I discovered ....

[A Blair]

On Sunday I took the X5 to Aviemore over the Lecht. I was a bit concerned on how the brakes would hold up. No problem.

Going up was fun as the car held a low gear all the way up. I was quietly surprised how the back end sticks to the road. Very confident inspiring pressing on. I never realised how good the car was.
Going down I never knew this was going to happen.
As you brake down a long hill at a steady speed, at say 40 or 50 mph the car drops a gear or two dependent on how heavy you brake. This helps with the downhill descent.
Smart car.
I have no idea about other automatics as this is my first one. However I am impressed.

[dazzasgotav8]

i must say i feel very confident with the road holding of mine i have had a few moments of oops this could be a bit iffy on some bends but no dramas , with regards to the down hill braking i am convinced mine does some sort of engine braking of sorts as like you say whilst using the brakes you seem to get some extra retarding .

[IanP]

That was one of the things I didn't like about mine, it dropped a gear ok, but then when you touched the throttle it would change up, thn back down when you touched the brakes again giving a jerky ride.
The X6 is better with a 6 speed box but not perfect, I wonder if the 8 speed boxes are any better.

[X5Sport]

They are better. Probably having more ratios and fewer parts involved in each change makes it a tad smoother too. Mine gets regularly tested in the mountains of Wales.