V8, but there's a fun sporty rasp that was much more muted on the E70/E71. As we pulled out of the dealership I could tell that the steering was different. It felt a little emotionless, but still very much BMW steering.

We drove a fairly lengthy circuit - bad roads, freeway, winding sections and stop-go traffic. I really wanted to find the 35i "slow" to justify the V8, and honestly struggled. Yes, you have to work it a little around 50mph (kick down) but there's plenty go for any sane person, and not much body roll even on the standard suspension setup. The transmission is super smooth, and the cabin very quiet compared with prior cars.

All in all, a great progression from the E7x. Comfortable, commanding to drive, and great handling and power - even from the "base" model.

So, despite the "head" telling me that base suspension and the I6 were totally respectable, and the test drive backing that up, my heart won out - and I ordered the V8 with Dynamic Handling anyway .

Now weeks of annoying waiting and tracking follow.... Eugh!

Sanity did win out in one place though. The MSport package looks stunning, but needs the 20" wheels to work. After years of having two sets of tires (this is a regular mountain snow car) I just can't face switching back and forth - not to mention another $4500 on winter rims and rubber. I ended up ordering:

X5 xDrive 50i in Dark Graphite w/ Ivory Nappa in xLine config
Executive
Driver Assist II
ACC + Stop and Go
Harmon Kardon stereo (the CA reassured me that the B&O is incredible, but a line has to be drawn somewhere!)
Cold Weather
4-Zone Climate
Dynamic Handling

So, just a few more weeks to go.... hopefully...!
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      11-22-2013, 05:22 PM   #2
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Well said on all accounts. I do disagree on the feel regarding size though, it felt to me exactly the same as sitting in an E70, but maybe it's been too long since I've been in an E70 outside of recent test drives..
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      11-23-2013, 09:12 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by alistairg View Post
So, despite the "head" telling me that base suspension and the I6 were totally respectable, and the test drive backing that up, my heart won out - and I ordered the V8 with Dynamic Handling anyway .
That a boy! Finally someone I can use to gauge a 50i w/DHP. I know what you mean about a winter wheel setup, but I'm surprised you didn't opt for the MSport w/20". IMHO, the 20s" complete any and all X5s (present and previous). Plus you would have received the Sport Auto with the MSport. BTW, did you test drive an F15 V8? When I test drove the 50i w/MSport, I was a bit let down by the exhaust sound and the distinctive V8 "hammer" sound was missing.

Do you have an expected arrival date? I need an extensive report on the handling! Thanks
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      11-23-2013, 09:23 AM   #4
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Nice write up but what will you get four months after getting the X5?
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      11-23-2013, 09:42 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gblansten View Post
Nice write up but what will you get four months after getting the X5?
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      11-23-2013, 10:00 AM   #6
NoPII
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LOL. An X6 of course!
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      11-23-2013, 10:06 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by alistairg View Post
LOL. An X6 of course!
X6M
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