Originally Posted by jclarkv

I've noticed all the things you mention about the X5, too. But I'm committed to the diesel so am staying put. For long family trips the X5 has far exceeded my expectation on MPG, ride, noise level, and comfort. I hope BMW monitors these forums and tries to incorporate some tweaks (especially the time needed for backup camera to come online--it's instant in my wife's Sienna).

I've recently had a disappointing snow/ice experience with the X5 and am trying to figure out if vehicle mass vs. DSC vs. AWD type vs. operator error contributed. The same situation would not have been a problem in my three prior Audi's.

The SH-AWD in the MDX sounds interesting. Please post any impressions you have about it.

-jclarkv