2007 X5 or Escalade

[Denalio]

I've been lurking on this board for a while now. I need a new SUV or SAV. I am selling my beloved Denali. I like what I see so far in the new X5. I've narrowed my two choices down to the X5 or the Escalade. Then I have to decide between the 4.8 or the 3.0. I need to tow a couple of jetskis also. Escalade has the horsepower, size and cargo advantage and smooth ride. I love my wifes 5 series BMW. Can anyone chime in and give me some advice on both of the choices? I realize these are two different beast, apples and oranges. Any thoughts would be appreciated especially anyone who has found themselve in the same position or has owned both.

Thanks.

[LeMansX5]

Have you driven a BMW before? To be more specific: have you driven a X5? Escalade can never beat the power, handling, cornering of X5. I have taken down several guys in Escalade on the highway who think they got a kickass SUV. Puts a smile on my face whenever I am driving the X5. Can't say the same for Escalade. With X5 you are in control of car, while in Escalade it will be other way around.

[Thunder22]

Originally Posted by Denalio

I've been lurking on this board for a while now. I need a new SUV or SAV. I am selling my beloved Denali. I like what I see so far in the new X5. I've narrowed my two choices down to the X5 or the Escalade. Then I have to decide between the 4.8 or the 3.0. I need to tow a couple of jetskis also. Escalade has the horsepower, size and cargo advantage and smooth ride. I love my wifes 5 series BMW. Can anyone chime in and give me some advice on both of the choices? I realize these are two different beast, apples and oranges. Any thoughts would be appreciated especially anyone who has found themselve in the same position or has owned both.

Thanks.

I towed a dual trailer with 2 Kawasaki 1100STX's loaded behind an '01 X5 4.4i and it was fine. The only trouble I had was hauling the trailer up the ramp at lowish tide. That being said I used to have a '99 Tahoe LT and towed a similar setup and didn't experience the same problem.

I would think that you have to decide what's more important to you, the towing/cargo capacity, or handling/speed etc?

[Denalio]

Yes, I have driven an X5. My local dealer gave me an 06 3.0i for the weekend. I enjoyed the ride but found it a liitle underpowered compared to my Denali. Better throttle response from my Denali though. I do agree the handling is superb.

Gresch, what do you mean ..you had trouble hauling the trailer up the ramp?

[Krunk Man]

I think the escalade might have the x5 on power, comfort, and chrome.

[skarletknite]

try jerking the wheel going 65 in a denali/escalade. after you get out of the hospital, try it on an x5

[LeMansX5]

Originally Posted by skarletknite

try jerking the wheel going 65 in a denali/escalade. after you get out of the hospital, try it on an x5

Escalade will roll over making a turn at 60mph+.

[Wagner]

Originally Posted by skarletknite

try jerking the wheel going 65 in a denali/escalade. after you get out of the hospital, try it on an x5

X5 is like riding on rails compared to other larger SUVs.

[phibbard]

I own an '07 Escalade and an '06 X5 4.8is and they are very different vehicles. I actually love them both, but for very different reasons (although with the 22" wheels, we look a little "pimped"). The Escalade is more comfortable, very roomy and you glide through your driving experience. It is a very enjoyable vehicle. If I want to feel in control of the driving experience, have fun, feel the responsiveness of the vehicle and feel the power (and kick a little motor ass along the way) I drive the X5. Other than both classified as SUV/SAV, they are very, very different. If this helps, great, if you need more description, let me know.

[Denalio]

phibbard, thanks for the response. That is the kind of info I was looking for. This is a desecion I am trying to weigh. I do a lot of travelling and want a comfortable ride. However, I also want some spirited performance. For long trips say 5 hours, which one would you prefer? I do have a young daughter (15 months) so if we go away we have lots of stuff tagging along. Which ever I choose will have to grow with us for a couple of years.