This year’s Ride & Drive was held at Arlington Park Race Track in Arlington Heights, Illinois.In attendance daily,were about 200 Sales Managers,Client Advisors,Service Writers and Technicians from the Central Region of BMW dealers. There were similar events going on for the Eastern,Southern and Western region at the same time,during the week of November 6th through November 10th.The purpose was the introduction of the all new redesigned X5 against vehicles that BMW felt were competitors.We compared the Lexus RX350,Mercedes GL 450,Mercedes ML350 & ML500,,Volvo XC90 and theAudi Q7.

We were able to experience different driving events ,using each vehicle for the same event in order to have an accurate way to compare the car while the characteristics were fresh in our minds. After each event,we would go to a specific module to learn in greater detail.They were divided into four groups, Safety & Security,Comfort & Convience,Power & Performance and Competitive Comparisons.The weather was on our side and made everything even that much more enjoyable. We all left feeling BMW created another winner ! Drive it for yourself and decide .When they told us the rear end of the cabin is so strong, it can withstand a 50 mph impact without serious injury to the rear occupants,we couldn’t believe it.

Will it again become the safest vehicle ever tested ? Look for it in Dealers Showrooms right around Thanksgiving……