Just did the BMW xdrive test drive.

[fastbmw]

Got to drive the X3 3.0, 325ix, 330ix (auto and manual), Lexus RX330, IS250 AWD & Audi A4 3.2 Quattro. It took place at Indy Lane by science world. It was pretty neat to drive the cars back to back. My personal favourite for that particular track was the 325ix. Good balance of power and handling. The 330ix was a little too powerful for the chasis in such a tight track. Didn't like the RX330 at all, IS250 was not bad but no steering wheel feel. Didn't get a chance to drive the A4 but heard good impressions of it.

[iwanabarockstar]

i was wondering what was going on there i skated by it a couple times this week and was like wtf mate

[motoyen]

How would you rate the 325iX against your car?

[fastbmw]

It's nice driving a new car, the body is SO stiff. (It doesn't help that my car is almost 18 years old and done too many track days....haha). Excellent steering feel and body control, you cannot tell it's AWD. Decent power (even though it was auto). I was very surprised by how much I liked it. It would definitely give my car a run for it's money on the track. I can't emphasise how solid it feels but it does feel heavy, though that doesn't seem to affect the 'nimbleness'. If I had an extra $50,000 I would definitely be interested in a touring model. In fact, I don't really want to compare it to my car, not that my car is bad but the new 325xi is so good. I need to take it for an extended test drive and really open her up.

[motoyen]

Were you testing the new E90 cars or the E46?

[fastbmw]

e90. They were all 2007 cars. I wasn't a super huge fan of the interiors though. Too many weird angles and the dash was super ugly unless it had navigation.

[///mugello]

I was there too! 8am session. I agree about the dashes, too plastic. Track was too tight and there were too many people to really get a feel for all the cars.

Lexus SUV handling was terrible. 325 and 330 had the best feel in the long curve and were also the best in the slalom. The Audi is finished well but was not as refined as the BMW on the course. (I got one call on the radio to slow down, oops)

In all, I would never pay $50K+ for any of those cars. There are far too many older cars out there that outperform all these cars.

e90. They were all 2007 cars. I wasn't a super huge fan of the interiors though. Too many weird angles and the dash was super ugly unless it had navigation.

[motoyen]

Yeah the new BMW interiors is crap. I really like the new Audi A6 interior. I've heard that the new E90 is similar in peformance to the E36 M3.

[Al Canuck]

Hmmm, if BMW wanted to bring the competition to the course, why not a Volvo S40 or V50 in all wheel drive, turbo form? I looked at the BMW, and the Audi when I bought my V50 a month ago. Neither one of them even came close, IMO. All priced about the same, but the Volvo is faster, and has a MUCH nicer interior than the E90.

Al

http://www.seamsperfect.ca/pics/V50/DSCF0044.JPG

[Mark D.]

Hmmm, if BMW wanted to bring the competition to the course, why not a Volvo S40 or V50 in all wheel drive, turbo form? I looked at the BMW, and the Audi when I bought my V50 a month ago. Neither one of them even came close, IMO. All priced about the same, but the Volvo is faster, and has a MUCH nicer interior than the E90.

Al

http://www.seamsperfect.ca/pics/V50/DSCF0044.JPG
I must admit Al, your Volvo is nice and I enjoyed the ride you gave me in it. They finally put some refined muscle in their cars. And $25k cheaper than a 530XiT.....
Hopefully you dont replace all that vintage BMW iron with Volvo P120's, 544's and 123Gt's. Classic Image sounds way better than Classic Volvo.....hehe! :D