Spent some time with an 07 X5

[MichX5]

Went to the local dealer this morning and they had approx 5-6 07's. Various 3.0 and 4.8's. I spent some time in the 4.8 sport loaded up (sticker $70,000).

I absolutely loved the interior! This one was monaco blue with beige interior. Very nice looking. Very classy. I also personally climbed into the third row seat (one of my tests for I go through to see how friendly it is back there). I found that with the middle row pushed all the way forward, my knees hit the back of the second row (I'm 5'11). Kids up to 5'6 or 5'7 should be ok but smaller ones will literally disappear back there. You could open up the ski 'pass through' to keep an eye on them though

I was suprised at how roomy the second row was when pushed all the way back and fully reclined. That is comfy! I'm sure I'll mostly use the 3rd row when we take my mother along with us on trips. When the third row is folded into the floor, it's alot of room back there. Almost as much as my Tahoe with the 3rd row seats removed. Not quite as wide, but almost. I'd say 95%+ of the room and you don't have to take these seats out! Also, there is much more space between the third row and the hatch in the X5 than the Tahoe. The salesman told me they developed this vehicle to withstand 50mph rear-ending without intrusion into the third row.

I loved the sport seats and I'm sure I would love the comfort seats even more. I didn't order either and I haven't sat in the basic PP seats yet but if I had to order again or could modify it, I would probably spring for the comfort seats.

I saw the rear DVD player. I didn't like the position at all, as I suspected and why I didn't order it. If you have it, you have to raise it up each time you go into the center console. Obviously, the third row can't see it at all. Not horrible but just didn't do it for me.

I loved the split rear gate too. Nice little area to sit on when the bottom 1/4 is folded down (It's split approx 3/4 top, 1/4 bottom)

Anyway, that's my 2 bits. I'm going back for a test drive when it stops friggen raining here. They offered but I declined. I don't like getting in and out of new cars with wet shoes, clothes, etc.

[Gilles]

Can you take some pictures for Monaco Blue X5 ?


Thanks

[vinuneuro]

So this was a Sport? What the driving experience like?

[pseto]

the best time to test drive a car IMO is in the rain. you can test a lot more things like the AC/defroster, windshield wipers, but especially the handling!!!

[Anmar Hussain]

needed, man!

[E61Silver]

Sounds great, I wonder how it will drive?

[Advance The Man]

I looked at both the 3.0 and 4.8 and test drove the 3.0. My thoughts were it was smaller than I thought it would be (currently have MDX) - may be that is perception only, but that's what counts; the 3rd row is fairly useless (as is the MDX's, I wouldn't pay extra for it); super tight steering (really liked); quiet and smooth highway drive; the shifter was confusing (probably easily learned); cool button to open glove box; brake dust is still a problem on wheels; sunroof/roof window is HUGE; the 3.0 engine is adequate, but not overly impressive; little or no blind spots; materials and fit are very good, leather seats look nice.

Nice, but not overwhelmed. I'm unconvinced as I want to drive the 4.8, which was unavailable for a test drive.

[Speedy]

The new MDX comes with 300hp and 275ft lbs of torque as well. The 3.0 only has 260hp and 225ft lbs. They will have to put the 3.5 turbo in just to get up to 300 hp like everyone else is offering. I am really disappointed in the output of the 3.0 compared to the competition. I am not sure if I can justify the 3.0 price difference over the new MDX, when you can get the MDX loaded with all the goodies for $62K Canadian compared to about $70K or so Can for the 3.0 and about $80K Can for the 4.8 with all the goodies. It really ticks me off to see a rear climate package for the BMW for another $1,200 Canadian when it comes standard on the MDX. I don't mind paying more for a BMW, but not more again to get options that are standard on the competition.

[MichX5]

The MDX does look like a nice vehicle. You can get it with DVD/Nav for $45k USA with lease at 36mos/12k for $700 with only $1400 due at signing. Tempting.

[E61Silver]

The real difference is how they drive. Please do a back to back test and tell us what you think.