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      08-19-2020, 06:51 PM   #1
lair12
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Dynamic Handling Pkg-will it improve "boaty" feel?

The car I want to love is the X6 with luxury seating, but it is bigger than anything I've ever owned (318, 535, 530,roadster,. When I test drove an X5 xDrive 40i x-line (as X6's are just not available), it felt really floaty with steering feedback very disconnected from what I am used to after 8 BMW's.

I've been told that the X6 will ride the same and feel the same as the X5 (true/not true). SO MY QUESTION IS: If I add the Dynamic Handling Package, will the whole steering feel and drive performance be tighter?

Mind you I am mostly a suburban driver and not interested in more power or 22" wheels...I still want a comfortable ride similar to my 2020 X3.

Thanks for your feedback!!

Last edited by lair12; 08-19-2020 at 07:44 PM..
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      08-19-2020, 07:31 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lair12 View Post
The car I want to love is the X6 with luxury seating, but it is bigger than anything I've ever owned (318, 535, 530,roadster,. When I test drove a stock X5 (as X6's are just not available), it felt really floaty with steering feedback very disconnected from what I am used to after 8 BMW's.

I've been told that the X6 will ride the same and feel the same as the X5 (true/not true). SO MY QUESTION IS: If I add the Dynamic Handling Package, will the whole steering feel and drive performance be tighter?

Mind you I am mostly a suburban driver and not interested in more power or 22" wheels...I still want a comfortable ride similar to my 2020 X3.

Thanks for your feedback!!
On USA model BMW X5/6 models, electronic adaptive dampers are standard and controlled by the COMFORT, SPORT, ADAPTIVE driving modes.

X6 will ride similar to the X5 but I wouldn't generalize it as riding the same or feeling the same. My personal opinion is that the X6 rides a more sportier than X5 due to lower standard ground clearance 8.4" (8.1" for X6M50i) versus 8.7" (8.4" for M50i) for the X5

Depending on the stock X5 - which we don't enough details to provide you with a more contextual answer, eg was it 40i xLine, M Sport or M50i; what year model MY19, MY20, MY21 – you test drove could have the following suspension options:

1. Base suspension with electronic adaptive dampers (steel springs/struts) - 40i xLine, 50i xLine
2. Adaptive M Suspension, standard with M Sport Package (steel springs/struts) - 40i M Sport, 50i M Sport (MY19-20), M50i
3. Air Suspension, optional on all models (air springs/struts) - 40i xLine, 40i M Sport, 50i xLine/M Sport (MY19-20), M50i
4. Off-Road Package, no longer available (air springs/struts) - 40i xLine, 50i xLine
5. Dynamic Handling Package (steel springs/struts) - M50i

If you test drove a X5 with the base suspension or air suspension and in COMFORT driving mode, then yes, it could feel "boaty". By pressing SPORT driving mode on all X5/6 models, will tighten the steering wheel, adjust electronic dampers to sport damping and in the case of air suspension lower the X5/6 ride height by 0.787" to Sport ride level.

Steering wheel feel for all X5/6 models can be tightened by just press the SPORT drive mode button or customized in the iDrive under SPORT Individual.

Opting for Dynamic Handling Package adds electronic active roll stabilization which will significantly reduce body roll on a high center of gravity vehicle. Adaptive M Pro works in conjunction with ARS and affects the electronic dampers. DHP also adds IAS or integral active steering which is rear wheel steering - this adds high speed stability and turns both front and rear wheels in the same direction for lane changing ease and at lower speeds turns the rear wheels opposite of the front to ease maneuverability for parking and shorter turning radius.

Sounds like opting for Adaptive M Sport suspension or Dynamic Handling Package is what you're looking for in your next BMW.
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Last edited by Auricom; 08-19-2020 at 08:17 PM..
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      08-19-2020, 07:49 PM   #3
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Thanks. I updated the original post with more info...X5 xDrive 40i x-line. My plan was to just get the X6 sDrive until this came into consideration. I've got an sDrive X3 4-cylinder with plenty of power for me. My alternative is to get it's X4 clone, but the X6 luxury seats are phenomenal for my wife's bad shoulder.
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      08-19-2020, 08:08 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lair12 View Post
Thanks. I updated the original post with more info...X5 xDrive 40i x-line. My plan was to just get the X6 sDrive until this came into consideration. I've got an sDrive X3 4-cylinder with plenty of power for me. My alternative is to get it's X4 clone, but the X6 luxury seats are phenomenal for my wife's bad shoulder.
Thanks for the update. If the you test drove the X5 xDrive40i with standard suspension or if it was equipped with air suspension, either in COMFORT driving mode, then I could see how it would be a soft in damping. As I mentioned in my previous post, you can "tighten" the ride and steering by enable SPORT driving mode.

Optioning either Adaptive M or DHP with Adaptive M Pro will provide you a much more sportier ride and comfort when needed. What you gain with DHP is reduction in body roll via electronic active roll stabilization plus M rear differential for increased traction and integral active rear wheel steering.

Ja, luxury seating in X5/6/7 is one the reasons I stick with the larger BMW platforms. Definitely opt for luxury seating in Merino - you're wife will be very happy.
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      08-19-2020, 08:12 PM   #5
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For 2021, I do not see Adaptive M as an option individually anymore...just with the DHP.
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      08-19-2020, 08:16 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lair12 View Post
For 2021, I do not see Adaptive M as an option individually anymore...just with the DHP.
It is part of the ZMP - M Sport package.
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      08-19-2020, 08:31 PM   #7
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It is my first BMW I actually do not like the M Sport package...and the incremental cost is $4500 for relatively little...but I may need to go that direction. Thanks.
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      08-19-2020, 08:36 PM   #8
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I would find one to test drive nearby or at another dealer. If you don't like the way it drives, I wouldn't take the risk of ordering a car only to be disappointed. As for steering feel, all modern BMW's pretty much have none so you will have to adjust to that (or of course look elsewhere).
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      08-19-2020, 08:54 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lair12 View Post
It is my first BMW I actually do not like the M Sport package...and the incremental cost is $4500 for relatively little...but I may need to go that direction. Thanks.
*I've been corrected - last time I use the online builder* LOL disregard below:

The only way to option Dynamic Handling Package for MY21 X6 is on the M50i model.

If you're going sDrive40i? or xDrive40i? You'll need M Sport line which includes Adaptive M Suspension.
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Last edited by Auricom; 08-19-2020 at 09:02 PM..
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      08-19-2020, 08:58 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Auricom View Post
The only way to option Dynamic Handling Package for MY21 X6 is on the M50i model.

If you're going sDrive40i? or xDrive40i? You'll need M Sport line which includes Adaptive M Suspension.
The X6 allows you to get DHP on the 40i.
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      08-19-2020, 08:58 PM   #11
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No X6's within 100 miles and none with DHP for 700 miles. Slim pickings even with X5's.
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      08-19-2020, 09:00 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TurtleBoy View Post
The X6 allows you to get DHP on the 40i.
Ahh thanks for correcting me - usually reference the order guide, but I was using the online Builder......... this time, LOL...
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      08-19-2020, 09:00 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lair12 View Post
It is my first BMW I actually do not like the M Sport package...and the incremental cost is $4500 for relatively little...but I may need to go that direction. Thanks.
If you go for DHP then you will have to also buy the MSport package.
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      08-19-2020, 09:01 PM   #14
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On order and pricing guide, you can get DHP on xDrive for $3650. It seems from what I read that DHP is worthy in many ways, including Integral Active
steering. I would love to feel the differences for myself.
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      08-19-2020, 09:02 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lair12 View Post
No X6's within 100 miles and none with DHP for 700 miles. Slim pickings even with X5's.
Definitely a hard option to find. You'll have to see whether you would take a chance on ordering one and not being disappointed with the handling.
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      08-19-2020, 09:04 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jstein55 View Post
Definitely a hard option to find. You'll have to see whether you would take a chance on ordering one and not being disappointed with the handling.
+1, dealers rarely will option a model with DHP.
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      08-19-2020, 09:06 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lair12 View Post
On order and pricing guide, you can get DHP on xDrive for $3650. It seems from what I read that DHP is worthy in many ways, including Integral Active
steering. I would love to feel the differences for myself.
For starter, you might try driving a X5/6 with Adaptive M suspension to see if minimal that meets your driving dynamics need.

Also test drive with driving dynamics in SPORT mode.
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      08-19-2020, 09:09 PM   #18
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1. Base suspension with electronic adaptive dampers (steel springs/struts) - 40i xLine, 50i xLine
2. Adaptive M Suspension, standard with M Sport Package (steel springs/struts) - 40i M Sport, 50i M Sport (MY19-20), M50i
3. Air Suspension, optional on all models (air springs/struts) - 40i xLine, 40i M Sport, 50i xLine/M Sport (MY19-20), M50i
4. Off-Road Package, no longer available (air springs/struts) - 40i xLine, 50i xLine
5. Dynamic Handling Package (steel springs/struts) - M50i


So from the following options above, if one chooses Adaptive M suspension it will be steel springs/struts and 2-axle air suspension will be air springs/struts?

Just wanted to make sure I didn't get air suspension/springs on my order.
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      08-19-2020, 09:11 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dan_xxxk View Post
1. Base suspension with electronic adaptive dampers (steel springs/struts) - 40i xLine, 50i xLine
2. Adaptive M Suspension, standard with M Sport Package (steel springs/struts) - 40i M Sport, 50i M Sport (MY19-20), M50i
3. Air Suspension, optional on all models (air springs/struts) - 40i xLine, 40i M Sport, 50i xLine/M Sport (MY19-20), M50i
4. Off-Road Package, no longer available (air springs/struts) - 40i xLine, 50i xLine
5. Dynamic Handling Package (steel springs/struts) - M50i


So from the following options above, if one chooses Adaptive M suspension it will be steel springs/struts and 2-axle air suspension will be air springs/struts?

Just wanted to make sure I didn't get air suspension/springs on my order.
That's correct.

Even though the suspension tech doc says G05 - it's also relevant for G06

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      08-19-2020, 09:14 PM   #20
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From every single thing i've read DHP makes the X5/X6 handle like a BMW. I don't think i've come across one negative review of DHP here where as i've seen some posts about people complaining its too floaty with the standard or air suspension.

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      08-20-2020, 05:14 PM   #21
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Yes, DHP aka active roll stabilization will completely transform character of the car, like steering wheel feel and make 5000lbs fat cow handle like small car.
90% of bmw cars is specs without it unfortunately.
But one is sure, when people try it, they must have it.
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      08-20-2020, 11:00 PM   #22
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OK, I was able to drive an X6 xDrive 40i without M-sport and DHP, and then drive an X6 xDrive with M-sport and DHP. The DHP seems to be a rare beast and that is a shame.

I think there was a huge amount of difference, which I believe comes solely from the DHP. When doing tight circles in an empty parking lot, the X6 with DHP stayed almost flat. I also enjoyed the steering and tighter suspension. I did not feel during my test drives that the loaded car was any worse on bumps or rough road, which was a nice surprise. The base model had upgraded to 21", while the loaded car was upgraded to 22". I would stick to the 21" if I chose to upgrade.
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