[Frenetic]

I didn't know you can reconfigure default settings. Can you?

[Auricom]

Originally Posted by Frenetic

Coming from an S7 with air, I would say that the X5 air is "floaty" in comfort mode. The sport mode feels like the normal mode in the S7 (S7 had three suspension settings: comfort, normal/auto and sport). BMW likely purposely tuned it this way versus a more standard sports sedan.

However, regardless, I wouldn't trade air for metal springs. Once you drive a car with air suspension, it's hard to drive anything else. The way it wafts and soars over road imperfections and how less "jarring" it is, generally speaking, makes up for any particular tuning deficiency (plus the ability to change ride height). I only wish BMW offered more air-suspension settings: comfort (as is), normal (which would be like the current sports) and sports (which would be an even more hardcore suspension settings). Or just add another setting for sports plus.

Adding to yours, my only wish is auto Load level when shifting into Park. Otherwise no complaints overall from me and I get motion sickness easily LOL.

[JonnyCrash]

I have only tested the standard suspension and the 2 axel air suspension. Coming from small cars with sport suspensions, I felt that the standard sprung suspension was too bouncy for my tastes. It was a nice, not-bumpy ride, but quite bouncy compared to a GTI with sports suspension. The 2 axel air suspension was more floaty in comfort mode, but didn’t bounce as much. In sports plus mode it was pretty good: nowhere near as sporty as I would love to have, but good for the roads we do have here (freeze/thaw cycles mean the roads are quite bumpy). It is the suspension I am going with.

[ems328i]

Originally Posted by X5 45e

It is a completely different car too. And if you configure it the same way as an x5 the price difference is not that big either. And it's a four cylinder.

��needing a x5 because you have 3 children. First world problem. Every excuse is ok to convince your wife. ��

Just do a test drive to find out. Good luck on choosing.

The x5 drives a lot better than an xc90 for example. That's a really floaty car.

Yeah I wanted to get a 5 Touring originally, but with the driveshaft tunnel hump in the rear our kids really didn't fit (we are a tall family). We drive around 1600 km to Spain for our vacation so it just wasn't an option, which is why we bought a (used) F15. When the G05 used prices start to come down a bit we'll be looking to make the switch....

[robby818]

I'm the OP. I actually ended up trading in my non-air suspension X5 for one with air and I really like the air. It rides so much better over rough roads. I got a loaner X5 without air and the difference was profound when driving down Wilshire Blvd. which is being torn apart for the metro expansion.

[Atchoom]

During my evaluation time before ordering I’ve tried different configurations; Initially I rejected Air suspension as too soft for my driving style; Then I tried normal springs and found them too harsh.

Then I’ve realized the seats where a big part of the equation.

My view : Advanced confort seats with merino are very soft, which is nice and adds to the confort - or excessive softness in my opinion with air suspensions;
Standard sports seats with springs was way too hard and the seat shape didn’t match with my own shape :P There is a big stitching right across my shoulder blades... no way.
Confort seats with springs : not enough lateral bolsters; I’m not that thin but the seats are quite wide and I was moving left & right.
Good combination for me is a sporty seat, narrower, with air suspension: steady position and soft damping for required + harder in Sport mode...

Take into account also the roads you are using. I’m in a region with very twisty roads ... If you consider some places in the US, lateral grip in the seats is less important...

[DENtoLAS]

As we all know, air suspension is standard on the 2021 PHEV.

I was excited to get a 2021 X5 PHEV, that is until I test drove it.

My experience and expectation with BMW is a sporty ride with excellent handling. None of this was true with the new 2021 X5 PHEV.

It handled like a boat and tossed me and the car salesman around while test driving it.

I think this issue is more pronounced with the PHEV due to the extra weight.

I drove the base model and the m sport model with the 21" tires. The m sport model did a better job, most likely due to the larger performance tires.

[Auricom]

Originally Posted by DENtoLAS

I drove the base model and the m sport model with the 21" tires. The m sport model did a better job, most likely due to the larger performance tires.

More Adaptive M suspension than just 21" tires which provides a wider rear contact patch - otherwise overall diameter of wheel plus tire between 20" (2373mm / 93.425") and 21" (2367mm / 93.188", -0.2% smaller) are fractionally the same size.

Did you test drive the 45e with air suspension height set to SPORT level?

[DENtoLAS]

Originally Posted by Auricom

More Adaptive M suspension than just 21" tires which provides a wider rear contact patch - otherwise overall diameter of wheel and tire between 20" (2373mm / 93.425") and 21" (2367mm / 93.188") are fractionally the same size.

Did you test drive the 45e with air suspension height set to SPORT level?

The 45E only comes with air suspension, even with the m sport package.

I did put it into sport mode which lowers it, it was better, but not anywhere near my expectations for a BMW.

[Auricom]

Originally Posted by DENtoLAS

The 45E only comes with air suspension, even with the m sport package.

I did put it into sport mode which lowers it, it was better, but not anywhere near my expectations for a BMW.

I'm aware that the 45e is available only with 2VR 2-axle air suspension. BMW 2-axle air suspension is tuned for comfort and balancing load than performance. I can see it being a frustration for buyers looking for a performance BMW and efficient hybrid vehicle.

I was reply to your comment:

Originally Posted by DENtoLAS

I drove the base model and the m sport model with the 21" tires. The m sport model did a better job, most likely due to the larger performance tires.

Where I'm suggesting that it's less tire performance contributing to handling and more Adaptive M suspension performing to your expectations of a BMW.

Most owners in the forum, including myself, would have recommended Adaptive M or a M50i with DHP for a more performance handling X5.

[robby818]

If I understand correctly on M sport models that have air suspension, there is no M adaptive suspension. If you get the M sport package, and select the air suspension package, then it's just a cosmetic package. This should be the same regardless of hybrid or not hybrid. I test drove a 45e M sport w/ 21" wheels and the ride was a bit harsh for L.A. roads. I like the way the 21s hold in the corners but it is not worth the trade off for the stiffer and noisier ride.

[Auricom]

Originally Posted by robby818

If I understand correctly on M sport models that have air suspension, there is no M adaptive suspension. If you get the M sport package, and select the air suspension package, then it's just a cosmetic package. This should be the same regardless of hybrid or not hybrid. I test drove a 45e M sport w/ 21" wheels and the ride was a bit harsh for L.A. roads. I like the way the 21s hold in the corners but it is not worth the trade off for the stiffer and noisier ride.

Correct, Adaptive M and Adaptive M Professional suspensions utilize steel spring struts versus 2-axle air suspension struts, but 2-axle air does receive the benefit of Driving Experience Controls to adjust and individualize ECO-Pro and Sport modes.

[robby818]

Originally Posted by Auricom

Correct, Adaptive M and Adaptive M Professional suspensions utilize steel spring struts versus 2-axle air suspension struts, but 2-axle air does receive the benefit of Driving Experience Controls to adjust and individualize ECO-Pro and Sport modes.

Ah, thanks. I will have to play with those settings.

[Auricom]

Originally Posted by robby818

Ah, thanks. I will have to play with those settings.

You can use default Sport mode or configure SPORT Individual, for example:

Driving Dynamics

Damping: Comfort / Sport
Steering: Comfort / Sport
Engine: Comfort / Sport / Sport Plus
Transmission: Comfort / Sport / Sport Plus

[BMWSAC]

Originally Posted by Auricom

Most owners in the forum, including myself, would have recommend you to Adaptive M or a M50i with DHP for a more performance handling X5.

Agreed! It's comfortable and capable

[BMWSAC]

Originally Posted by Auricom

but 2-axle air does receive the benefit of Driving Experience Controls to adjust and individualize ECO-Pro and Sport modes.

Are you saying you can't have ECO Individual and Sport Individual with Adaptive M Professional? Or they have different adjustment or settings?

[Auricom]

Originally Posted by BMWSAC

Are you saying you can't have ECO Individual and Sport Individual with Adaptive M Professional? Or they have different adjustment or settings?

No, apologies if I created any confusion but both ECO Pro Individual and Sport Individual Driving Experience Control customizations are available on your X6 M50i with Adaptive M Pro.

I would consider DECs as "preset" settings and Individual modes as adjustments to those preset settings.

Driving Experience Controls are available on all X5/6s with base suspension, 2-axle air, Adaptive M and Adaptive M Pro.

- Sport, Sport Individual, Sport +
- Comfort, Comfort + (available in other markets - not USA)
- Eco, Eco Pro Individual
- Adaptive

In some markets with base chases and suspension, the basic version of the Driving Experience Control does not affect regulation of the Electronic Damper Control (EDC) - reference 9.4.2. Basic chassis and suspension tech docs.

X5/6s with 2-axle air, Adaptive M and Adaptive M Pro, selecting any of the DECs will affect EDC, engine, transmission, steering, IAS, etc.

[BMWSAC]

Originally Posted by Auricom

No, apologies if I created any confusion but both ECO Pro Individual and Sport Individual Driving Experience Control customizations are available on your X6 M50i with Adaptive M Pro.

I would consider DECs as "preset" settings and Individual modes as adjustments to those preset settings.

Driving Experience Controls are available on all X5/6s with base suspension, 2-axle air, Adaptive M and Adaptive M Pro.

- Sport, Sport Individual, Sport +
- Comfort, Comfort + (available in other markets - not USA)
- Eco, Eco Pro Individual
- Adaptive

In some markets with base chases and suspension, the basic version of the Driving Experience Control does not affect regulation of the Electronic Damper Control (EDC) - reference 9.4.2. Basic chassis and suspension tech docs.

X5/6s with 2-axle air, Adaptive M and Adaptive M Pro, selecting any of the DECs will affect EDC, engine, transmission, steering, IAS, etc.

Right, cuz I was like, what have I been adjusting? Is there something else out there? Good stuff!

[Auricom]

Originally Posted by BMWSAC

Right, cuz I was like, what have I been adjusting? Is there something else out there? Good stuff!

Ja rereading what I had typed, I had meant to say in addition to Adaptive M and Adaptive M Pro -
2-axle air suspension also receives the benefits of Driving Experience Control adjustments.

[BMWSAC]

Originally Posted by Auricom

Ja rereading what I had typed, I had meant to say in addition to Adaptive M and Adaptive M Pro -
2-axle air suspension also receives the benefits of Driving Experience Control adjustments.

Yep, that makes total sense now

(thought air suspension had some extra feature that I couldn't get, which would've been annoying )

[Auricom]

Originally Posted by BMWSAC

Yep, that makes total sense now

(thought air suspension had some extra feature that I couldn't get, which would've been annoying )

There's some extra features with 2-axle air suspension that are noteworthy but not enough to out weigh the benefits of DHP's active roll stabilization if your priority is performance handling.

Geeky stuff like:
- Auto lowering to -10mm Dynamic level at speeds over 140kmph/87mph
- Lower ground clearance in SPORT level -20mm
- High +10mm and Off-road +20mm, later especially with water crossing provides around 23" of water crossing depth which is around 2-3" more than X5/6 with 2VR
- Water crossing detection (if a water crossing
is detected, the engine control unit DME closes the air flaps. This reduces the danger of water ingress
in the intake area)
- Touchdown detection, if you ever decide to launch your X6
- Tire load removal function, when you get a flat

[BMWSAC]

Originally Posted by Auricom

There's some extra features with 2-axle air suspension that are noteworthy but not enough to out weigh the benefits of DHP's active roll stabilization if your priority is performance handling.

Geeky stuff like:
- Auto lowering to -10mm Dynamic level at speeds over 140kmph/87mph
- Lower ground clearance in SPORT level -20mm
- High +10mm and Off-road +20mm, later especially with water crossing provides around 23" of water crossing depth which is around 2-3" more than X5/6 with 2VR
- Water crossing detection (if a water crossing
is detected, the engine control unit DME closes the air flaps. This reduces the danger of water ingress
in the intake area)
- Touchdown detection, if you ever decide to launch your X6
- Tire load removal function, when you get a flat

"Touchdown detection", did you mean it'll lower the car automatically if you are doing launch control? Essentially the same idea as in Sport Mode lower level setting? Which makes sense given it's air suspension and will benefit handling from a lower stance. I knew the other features, but not this one, cool.

Like you said "not enough to out weigh the benefits of active roll stabilization", and the Integral steering does make the car feel more nimble and stable imo

I've had air suspension X5s and X7, they were floaty to me (coming from M cars), but very smooth and comfortable (not as good as Audi and Benz, but still very good). And I've had enough of the comfortable but stiff ride in M cars, and the M50i with DHP was the best of both worlds (albeit still compromised in both comfort and performance regards when compared to the air suspension or the M suspension respectively). Initially I wanted the air suspension with integral steering and active roll stabilization, but I think BMW figured if you wanted a X6, you wanted a "Sporty" vehicle, no air suspension for you, how rude! Luckily my dealer had just about every specs and configurations you can think of, and I test drove a X5 M50i with air and a X6 M50i with DHP, then I was completely happy with BMW not offering the air suspension on the X6 M50i. After bunch of M suspensions, this set up for me is very comfortable even with 22" wheels, while it still reminds me a little of the capabilities of core M cars