Thanks for the support man but as the OP, my intentions wasn't to compare one vehicle against the other. I am confident enough to like what I like even if others don't agree. Translation: I don't have to put another vehicle down to feel better about my own. I love my MDX after a little over a week of ownership and that is more than I could say about the X5 after two months of ownership! What does that mean....the Acura MDX is a better choice "for me".


I simply like discussing vehicles and being in the company of others who enjoy vehicles as much as I do. With that said, I am sure my OP or this thread in general will help someone with their decision to ditch the X5 for an MDX, ditch the MDX for the X5, or ditch them both for another manufacturer. Aren't these forums suppose to be informative?

Hey thanks man!

I am glad you were able to see the intent of my OP which was not to spew negativity about the BMW X5 because like I have said on many occasions, the X5 is a damn good vehicle.

I agree with a lot of the MDX bashing that has taken place on this thread. However, after almost two weeks of ownership, the Acura MDX has proven to be a much better vehicle "for me".

1. The steering on the X5 felt tighter.
2. The suspension on the X5 felt tighter.
3. The overall driving dynamics on the X5 was better.
4. Hell even the front of the X5 looks better.

These are not problems, flaws, or annoyances but rather observations.

What I find interesting is how X5 loyalist have a very biased approach to how their vehicle should be judged by others. Anytime there is a discussion about how the X5 stacks up against another vehicle the performance attributes are ALWAYS the main selling point and that's okay. However, there are many people out there like myself who prefer a balance between performance and creature comforts and that SHOULD be okay as well. Besides, my Saturday errands consisting of runs to Costco, Target, and whatever else the wife wants don't include the Nuremburg or Autobahn tracks.

2010 Acura MDX 0-60 - 7.6 sec
2009 BMW X5 3.0i - 7.8 sec

As you can see, 0-60 is a wash so in essence I get two tenths of a second better performance but with all the amenities, creatures comforts, and reliability I could ever ask for.

As for the SH-AWD........I live out here in the desert so very little opportunity to test the capabilities of the SH-AWD.

Contrary to what others have experienced, even the 3.0i engine felt extremely snappy and responsive at highways speeds with 4 adults in the car.

Seems to me the OP made the switch for all the reasons other than why people chose to drive a BMW. BMW makes a car for the driver. If gadgets or peripherals are more important to you then you should not been in a BMW in the first place.

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2008 X5 4.8i BSM/Blk - premium, sports with 20" 214s, navigation, rear climate, adaptive ride, dark bamboo, running boards, 3rd row seats, USB audio, high speed maximum, etc etc

Mods: Smoked reflectors | Hoen xenon match fogs and angel eyes | LED plate bulbs | 18" winter wheels

Other vehicles: 2002 M3 Vert TiAG/Blk - with every option and many mods | 2009 Chevy Silverado LTZ - fully loaded

OP, (without reading all the replies,)

glad you found a vehicle that fits your needs better. In the end, that is what counts. I can see myself driving a GL Mercedes or an MDX, each for different reasons.

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Currently driving: 2011 E70 x35i , 2011 E90 335d
Previous BMWs: 2007 E90 328i , 2005 E53 3.0i, 2011 F10 535i (6spd manual)

Hey thanks man!

Why isn't there a vehicle that offers the best of both worlds. German engineering and Japanese creature comforts and tech gadgetry!?

I have experienced the Acura; very nice, but not in the same league as the BMW. In the 4.8 version with sport package the BMW is light years ahead! By the way, the premium sound with HD is more than adequate. The trendy Acura , in my experience, will be outdated and old news with the next year model. The BMW X5 evolves with every facelift and upgrade. You can only build upon an already superior vehicle. I personally would rather have a CPO 2007 X5 than a new Acura.

Back to Buick. The 2011 Regal is going to be built in Germany and packs as many creature comforts as one would want.

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Profeshenal spellar

Was this at the dealer at the Auto-Mall off Oracle? You're right. That dealership SUCKS! Isn't there one over on 22nd, also? I can't remember?

To be honest, though, Tucson dealers are so much better than the dealers in the Bay Area that you'd be literally shocked, seriously.

I live in both cities: I'm not a snowbird, don't worry.

I agree about many of your claims. From a technology standpoint the X5 is behind its peers. The 2011 model closes that gap, with intelligent cruise control, lane departure, etc.

In fact, even the 2010 model's iDrive might as well be a different system than what was on your 2009 model. Nonetheless, your points are valid.

The MDX is a fine vehicle. Nothing wrong with Hondas. I've noted a pretty surprising lack of quality in my city car (2008-honda civic), but nonetheless it will give you years of problem-free service.

Enjoy it!

You're right and I couldn't have said it better myself. The 2010 Acura MDX is pure garbage and I am an f'ing idiot for ditching the X5 after a little under two months of ownership.