X5 vs MDX

x_in_mo · #1 10-22-2009, 11:49 PM

Greetings.... I'm seriously torn between the two. I can come up with dozens of good reasons to do a 2010 X5 diesel. I can also come up with dozens of reasons to do the new Acura MDX.

Any obvious things spring to mind for anyone? Like "Acuras always rollover and die." Something a bit more helpful would be nice. I currently own an X3, so I know BMWs a bit. Lots of good, some not so good. I've also had a few Infinitis, which I loved, but the FX really doesn't compare to the X5. Too small on the inside, more like a VERY muscular X3 without the X3's kick ass fun to drive quality.

Any and all thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks!

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moolis · #2 10-23-2009, 12:20 AM

I debated the two, also. I went with the X5. First off, I personally didn't care for the new look of the MDX coming out. Secondly, being a new model, they probably wouldn't deal too much. (Although, with this economy, who knows.) So, if there's not much incentive on the MDX, and BMW is giving a great deal now on the diesel, they just came out to be too close in price for me. That being the case, I felt the X5 was the much better deal, not to mention a lot better quality SUV. I was looking at the sport model for the MDX.

HUK · #3 10-23-2009, 02:42 AM

I"d love to hear one argument for the MDX over an X5d... not withstanding the price. I've driven the current RDX a few times, which doesn't come close even to my wife's X3. Not a driver's car whatsoever, even though it's quick off the line.

XXX555 · #4 10-23-2009, 06:54 AM

There is a lot of back and forth banter on the edmunds forums about how the mdx is better than the x5 and vice versa... I found the mdx plain and boring with a guttless low end. Jap. reliability is a plus though.

spacey · #5 10-23-2009, 07:24 AM

I too considered the MDX for a while... but really the only 2 things I saw going for it in the end were:

1) Lower price - you can prolly get one for ~$41k or so fully loaded.
2) Reliability

Everything else about the MDX is sub-par to say the least. The plastic immitation wood panels were just one of the things. Also, I just find the new Acura Zoltar styling just cheap, weird and Saturnish looking but that's a personal preference of course.

And the current set of incentives on the X5d are just irresistible: $4.5k eco credit, $1.8k (or $0.9, that remains to be seen) tax credit, $1k,- BMWCCA kickback, salestax tax deductibility and the dealers selling them for close to invoice just makes for a very hard case for most other SUVs since the X5 is sooooo much more of a solid car than the rest.

spacey

LeMansX5 · #6 10-23-2009, 07:36 AM

Check this thread, specially post # 31.
http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...ought-mdx.html

bigx5er · #7 10-23-2009, 08:49 AM

I owned the MDX for a year before switching to the X5 (2008). The OP didn't want to hear this, but price is a major reason to go with the MDX. It is significantly cheaper -- and that helps explain why the MDX cut a few corners over the X5.

The MDX was a fine SUV, very reliable and well built. Great daily driver if that is what you want. For me it lacked soul. Felt a bit generic driving and plastic from an ergonomic standpoint. It is the wimpiest 300hp vehicle I have driven, as another poster commented, no low-end grunt at all.

I didn't like the MDX seats that much and thought it could have used better driver adjustment. The "premium" stereo was just OK. The navigation system rocked (hint BMW) and I liked the built-in hard drive and how it downloaded my contacts only when I asked it to.

I still like the MDX over the RX which is really bland, but the X5 remains in an entirely different league for pure driving. The MDX is also larger than the X5 and does have more room for cargo, something people may appreciate.

Penguin · #8 10-23-2009, 09:20 AM

The BMW Car Club of America magazine, Roundel, published a comparison in the April, 2007 issue that was surprisingly very favorable to the MDX:

http://stage.bmwcca.org/forum/files/globalshowdown.pdf

I found it interesting, considering probable bias of the writer for BMW. The fact that he gave the handling edge to the MDX over the X5 was quite surprising to me!

ravenheart · #9 10-23-2009, 10:18 AM

I can tell you a very specific reason for why we ruled the MDX out - the passanger side footwell is compromised by the wheelwell. It was very uncomfortable for me having to bend my right leg in odd angles - would have been torture for drives longer than 10 mins.

This was about 6 months ago, but I would imagine that it was the current model.

rh71 · #10 10-23-2009, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Penguin

The BMW Car Club of America magazine, Roundel, published a comparison in the April, 2007 issue that was surprisingly very favorable to the MDX:

http://stage.bmwcca.org/forum/files/globalshowdown.pdf

I found it interesting, considering probable bias of the writer for BMW. The fact that he gave the handling edge to the MDX over the X5 was quite surprising to me!

looks like SH-AWD is what gave it the driving advantage over the traditional X-drive. But don't the new 35d have DPC now, which is the SH-AWD equivalent? Do all MY2010 have DPC?

BTW, I think Acura/Lexus/etc. will always win in the value department.

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