Okay. Just saw this thread. So, I'll play.

Yes I had a X5M. Yes I have a 2011 Porsche Cayenne Turbo. I love both vehicles in their own way. Let's start with the X5M.

Mean as hell looking. Super fast. Very well built (for a German Uber SAV in America). Nice sound system, great transmission, slightly bigger than the Pepper. I loved the overall design of the vehicle when I first saw it, and could not wait to own one. I ended up selling my M5 (2008, loaded except for comfort/vent seats) to get one. Fell in love when I got it.

Was a great vehicle for 9 months. Then all of a sudden, things went to hell. Engine malfunction after engine malfunction. Spent almost 90 days in the shop in total. This on top of the inability for a 100k vehicle NOT to have rock chips, and BMWs unwillingness to find/offer a fix for either issue. After fighting, not for money, for a replacement vehicle for 4 months they finally agreed. By that time, and while still paying for my vehicle. So, by that point, I decided not to give anymore business to BMW.

Now, I had thought of the previous generation Cayenne GTS as an option to my X5M while shopping. However, knowing that a redesign was coming, decided to go with the BMW. When the above happened, and with the new model here, it was the logical replacement for my X5M. Other consideration was the ML63, however, again being replaced by a new model very soon.

So, I took the plunge. Due to time constraints I was "forced" to buy an in stock vehicle instead of an order as I had originally planned. I had two vehicles, with colours and options to my liking, to choose from. One meteor grey, black interior, all options I wanted including Burmester and Sport package, 14 way power seats, and lots of carbon. MSRP 131k. The other was sand white and black. Had most of the options, including Sport package, however, was missing Burmester and RES. Ultimately, secondary to discount, went with the white (which was actually my first colour choice).

Now, mind you I had never drive this vehicle. Not even a single test drive, so I was slightly nervous. My conclusion... I LOVE THIS CAR. It is everything my X5M was and more.

Interior is MUCH, MUCH, MUCH nicer and well put together. Fit and finnish is TOP NOTCH!. Really glad to have the alcantara headliner back (like in my M5). I say the previous with the acknowledgment that I had a fully loaded X5M, including full leather interior. The Porsche is better here despite that fact. Acceleration is fantastic. I believe after break in, better than my X5M was. It pulls like a freight train, even in top gears, which is something I missed in my X5M. Stereo and Porsche ergonomics are nice, but do take some time getting used to from iDrive. Adaptive air suspension is a MUST have on this vehicle, as is PTV and PDCC. Did not get a vehicle with PCCB, but am thinking about adding them.

Vehicle is somewhat smaller than the X5M, but this has not been a problem to this point in time. Dislikes are few. I think the rear window viewing space is somewhat small, but acceptable. The transmission is great, but not quite as fast as the X5M. It does have an aggressive look, but not as much so as the X5M. Price, with my options, was right at 121k. About 19k more than my X5M.

Would I do it again. Yes, without hesitation. In 2-3 years, when it is time to replace this vehicle what will I get? Not sure. Most likely a Porsche CTT S. However, if the refresh of the X5M is out, and the engine/rock chip issues have been ironed out, then I will definitely look at those as well.

Someone earlier mentions that they used the same "old" engine in this Cayenne TT. My response is so what? I have been through hell with the "new" BMW TT engines, and was not impressed. Just my $0.02.

J