Post by Martin on Sept 17, 2019 16:10:27 GMT
I'm starting to feel like a Range Rover buyer, another day, another loan car.
The one positive is that my local dealer does make sure they give me a comparable replacement and the even better news is it isn't another X5. It's a 740LD M Sport, with M Sport Plus Package (20" wheels, M Sport brakes, sun protection glass, M Seat Belts, M Rear spoiler), Technology Pack (Voodoo cruise with lane departure and warning stuff, remote parking, HUD and drive recorder), Laserlights and extended high gloss shadowline (black grille and trim).
Interesting to compare the LCI model with mine as well as how it works with the 40d engine, which is what I was close to ordering before I found the 750i. Unsurprisingly it's very similar, the interior hasn't changed all that much, just updated nav and the awful digital instruments. I've read that BMW have improved the refinement, but I can't tell the difference, it's still super quiet on the move. The diesel engine vibrates a tiny bit when you're idling, but it's more refined than the similar engine in the 535d. One thing this doesn't have is Executive Drive Pro / Voodoo suspension and it didn't take long to miss it, the active anti roll bars make a big difference. It's a lot quicker than the X5 with the 30d engine, is much happier to rev and I think it will be 20%+ more economical. Another plus is that it doesn't have the sports exhaust and sound fakery they've used to try and make the X5 sound like a V8 diesel, which doesn't work. It's definitely in the category of quick enough, but the throttle response isn't good compared to the 750i and it doesn't feel as effortless. Give it everything and it feels quite a bit slower, but is in the category of quick enough.
A couple of other differences: (ignoring the styling....)
Positives
- It's the long wheelbase version, so rear Legroom is much more in line with what you'd expect in a 7 series
- Ceramic controls are now standard, I like them
- The larger HUD is even clearer and I like the bigger junction section with more detail
- Economy. Will be interesting to see what it does on a long run, but it did over 40mpg today around Bedford and Northampton, the 750 would have achieved circa 30mpg
- It unlocks the doors when you approach, you don't have to touch the handle
Negatives
- The comfort rear seats aren't standard now and are bundled with rear screens, massage etc. They're a big step down in comfort and don't have any adjustability
- I don't like the thicker rim of the new M Sport wheel and the buttons feel cheap, although slightly better than the black plastic ones fitted elsewhere
- The HK speakers are a big step down from the B&W (but better than in the X5), still not sure I could ever justify the £5k upgrade cost though
- I prefer the wireless charging in the armrest, trying to shoehorn one into the front section of the centre console doesn't work as well
Funnily enough, I've decided to park front in on the drive, I normally reverse on!
The one positive is that my local dealer does make sure they give me a comparable replacement and the even better news is it isn't another X5. It's a 740LD M Sport, with M Sport Plus Package (20" wheels, M Sport brakes, sun protection glass, M Seat Belts, M Rear spoiler), Technology Pack (Voodoo cruise with lane departure and warning stuff, remote parking, HUD and drive recorder), Laserlights and extended high gloss shadowline (black grille and trim).
Interesting to compare the LCI model with mine as well as how it works with the 40d engine, which is what I was close to ordering before I found the 750i. Unsurprisingly it's very similar, the interior hasn't changed all that much, just updated nav and the awful digital instruments. I've read that BMW have improved the refinement, but I can't tell the difference, it's still super quiet on the move. The diesel engine vibrates a tiny bit when you're idling, but it's more refined than the similar engine in the 535d. One thing this doesn't have is Executive Drive Pro / Voodoo suspension and it didn't take long to miss it, the active anti roll bars make a big difference. It's a lot quicker than the X5 with the 30d engine, is much happier to rev and I think it will be 20%+ more economical. Another plus is that it doesn't have the sports exhaust and sound fakery they've used to try and make the X5 sound like a V8 diesel, which doesn't work. It's definitely in the category of quick enough, but the throttle response isn't good compared to the 750i and it doesn't feel as effortless. Give it everything and it feels quite a bit slower, but is in the category of quick enough.
A couple of other differences: (ignoring the styling....)
Positives
- It's the long wheelbase version, so rear Legroom is much more in line with what you'd expect in a 7 series
- Ceramic controls are now standard, I like them
- The larger HUD is even clearer and I like the bigger junction section with more detail
- Economy. Will be interesting to see what it does on a long run, but it did over 40mpg today around Bedford and Northampton, the 750 would have achieved circa 30mpg
- It unlocks the doors when you approach, you don't have to touch the handle
Negatives
- The comfort rear seats aren't standard now and are bundled with rear screens, massage etc. They're a big step down in comfort and don't have any adjustability
- I don't like the thicker rim of the new M Sport wheel and the buttons feel cheap, although slightly better than the black plastic ones fitted elsewhere
- The HK speakers are a big step down from the B&W (but better than in the X5), still not sure I could ever justify the £5k upgrade cost though
- I prefer the wireless charging in the armrest, trying to shoehorn one into the front section of the centre console doesn't work as well
Funnily enough, I've decided to park front in on the drive, I normally reverse on!
