How is the MDX with the higher rated engine specs vs. the X5 anyway? The numbers on the new FX are pretty high too but people always point back to the X5 (or Cayenne) regardless. I'm surprised BMW does it time and again.

About the X5, one of my very first posts here was about me complaining how the X5 didn't impress me as much as I thought it should have. I test drove a non-sport 3.0si with barely anything and went back days later to another dealer to test the 3.0si sport pkg as well as a 4.8i. It definitely grew on me - I think it deserves at least another shot. The delay was not a good selling point for me either but I've learned to live with it (read: adjusted driving styles). Plus it learns at break-in so if you are aggressive with it, it can very much be as responsive as you'd expect. You'd have to think new cars being test-driven are very much confused in the learning phase. If you are more aggressive with it and it still feels underpowered, then you have your answer. Otherwise, you'll be glad you gave it another shot like I did.

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'08 X5 3.0si - Alpine White / Saddle Brown interior
Specs: Sport Pkg, Premium Pkg, Tech Pkg, Comfort Access, Aero Kit, Style 433 staggered 20s on Conti DWS
Mods: Carbon 35 tint, LED angel eyes, GP Thunder 7500k fogs, H&R 20mm/25mm spacers, clear reflectors, gunsmoke-tinted taillights
Coded: Digital speedo, windows/sunroof/tailgate close via keyfob

X5 pics at Flickr