Did you look at the LR3? The 3rd row is pretty usable. I know it doesn't drive as nicely as the X5 or GL, however. I'm stopping at two kids, and plan to trade my LR3 for an X5 3.0sd, hehe.

I drove the LR3 when it first came out prior to buying my 05 4.4 X5, and decided against it, only because I wanted something fast, and something that could handle. At the time, we only had two kids, and never thought of a third one...three years later, and all I can say is "oops".

Anyhow, I think BMW needs something a tad bigger than the X.

Are you looking at GL 550?

I am looking at the GL 450. The GL 550 offers no off-road package which allows you to switch the suspension to stiffer mode, and boy, does it make a difference in handling.

Agree 100% - I was looking at the GL last year and test drove a few. I was ambivalent until I found one with off-road.
Off-road pkg was hard to find and I only test drove one that had this- when set to sport, the GL is awesome. Firm, tight, handles much smaller than its mass.

I have three kids so the X5 is a severe compromise. GL looks good.

Why is the X5 not big enough for three kids - just curious


(Disclaimer - no kids here)

Dude, I hear you, the GL is not the best looking truck, but when you are faced with our big dilemma (three car seats) here is how it all breaks down;

The new X is a beauty, but too small.
The Audi has a bit more space, but the third row is a joke.
The Suburban is a bus.
The Escallade has less space than the GL and drives like a big boat (drove it last week).
The Volvo XC90 has space and a nice third row seat, but the drive is not up to par with German SUVs.
The Lexus, Toyota Sequoia, and most of the Japanese SUVs with third row seats are underpowered (268hp).
Then you have the QX56, Navigator and the likes, and to those I say, no thank you.

Therefore, the one that comes closest to the X is the GL, not much choice as you can see.

The GL was number 2 on our list for 3rd row seat SUV. The wife was turned off with the looks and no maintenance package. The ride and handling is pretty decent for a full size SUV. That 3rd row power folding seat with the power tailgate is sweet.

Since we only have 2 kids, the X5 is hands down our perfect SAV.

There are deals to be made out there on the GL. My local MBZ dealership offered me a deal on a fully loaded $72K GL450 for the same lease terms and payments of my 62K X5 3.0.

Good luck.

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2007 E70 3.0

I agree, the X5 is the perfect truck for a couple with two kids. The handling with the off-road package on the GL is pretty good. Enjoy that X.