A friend of mine's dad owns a car dealership. He was trying to get me to buy one of his cars. At that time, I was looking for an X5. He wanted to buy some SUV they had, because it was cheaper. I said no thanks, and his answer was "that's cool. That's why they make chocolate and vanilla. Everyone has different tastes". I agree with his comment.

Now, that said, it is ridiculous to dismiss it out of hand due to its badge. I for one traded in my X5 for the first gen CTS-V. It's not without its problems, to be sure. It beat the shit out of a 540 (different cars), and the stupid I-drive did nothing for me. Since then, people have lemoned their M5's over the SMG. No car is totally trouble free (I don't know first hand, but I seem to remember something about M3's burning up too).

On my block, there are a couple M5's and E55. They are old news.

If I wanted, I could buy either of those. My wife wants me to buy and Aston Martin. I think they are overpriced given their performance. Having the badge doesn't impress me - I want a car that I want to drive.

I think the same thing about the XLR - overpriced for what it delivers.

So, cheap vs expensive is not really the issue, nor will it be for many buyers of this car.

I have the #1 delivery slot for the V at my dealer. BTW - orders will start in August, with first deliveries in November.

As I said, some like chocolate, and some like vanilla.

Also, like I said, I didn't intend to start a flame war. The Nissan GTR guys like to do that on the Cadillac forum.

And, for the record, the X5 (and the 325 and the 535 before it) was one of the best cars I've ever driven. See, no BMW hating from me.