X5 First drive - X5 E70

[KokkenTor]

"Bigger, heavier, and lighter on its feet? We drive the new, seven-passenger X5.
BY JARED HOLSTEIN, PHOTOGRAPHY BY JARED HOLSTEIN
October 2006


BMW didn’t have much competition in 2000 when it dropped the sleek, fun X5 into a stodgy SUV market. Seven years later, the Audi Q7 is more car-like, the Cayenne Turbo is faster, the Mercedes GL has more functional space, and all are plush. Never seriously eclipsed were the BMW’s looks or dynamic prowess, so the all-new 2007 X5 expands on its strong suits and moves to meet the other challenges with expanded cargo space and a first-ever third row of seats."

http://www.caranddriver.com/previews/11879/2007-bmw-x5.html

 

[Zafiro]

iDrive is standard in the X5 on all models. The third evolution of iDrive offers basic functionality that should have been there in the first place: complete control over oft-used functions via redundant, standard interfaces. Good old buttons and knobs are on the center console to for radio and climate control.

So its Idrive v3.0 now?


We hear a completely revised iDrive may appear on the 2008 7-series similar to Audi’s MMI (Multi Media Interface).

Intresting!

If people were smitten by the previous X5, they ought to love the new one.

 

[Zafiro]

no comments?

 

[Osnabrueck]

Well, ya know - it's one of those reviews where the reviewers haven't actually tested the thing, so they just have take what information is available and somehow extrapolate an interesting article outta all that.

I'm sure the X5 will go through the paces and deliver BMW goodness at a high premium, like we all expect.

 

[Zafiro]

Well, ya know - it's one of those reviews where the reviewers haven't actually tested the thing, so they just have take what information is available and somehow extrapolate an interesting article outta all that.

I'm sure the X5 will go through the paces and deliver BMW goodness at a high premium, like we all expect.

but is it true that new X5 has version 3.0 of I-drive?

 

[Michael]

but is it true that new X5 has version 3.0 of I-drive?

Eni are you there? Can you hear me?!?Helloooooooooo

 

[Yperion]

We hear a completely revised iDrive may appear on the 2008 7-series similar to Audi’s MMI (Multi Media Interface).

It took ages for BMW to realise that iDrive was too complicated but they finaly came to their senses and decided to take an example from the best system out there.

 

[klier]

It took ages for BMW to realise that iDrive was too complicated but they finaly came to their senses and decided to take an example from the best system out there.

Shut it. Not funny, go spam somewhere else.

Just_me, I can give you the answer.
Yes, this could be seen as iDrive v. 3.0. It has additional buttons and a tweaked interface, and will quite likely be the last version of this iDrive system before the F01 7-series

 

[Imhotep Evil]

Heavy...too heavy.

 

[klier]

Heavy...too heavy.

Heavy.....but lighter on it's feet

 

[EnI]

Eni are you there? Can you hear me?!?Helloooooooooo

Not 3.0. More like 2.1

6 (US; the other 2 are "Mode" and "AM/FM" buttons) or 8 (Europe) dedicated radio buttons (for radio stations presets) can be now also programmed as shortcut to phone nubmers & nav destinations.

Some menus (GUI) have been tweaked as well.

But nothing has been really changed much. The conncept stays same: rotating 5-way central controller with "Menu" escape button.

Totally new iDrive (3.0) will come with F01 7er in 2008. Much better execution of iDrive.

Heavy...too heavy.

Not really. The car is actually only few kilograms (eg 15kg) heavier than E53 with same equippment & featuers! Despite being bigger in every dimension.

Of course they put new features & equippment in the packages which put on same additional weight. But comparing stripped E53 versions vs stripped 5-seat E70 version - E70 is only few kilograms heavier.

Yet still - this is a large SAV / SUV. Do not expect it to be under 2 tones.

 

[Imhotep Evil]

They could have used an ASF or something to lose some weight.

 

[Michael]

"It seems a bit dainty for the platform, but opens up the console for afterthoughts like cup holders (“it vill hold ze Big Gulp,” we are assured). "


I love it!!!

 

[Michael]

They could have used an ASF or something to lose some weight.

ASF? What does that mean

If you are referring to lightened panels, etc., they have installed some in the front page of the car.

 

[Zafiro]

ASF? What does that mean

Aluminum space frame

 

[Yperion]

Shut it. Not funny, go spam somewhere else.

It wouldn't hurt if you read car magazine reviews then you would know that MMI is considered easier to use than iDrive.

Audi Builds A Better iDrive
The automaker's MMI is supremely capable and, more importantly, comprehensible.
Enough has been written about BMW's iDrive to fill a 1,000-page driver's manual. Then again, iDrive owners need a 1,000-page manual to figure out how to use it. Credit Audi for succeeding where the vaunted Bavarian firm failed. After a week driving Audi's new 2004 A8, we can report that the carmaker has created an electronic driver- car interface that is genuinely intuitive.

http://www.popsci.com/popsci/automotivetech/21973bcc2eb84010vgnvcm1000004eecbccdrcrd.html

Rather than the "too many" philosophy of Mercedes' COMAND or the "too few" thinking behind iDrive, MMI uses a "just right" approach to mixing dials, buttons and LCD menus. The key here is that several large, clearly labeled buttons allow instantaneous access to primary functions (audio, climate, nav and so on). From there it's a relatively short trip through the menus to access whatever specific adjustment you seek.

http://www.edmunds.com/news/column/carmudgeon/102470/article.html

In November, BMW will debut a new and improved iDrive cockpit controller with the X5 SUV. Focus-group sources report that BMW has sought feedback on a system not unlike Audi's best-of-breed MMI controller. The result: The new iDrive will have eight keys on the center console stack to assist its four-way controller. You'll be able to program destinations, numbers, or audio settings into each button, bypassing the iDrive's previous slide, turn, and press methodology. Yet another version may be in the works with the 2008 replacement of the BMW 7 Series.

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,2021231,00.asp

The A8's Multi Media Interface, or MMI, system has all the functionality of iDrive while providing a much more user-friendly setup...

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=100355

And countless other articles.

 

[EnI]

They could have used an ASF or something to lose some weight.

ASF is too costy. Especially for a SUV / SAV. Look at raw aluminium prices.
Expect ASF or composite alu-CF frames in top-end models only.

Have you asked yourself how much many eg. Audi makes with A8? Profit margins are much lower than the ones on 7er or S-class, despite Audi selling A8 at similar prices.

Mind that BMW try to combine best technical solutions & highest possible profit margin. They could easily make a ASF 3er or CF Z4, but then

a) prices for such vehicles would be much higher - making BMW cars too expensive: resulting in a heavy sales drop = much lower revenues & profit,
b) BMW would sell them with minimal profit margin or even loss.

I think Quandts & other major BMW investors wouldn't be much happy with such results.

 

[Michael]

Is the Q7 ASF?

 

[Yperion]

The technology behind Audi Space Frame is very complicated and advanced. Audi is at least three years ahead of any other manufacturer (like Jaguar for example or Ferrari) that uses aluminium for making cars.
BMW would need many years to master the technology behind aluminium welding.

Audi A8 and TT use ASF, Q7 doesn't.

 

[EnI]

The technology behind Audi Space Frame is very complicated and advanced. Audi is at least three years ahead of any other manufacturer (like Jaguar for example or Ferrari) that uses aluminium for making cars.
BMW would need many years to master the technology behind aluminium welding.

Audi A8 and TT use ASF, Q7 doesn't.

Yannis, FYI BMW makes ASF for RR Phantom. In Dingolfing plant. So ...

Stop BSing!