2006 BMW X5 4.8 is review from North America

Nothing as of yet, but I am waiting for the on board computer to go.

I bought this car in november of 2005 as a trade in from a 2004 BMW 745Li. since we were leasing the car for 1200 a month, I decided to get somehting much more...practical. I wanted the 4.8is, nothing less of an x5, so I looked at comparably equipped mercedes, land rovers, and the cayenne. I chose the bmw. it jsut has a more sporty feel than the others, especially the mercedes (i hated that thing). now, mind you, when I buy a car, I use the car. there isn no sitting in the garage for it. I drive it like a race car, and I treat it like a truck. I do fold down the seats and load it with dirty messy junk. I basically drive it like a used old junker truck. after all it is just a car. it performs exceptionally in the mountains. recently, I drove my long time friend, and her son home from the mountains where they are having a house built. so, since they are die-hard spead freaks, I decided to give them a little performance. as son as we pulled out of the driveway onto the main road, I had it going alittle over 70, even around sharp corners. with no body roll, it felt as if we were going 20, seriousley. and that engine note, like no other. but there was one thing that was a major annoyance, with the panoramic sun roof open, it vibrated at 80 on the freeway. the comfort is amazing, the comfort seats are very supportive and firm. the wood can be made very glossy (the boy also details it and does a wonderful job), and the leather is very soft and warm, even in the winter. the sound system is awesome, way above normal for bose. it actually has a complete audio system and does not seem to be lacking anything. I would have prefered it if BMW would have had harmon/kardon's in these. I DO NOT LIKE THE LAUNCH CONTROLL! I hate it with a passion. with all 425 horse power, I should be able to light up the tires with ease, but I can even spin them on wet gravel! I like it much better than my old 745Li, I am not much of a boat driver, who drives like a grandma. no, I am a speed deamon who likes the adrenaline. I think it would have been nice if the X5 had the 7 series start button, rather than the key, mostly because the start button is more sporty, therefore should be mated with a more sporty car. if you can afford the 80,000 price tag, I highly recommend this vehicle above all others to you. its luxurious and sporty, yet versitile. I could keep going on and on about my baby, but I am cutting myself off now.

A very, VERY pleased driver of the Ultimate Driving Experience.