Designed in America for the American market. They don't drive those monstrosities in Japan or Europe. Ditto for cars like the Acura TL and Toyota Avalon. My trademark saying: "The Acura TL is as Japanese as the California Roll"

I don't consider cars like the Pontiac G8 or Saturn Astra American. They're Australian and German, respectively.

There's a fuzzy line in terms of production date for the '04 X5, but most '04+ X5s have the Adaptive function for the bi-xenon headlamps included in NA models.

I had a Cayenne for three years (1st gen.) before the E70 and NEVER had one problem with it.... it never did see the rugged winters that Canada will bring it though.
Performance/handling are close enough that it should not be too much of an adjustment, just be sure to opt for the air suspension and be prepared to be optioned to death at the Porsche stealership.

Good luck.

I wish mitsihibishi made luxury vehicles! I love the look of the endraveour but they don't have heated seats yet!!!

I think the Mitsu Outlander is an outstanding small SUV, but it looks like you want something bigger.........

It is the best-lookin SUV in its class though, plus its got a split tailgate like the X5 and a 6-speed auto if you get the V6, and Bluetooth.

But probably drives like crap compared to BMW?

Theres a black one in town I see every now and again and say damn I wish I had that suv. I betcha the other drivers saying the same thing about mine. hmmm....maybe he'll trade (if he/she gots heated/leather/sunroof).

I hate living in a small place and having no big names here...we got the normal stuff but not the more expensive things. Not even a mitsu dealer!

oh, I like the outlander too, but its too low to the ground/not big enough/only has 2.4's.

I really want to drive a FX 50 S, it's X6ish without an $86k price tag, so for 50k, on paper it looks like a bargain

I found a 08 Mitsubishi Endeavor locally! It might be a bit of a drive but its fully loaded! heated leather seats, navigational system (I assume bluetooth kit)!

Good luck and I hope you find what you want with it! (these X5's do spoil us with the driving experience)

grrr, I love the bmw drive.