Finally drove an X5 with Adaptive drive
 

and man oh man, I am glad I ordered it.

I drove out to my dealer to meet my CA(we had done everything via/email and phone) and they happened to have a CPO'd 2011 X5D with AD on the lot. They said go a ahead and take it for an hour, so I did. I took it on back-roads, through residential areas and on the freeway. I also took it through a local PDX neighborhood that has a 35 mph zone with a series of about 20 almost 90- degree turns.

To my sensibilities, there is a night and day difference between AD and non-AD equipped X5's. I used both sport mode and regular. There was absolutely no body roll taking those corners. The truck felt like a car riding on rails IMO.

Now, is it necessary? Probably not. The X5 drives fine w/out it .Does it transform how this 5000+ pound SAV drives? Yes, it does. It turns the truck into a sports car! :thumbup:

I agree. I test drove them back-to-back when shopping for mine and felt the same way.
In fact I "settled" for a 4.8i sport because after months of searching I couldn't find a 35d that had AD optioned along with the other goodies I wanted.

Yep, when you get your x5. Download the the BMW ultimate drive app and take your suv for a spin on some curve road around your area.

Remember to take it after your break in period to get the tire and brake proper wear for better traction and braking power.

Sent from my LG-P999 using Bimmer App

Jonny - which pdx dealer and which road? Might need to try it out myself.

I don't miss AD at all. For a normal driver like me, it is a complete waste of money.

Thats cool. And if you drive like me, worth every last cent :D

Nice to hear.

Ive characterized it as 'makes the car drive like it is 1000 lbs lighter'. Which is something you feel at any speed, and 'aggression level'.

I do agree that it isnt 'needed'- as with so many features on cars, it is a personal decision that really must be driven by what the owner values. Not the CA.

:)

A

Enjoy your beast.

I can only say that BMW doesn't make cars for normal drivers.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=plpp&v=QZeJYFcp35k

Sounds promising. What does Adaptive Drive actually do for a neophyte?

If you do a search, you will find a ton of information on AD. Basically, think of it as a sophisticated sway bar system which constantly works to make sure that the vehicle is level, even when taking sharp turns. Best option in my opinion for the money for a heavy SUV with center of gravity relatively high, such as the X5.

The difference between a non-AD and an AD equipped X5 is significant, but only you can decide it is worth spending $3,500 on it. Personally I would choose AD over, say a Premium Pkg (same price), any day. After all, I bought the X5 for it's performance and handling characteristics over the competing brands. YMMV.

Very helpful! Thanks.

Well said. I was on the fence because I could not find a car to test drive with it. I went and ordered it sight unseen and was a little nervous about doing so. I normally don't make decisions based on others opinions but I was able to weigh what I like about a car and its handling with the opinions of some forum members.

Last week I was able to drive one with AD for an hour and as I said above, there is no comparison to me. It is an obvious night and day difference. One thing I find interesting is the people on this board who say they can't tell the difference. Maybe the one they drove didn't have it calibrated correctly? I don't know. All I do know is driving one with and one w/out I could tell the difference in the first 100 yards.

I agree with you, the AD changes the SAV so much that if price is a factor, I would forgo the premium package or any other option just to make sure I could get the AD. I gave up cold weather and a couple others so I could get the AD. I figured I would rather enjoy driving the SAV than looking at my mph on my windshield or having my butt airconditioned :D

Of course YMMV!