Generally I drive around town in D mode and find that sufficient as far as gears changing at the right moment goes.

But give me any excuse to do the 30k run up a nearby mountain range and I'm there with bells on, like last Sunday. On my approach to the base of said mountain range where twisties and rather steep narrow hill roads begin, I throw the X into S mode and therein begin to really enjoy what is at our disposal. I'm sure those with the V8's would enjoy this a tad more but my 3.0i still has me grinning like a goat sucking on a lemon.

In essense the beast awakens as it seems to know the road ahead along with my intentions and reaches down in anticipation for a lower gear when I approach tight corners and aids in pushing the old girl out of them and speeds me on to the next one. It's at this moment in particular that I confirm what a great machine I bought and also struggle to remove the grin off my face.

Their are only 2 spots to pass whilst in ascent/decsend and if you end up behind old uncle Bob and the wife going on their Sunday drive then it's all over, so one must pick ones moment carefully to commence the run. This road and beyond into the back valley is highly preferred by motorbike enthusiasts as well and you find yourself being passed by them as they check their newly installed throttle control. Unfortunately a few of them either kill or seriously harm themselves on this particular road each year. Their are steep drop offs for most of this run.

I'm sure I'm right but only hope that all the members here have three things.
1. Somewhere similar to stamp the accelerator to the floor and use that kickdown for what it was intended.
2. Plough that front end into a tight corner at speed whilst using a superb set of brakes, and
3. The inclination and desire to enjoy the X5 in S mode apart from on a motorway.

Now, where are my keys ??

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