BMW X5 35i or 50i

[chrgosselin]

Hi guys,

I'm new to the forum and I must say that it's refreshing to see that there are still places on the Net where the discussion is smart and civilized. Congrats!

I'm having a hard time deciding between the X5 35i and the X5 50i 2011 (both fully equipped). I drove them both and liked them equally (OK I admit maybe I liked the 50i a little more!). Basically, I love to drive. I don't need to tow stuff on a regular basis but we're planning a cross-Canada roadtrip with a folding camping trailer in 2012 and a roadtrip to Florida this summer (we live in Quebec, Canada). My wife will use it to go to work on a daily basis but it will be the family car on nights and weekends. We usually keep our cars from 6 to 8 years.

Would you say the 50i is worth the higher sticker price? How about the fuel consumption? Is it a lot worse than the 35i?

I'd love to hear your thoughts. Thanks!

P.S. I also looked at the Cayenne and Cayenne S but, even tough their interior is gorgeous, I found the X5s more fun to drive (plus you get more bang for your $).