Cross-shopping the Cadillac CTS-V with an X5

[TRAINER]

Accessing the third row with car seats mounted in the second row is out of the question. I have read on here that some people have been able to do it although I'm not sure how. Before I ordered my X I went to the dealer and installed my two car seats into an X with third row. Moving the seat up with a car seat in it was impossible. Perhaps those that were successfull had seat only boosters?

[rickp]

A lot people think I was crazy liking the CTS Wagon but I really like the styling. Prior to my X5, I had a MB R350 wagon and that thing could seat 6 adults easily although my wife said it looked like a Hearst. I have two kids and do outdoor activities like surfing and snow boarding.

I like how the premium package on the CTS comes very loaded. They also handle very well and the 3.6 V6 was strong. I didn't care much for the interior styling (pop-up nav, no rear entertainment, weird placement of temp controls, buttons and things galore, I'm sold on BMW i'drive) but I could stare at the exterior all day. In the end, I chose the X5 because:

• Better lease rates than Cadillac. Even though the Caddy was lower in price, the lease quotes were higher than a more expensive BMW. The depreciation seems worse on the CTS wagon maybe because it is not as popular and may be harder to sell (look on ebay for used ones)?
• Need AWD and AWD is hard to find for CTS Wagon, let alone CTS Wagon in stock.
• Build my car exactly how I wanted it within three weeks. CTS Wagons are not popular and we couldn't find the color/combo I was looking for.
• Easier to get kids/groceries/rear items in and out of an SUV/SAV vs. Wagon since the SUV sits higher.

The 3rd row for X5 should only be for kids. Oh, and I hated mini-vans and swore that I'd (or wifey) never get one but I have to tell you that I love my Honda Odyssey touring. You cannot beat power sliding doors for kid ingress/egress and the rear DVD entertainment (a must for kids) is way better than BMW's interpretation.

[deutsch100]

Originally Posted by rickp

A lot people think I was crazy liking the CTS Wagon but I really like the styling. Prior to my X5, I had a MB R350 wagon and that thing could seat 6 adults easily although my wife said it looked like a Hearst.

A hearst/hearse!!! OMG, too funny. My Mom is car shopping and she made her mind up on getting an R350 or R320 Bluetec Diesel. Then all of a sudden, she had some ephiany and just told us...."I can't drive that car, all that is missing in the back is a coffin". LOL

Serriously, the R-Class would give Volvo coffin schleppers in Europe a run for their money. So true....the R-Class looks just like a hearse!!!

Yes, many times a much more expensive BMW will lease lower a month than a less expensive American or other German brand. Since BMW owns their own bank, they have usually been very aggressive with great lease rates and residuals. I love BMW Financial, they are great to work with and Customer Service is top notch!!

[IGotId]

Originally Posted by rickp

A lot people think I was crazy liking the CTS Wagon but I really like the styling. Prior to my X5, I had a MB R350 wagon and that thing could seat 6 adults easily although my wife said it looked like a Hearst. I have two kids and do outdoor activities like surfing and snow boarding.

I like how the premium package on the CTS comes very loaded. They also handle very well and the 3.6 V6 was strong. I didn't care much for the interior styling (pop-up nav, no rear entertainment, weird placement of temp controls, buttons and things galore, I'm sold on BMW i'drive) but I could stare at the exterior all day. In the end, I chose the X5 because:

• Better lease rates than Cadillac. Even though the Caddy was lower in price, the lease quotes were higher than a more expensive BMW. The depreciation seems worse on the CTS wagon maybe because it is not as popular and may be harder to sell (look on ebay for used ones)?
• Need AWD and AWD is hard to find for CTS Wagon, let alone CTS Wagon in stock.
• Build my car exactly how I wanted it within three weeks. CTS Wagons are not popular and we couldn't find the color/combo I was looking for.
• Easier to get kids/groceries/rear items in and out of an SUV/SAV vs. Wagon since the SUV sits higher.

The 3rd row for X5 should only be for kids. Oh, and I hated mini-vans and swore that I'd (or wifey) never get one but I have to tell you that I love my Honda Odyssey touring. You cannot beat power sliding doors for kid ingress/egress and the rear DVD entertainment (a must for kids) is way better than BMW's interpretation.

Thanks for your post! My sister/brother-in-law had a minivan many years ago so I'm well aware of how practical they are! I just can't see myself in the driver's seat!

[IGotId]

Originally Posted by TRAINER

Accessing the third row with car seats mounted in the second row is out of the question. I have read on here that some people have been able to do it although I'm not sure how. Before I ordered my X I went to the dealer and installed my two car seats into an X with third row. Moving the seat up with a car seat in it was impossible. Perhaps those that were successfull had seat only boosters?

my 5 y.o. uses a "portable" booster...she also climbs in through the rear door on our MDX!