[heinzena]

Went for a test drive today in a 40i M-Sport. First, obviously, it is a beautiful vehicle. I was surprised just how big it actually is on the exterior, and how big it feels on the interior. The detail is nice, but some of the plastic parts feel a bit cheap. The biggest thing I noticed was the motor. I was SO wanting to be in love with this motor. I currently drive a 2016 340 XI M-Sport, and the B58 motor is simply amazing. I figured that with the addition of 15 HP (compared to the B58 in the 340), the X5 would be much snappier and torquey that it actually was. It is by no means under-powered, I was just expecting a bit more pop. The steering felt light, and I did not notice much if any change in steering weight when cycling through Eco, Comfort, Sport and Sport + modes. I wanted and hoped it would feel a bit sportier than it did. Also, while I know the exhaust is not the M Performance exhaust, that too was underwhelming. The cabin is built so tight, that the exhaust, even under hard acceleration was barely audible. Even standing outside the car, or popping the gas while in neutral (windows/doors open) did not produce much of a throaty growl that I was expecting.

I don't want to sound too negative, and I still plan on purchasing one of these in the next few months, but I wanted to walk away from the test drive feeling like I MUST have one today. Honestly, now I feel I can wait until after winter.

[ScottMZ3]

Thanks for posting your thoughts!

However, 0-60 in 5.3 sec seems like quite a bit of pop to me. Especially for a 4800lbs SUV (that's like 1300lbs more than your 3 series!).

[heinzena]

Originally Posted by ScottMZ3

Thanks for posting your thoughts!

However, 0-60 in 5.3 sec seems like quite a bit of pop to me. Especially for a 4800lbs SUV (that's like 1300lbs more than your 3 series!).

I agree. And I need to keep that in mind compared to what I am currently driving.

[turboawd]

Perhaps the 50i will suite you better.

[mnx5er]

I’ll be curious to read more reviews on the new engine. BMW turbos are great engines but I’ve always thought they lagged a bit. Where they rock is once they hit the RPM sweet spot. I had the Audi Q7 supercharged, it was exactly the opposite. I like that immediate take off.

[avengerboater]

Wait for the X5M... I'm sure you'll get your pops and exhaust growls then.

[akhter]

Comparing 340i to x5 40i with basically identical engine but a bigger car is bound to lead to disappointment in driving dynamics.

[heinzena]

Originally Posted by turboawd

Perhaps the 50i will suite you better.

Interestingly, the CA I rode with said he would never buy a bmw with a V8, and always steers his clients towards the I6. Too many problems.

[heinzena]

Originally Posted by akhter

Comparing 340i to x5 40i with basically identical engine but a bigger car is bound to lead to disappointment in driving dynamics.

Agreed. But still figured I would get a bit more snap than I did.

[avengerboater]

Originally Posted by heinzena

Agreed. But still figured I would get a bit more snap than I did.

An increase of 15 hp with over 1300lb difference in weight isn't gonna give you more snap. It's gonna do the exact opposite.

[Jrunr]

I wonder if there will be good chip upgrades to really wake this engine up and really increase the power...

[darksilkx1]

Originally Posted by akhter

Comparing 340i to x5 40i with basically identical engine but a bigger car is bound to lead to disappointment in driving dynamics.

Couldn't agree more. Apples and Oranges comparison. I had the same experience when I went from a 2013 335i to the 2016 X5. Same engine pushing a bigger more isolated vehicle. The OP may be better off with an X3 M40i.

[heinzena]

Originally Posted by darksilkx1

Couldn't agree more. Apples and Oranges comparison. I had the same experience when I went from a 2013 335i to the 2016 X5. Same engine pushing a bigger more isolated vehicle. The OP may be better off with an X3 M40i.

I agree with you. People really seem a bit defensive about my post! I am not comparing my 340 MSport, which is like a race car compared to the X5 -- that would be foolish. Was just saying, that given how snappy the B58 is, regardless of the weight difference, I expected it to perform better than it did.

[harperium]

Originally Posted by heinzena

Was just saying, that given how snappy the B58 is, regardless of the weight difference, I expected it to perform better than it did.

i have a ‘17 340i mppsk... last weekend on a whim i test drove a new 540i. Underwhelmed by the power. I know the 540i doesn’t have the power and sound kit, and i know it’s 600 lbs heavier, but i was still surprised that it felt so sluggish.

it was also super quiet. even in sport mode i could barely hear the exhaust. comfort mode in the 340i mppsk is louder.

once you get used to a certain level of power it’s hard to go back.

[akhter]

I don't think a 540i or g05 40i have any hope of matching 340i dynamics no matter what just based on their weight and size handicap. None of them are anywhere nearly as tightly packaged as a 340i.