I’m facing a major crossroads with our family hauler and looking for some perspective from those who have lived with multiple generations of these platforms.
The Backdrop:
Up until recently, we had a 2013 E70 X5 35d – built in the final two months of production, highly specced including the elusive 3rd row. I absolutely loved this vehicle. The mechanical heft, hydraulic steering, I realize why the E70 holds such a legendary reputation.
Unfortunately, the timing chain recently decided to grenade itself, effectively totaling the engine.
The Current Situation: With 2 small kids at home, I’m reluctantly realizing it may be time to move on from my ‘fleet’ of older BMWs – including the 2013 X5d, an F30 3-series, E36 M3, and E39 M5 (+ non BMWs). Between young kids, work, and family – I finally see why a newer, lower milage vehicle would be beneficial. But after a few test-drives, I have my doubts on replacements – I’d really love insights here:
1. The G07 X7 (M Sport / 2022 Spec)
• I like the look - pre-2023 models. Captains chairs and stock 3rd row are particularly enticing.
• The Problem: I test drove one and walked away deeply underwhelmed by the driving experience. The standard 2-axle air suspension felt incredibly spongy, completely filtering out the road. It left me feeling no desire to jump back in.
2. The G05 X5 (w/ the Unicorn 3rd Row)
• To get a 3rd row in a G05, you are automatically locked into the 2-axle factory air suspension (e.g. X7). I test drove a 3-row G05 today and felt the exact same thing: soft steering, lack of front-end road feel, and that same isolated, floaty sensation.
3. The Pivot: Porsche?
If I drop the need for a 3rd row (granted with only 2 kid this is a possibility, but we monthly have need for friends, cousins, or adults to use the back seats), and drop down to a 5-seater to maximize handling, it opens a massive curveball. We already have a Porsche Macan in the household, so I know exactly how good Porsche’s chassis dynamics are – especially on air suspension. If I compromise on a 5-seater, I’m highly tempted to skip the G05 entirely and look at a Porsche Cayenne S or GTS.
4. One final Curveball: E70?
Part of me just wants my old car back. I’ve quoted $15K + for an engine swap. But finding a newer version is practically finding a needle in a haystack. I’ve stumbled across some clean E70 35i’s (N55) with 3rd row. It would let me escape the diesel emissions complexities while keeping that exact hydraulic, heavy-steering character I miss—especially if I look for one equipped with Adaptive Drive (S2VAA). Plus my $8K in recent E70 work could swap parts 1:1.
Questions:
• For those who moved from a late-model E70 to a G05/G07: Did you ever get used to the electric steering and air suspension, or do you still miss the mechanical feedback?
• Is there a specific suspension/handling configuration on a newer G05 or G07 (like an M50i/M60i with Dynamic Handling Package/Active Roll Stabilization) that tightens up the chassis enough to bridge the gap, or do they all feel isolated?
• If I drop down to 5 seats, is a Cayenne GTS miles ahead of a standard steel-spring M Sport G05 X5 in terms of raw driving engagement?
• Am I insane for considering going back to a 14-year-old E70 35i as a daily, even with low miles, just to keep the driving dynamics I love?
Many thanks!
