Torn Between E70 and RR Sport

[golfer4life]

I'm new to this forum and glad to find so many knowledgeable and proud X5 owners. I'm getting ready to turn in my 04 X5. My current lease will be up in 3 months. My new fully loaded 07 X5 3.0 is on it's way. Even though I have been really happy with my 04 X5 and looking forward to the E70, it's hard not to ignore the great looks of the Range Rover Sport. I know I can't really compare them since they are not in the same class but I'm hoping there's somebody in this forum who also owns a RR sport and can give me any input as far as making a decision between the two. I've heard many reliability issues with the RR Sport but I also noticed a fair number of issues with the E70. IMHO, the RR Sport is one of the best looking SUV out there, no offense to the X5 for I've been in love with mine for the last 3 years. Any thoughts will be greatly appreciated.

[LVR]

You'll find this subject has been discussed a number of times eg here...and here

..however I drove it as the looks initially appealed to me as well when making a buying decision on the E70.

First thing I noticed was that it was vague in the steering on a straight road, meaning it needed constant corrections. The salesman informed me that upgrading to the top of the line suspension would overcome that... NAFFFF!! I knew it would drive me nuts and be tiring on a long drive.

When I looked at it, I kind of saw that the styling is great when comparing to E53, but IMO looks dated up against the E70.

I loved the driver seating position, but the BMW comfort seats blew the RR away for comfort and ease of adjustment.

Interior space was no match, and I am not a fan of touch screen nav and functions.

The deal breaker for me is handling, and the Sport felt underpowered and overbalanced. Reminded me of driving a battleship down to the local.....

Cheers

[nealM]

Going through the same thing.... I love the RRS S/C looks, but in reality the X5 is a much better car in terms of technology. Also, BMW isn't the most reliable marque, but I have personal friends who had numerous problems with multiple RR's. In the end, the RR sport just has looks over the X5; the BMW is a much better car.

[golfer4life]

Thanks LVR and Neal for the good insight. I read the other post and found some very interesting and objective comments. I do agree that even with it's shares of problems, BMW is just a better car over all. I drove my 04 X5 for 3 years and the only problem that I experienced was the panoramic moonroof which the dealer has to replace. The BMW dealer near my house who serviced the car took care of me and even though I did not buy my X5 from them, they provided loaners and rentals. I didn't like the 325i loaner (bad smell) that they issued me so they called Enterprise and hooked me up with a brand new Lexus rental. You will never ever get that kind of service from Land Rover. You will pay for your own rental if you did not buy the car from the same dealership. Anyway, I can't wait to take delivery of the new E70 and will post pics as soon as I have it in my garage.

[evo_s4]

I am also considering the RRS just cause of the look and I can get it for 1% over invoice as the X5 I will have a harder time just try to get $1500 off

[Dubai_86]

I'd say E70
i was in this (exact) same situation before i got my e70!
my friend has an RRS and hez not happy with it, you see a lot of ahppy E70 customers here!
by the end of it, it's your choice, test drive both vehicles and get the one you feel more comfortable in!

although the rrs is supposed to feel sporty, it does NOT!
e70 moreover is very sporty!

it's your choice again! think immensly before choosing the car you want. you dont wanna make a bad decision so study both cars!
cheers!

[buschy]

I always wanted a hummer! traded in my 2004 x5 4.8is for it and now 4 mths later I ordered a new e70. go with the better vehicle or you will be happy for a short time then say I should have went with the bmw.

[StumpyPete]

A lot of RRSs around here, and I must admit I find them a bit blingy for my taste. X5 much subtler and better to drive too.

[jsg]

I am a current RRS S/C owner. I was immediately attracted to its looks (which i still think are unmatched) and the fact that it was rover with real capabilities. That was Feb 06.

I just test drove a E70 4.8....OMG, what a difference! I am going to place an order for either an E70 or a 550i (still need to test drive the latter). My comparison is below...

So....While the RRS has nearly 400 horses, it is also close to 3 tons, so a lot of power is lost in moving the beast. It moves, and has a lot of pull from 50-80mph, but it is a bit slow off the line and on the shoulders of its power curve. It feels rock solid and indestructable, but as one poster above notes, it feels a bit overbalanced when driving at highway speeds. Also, reliability has been spotty and interior quality is not up to BMW standards by far. Don't get me wrong I have loved the car since day one, but it is now time to step up...

The X5 felt like a sports car - I honestly had no idea what I was missing. Power, handling (the S-turns put a HUGE grin on my face and basically sold me) interior room, interior quality and overall build quality are far superior.

So now my only decision is between the X5 and the 550i (and maybe, just maybe the M5)....car or suv....

[drew]

rinspeed kit on the rrs sc: