Well, to start X5: Great car, great comfort. However, that comfort is spending you alot, I have now come to conclusion that X5 is not a expensive car because it costs alot or something, It's an expensive car because you have to own it. Over in my countrey, where labor prices are few bucks compared to those in any other US/Europe countrey, It has cost me 4-6k$. mine is an 00. Right now, just after replacing fuel pump, vanos guide broke and have to take engine apart, repair it and sell it. I won't be in countrey for few months, and by the new years thinking to get X5 again 06 4.8is that will be. Just because I know more now and I will choose better cared one, and will fix what has to be fixed when it's time comes and not when it fails totally. that's my opinion.
Now, about Volvo: I would not reccomend it as my friend had it. It's parts also are expensive and besides the car is just tooooo heavy and has alot of exxxtra weight on it!