Duke,

I'm not surprised by your detailed write up ~ excellent as usual! And I share many of your viewpoints about the X5d.

Just a couple of additional thoughts
Interior Color Contrast - If I understood you correctly, you can have your cake and eat it too. The Oyster color offers white seating surfaces while the doors, carpeting and back of the seats are black. I'm not 100% sure, but it may also be true with the Cinnamon color too (I'm certain on the Oyster).
Diesel Noise - With the radio off and no one talking in the car, I can detect engine noise at idle, but only just barely. If I'm running the radio (and not as loud as the Jeep dealership), you just can't tell. And it's undetectible while moving
20' Wheels - Definately an option with all season run flat tires (yes, you can swap them for regular tires immediately and I got around $300 back)

It's so funny hearing you talk about Minnetonka...as a kid we always stayed at some place called "Ha Ha Tonka" (I have no idea of how it's spelled) there. Loads of great memories.