Wow, thank you all so much for your input. It seems its going to be between an 06 RR SC and the X5 (4.4 or 4.8iS). I think we’ll know after taking the RR for a good spin. There’s a RR SC Limited Edition version with kickass options - 20” wheels, navi, adaptive xenon’s and lots more for 90K Euro’s . That’s how much he’d have to shell out for a 2005 4.4 X5. Still, a lot depends on the drive.

The G-Class and the ML AMG are out of his price range and the waiting list here is crazy.

There is the reliability issue of the RR but we’ll see. I do have to say one thing for the ML’s defense. The MB customer service is a lot better than BMW over here. My wife has an 06 A200 (which I don’t think is available in the US) and they treat her like a queen.

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2008 Saphire Black on Biege.