X3 competition from Audi

[AzNMpower32]

Originally Posted by x54.4blue

The gauges do not look as good as most BMW.

Yea. Gauges are supposed to be functional. They're not supposed to be pretty like the Lexus electrolumescent ones that burn holes into my retinas on long nightly trips.

The X3/Z4 gauges lack an energy conservation gauge, and the km/h numbers are a tad small in US/UK models. One might complain about the smallish fuel gauge and coolant temp gauges, but they're actually easy to read at a glance because the needles point upward, so a glance at the tach also reveals fuel and temp.

I find the gauges in the E90 harder to read because the needles for the fuel and energy control gauge are too low and point downwards. There's also no coolant temp gauge, although 335i models get oil temperature.

In short, the tried-and-true gauges from the E46/E39/E53 and previous BMWs (for the past 20 years) work the best. BMW felt a need to move forward with a prettier design. But I can't say they work better.

[FSETH]

Originally Posted by AzNMpower32

Yea. Gauges are supposed to be functional. They're not supposed to be pretty like the Lexus electrolumescent ones that burn holes into my retinas on long nightly trips.

The X3/Z4 gauges lack an energy conservation gauge, and the km/h numbers are a tad small in US/UK models. One might complain about the smallish fuel gauge and coolant temp gauges, but they're actually easy to read at a glance because the needles point upward, so a glance at the tach also reveals fuel and temp.

I find the gauges in the E90 harder to read because the needles for the fuel and energy control gauge are too low and point downwards. There's also no coolant temp gauge, although 335i models get oil temperature.

In short, the tried-and-true gauges from the E46/E39/E53 and previous BMWs (for the past 20 years) work the best. BMW felt a need to move forward with a prettier design. But I can't say they work better.

I also think the gauges from the E46/E39/E53 were some of the best. Those designs in general interior/exterior were some of BMW's finest.

IMO the interior design and quality of the current X3 was probably one of BMW's worst in recent history. It looks much "cheaper" when compared to other BMW's and was a big turn off when considering purchasing that or the X5. BMW really needs to step it up in order to compete with this Audi as far as that is concerned. I would bet the new X3 will be a more rewarding vehicle to drive than the Audi, but if it doen't look more upscale a lot of buyers won't even consider it. The interior design and materials of the e90 blow the X3 out of the water. It really isn't even a fair comparison. The gauges are still very easy to read and much better looking than the X3. Lexus gauges, well that is a different story.

Audi's Quattro system is one of the best all-wheel drive systems available. However, I do prefer the dynamics of rear-wheel drive to all-wheel drive, but Audi's are very capable well built cars.

[Pentium]

Originally Posted by AzNMpower32

Actually, I think the Q7 an X5 competitor, just like the Lexus RX (you can throw in the GX too), Merc ML, Land Rover LR3, Volvo XC90, and the Infiniti FX. Oh, don't forget the Acura MDX. It's a crowded playing field.

maybe u are right...but I'll never think of Q7 when I want to buy one of those you are talking about..I know I perfer BMW...but I'm talking about comparing..
maybe I will compare Q7 with the GL class....BMW added the 3rd row seats in E70...but still..I'll not put Q7 with X5...when I want to buy..that's it..

Back to Q5...I like it...I've been in Q7 many times with friends and drove one of them...has a great interior...but it's big..so with this Q5 things will change I guess..and I like the exterior styling as a start....

[blondboinsd]

Originally Posted by x54.4blue

My point is that the Toreg and Q6 are too heavy.

The Toreg does not have that much room, is a slug with the 6 and eats gas with the 8.

Audi is generally known as the benchmark for interior design.

Anyone care to comment on the dash on a 5?

Toreg? Dumbass

The 280hp I6 in the 'Treg is actually quite fast, try driving one, I'm sure the 2008 (with the new I6 and 6-speed auto tranny) is faster than the BMW

[E61Silver]

"Touareg 2s are among the heaviest midsize SUVs, and the V6 labors in mountain driving and highway passing sprints. In Consumer Guide testing, a V6 model did 8.1 seconds 0-60 mph. The V8 version is no hot rod but delivers better all-around acceleration and is a necessity for towing. VW says 7.6 seconds 0-60, though it doesn't feel quite that fast."

http://consumerguideauto.howstuffwor...ouareg-2-1.htm

Sorry but you are so wrong bitch

[[email protected]]

Originally Posted by x54.4blue

"Touareg 2s are among the heaviest midsize SUVs, and the V6 labors in mountain driving and highway passing sprints. In Consumer Guide testing, a V6 model did 8.1 seconds 0-60 mph. The V8 version is no hot rod but delivers better all-around acceleration and is a necessity for towing. VW says 7.6 seconds 0-60, though it doesn't feel quite that fast."

http://consumerguideauto.howstuffwor...ouareg-2-1.htm

Sorry but you are so wrong bitch

But it out scored the X3 by 1 point!!!

[sleepless]

Originally Posted by vinuneuro

It's looks like a baby Q7..which is bland as hell. And there's no way this thing will drive as well as the X3 does, no way at all!

U just can't Trash talk about a car manufacturer like Audi... do you know how many times they won @ the Le mans ????? with their R8 and R10 (diesel) why do think the other manufactureres pulled out ...... from 2000 to now Audi owns the track @ Le mans...... and if you want to go back further to the Trans-Am series wellll let just say the audi 200 quattro ruled the tracks back then, to a point where they got so much complaints from other manf. that they actually had to ban quattro's in the 90's ( btw the 200 ate Porsche's & corvettes for lunch ) ..... Do you want to talk about Rally racing now ??? or how about Pike Peak in the 80's........... I'll stop now.....

http://youtube.com/watch?v=gqP6kBd9INs&feature=related

[sfhondapilot]

I'll be interested to see the Q5, when it comes out. The pics look enticing. If it can basically be a crossover from the A4 platform and maintain the best elements of the A4, this might be a winner. Our B7 A4 has been flawless and the 2.0T engine gets MUCH better fuel mileage than our X3.