In my mind the performance X5 like my 4.8is has no compromises at all. it is an SUV that can haul my boat and M3 with ease, carry 4 people and some gear, and at the same time be very luxurious and offer wonderful driving dynamics. The sedan on the other hand can't tow, can't go off road, and is still a 4000+ pound hulk of a vehicle. They are both very compromised compared to a real sports car, and with something like an E30 M3 in the garage, why would a sedan be any more rewarding than an sports SAV?

The essence of the hot SUVs is that they can do all of the above, while still offering 95% of the performance of a sedan. And on the street, 95% is PLENTY.

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12 X5 M - 06 X5 4.8iS - 03 X5 4.4i - 03 M5 - 02 X5 4.6is - 99 M3 Dinan S3 - 98 M3 - 92 850i-6 - 92 850i - 91 325ix - 89 M3 2.5 - and a few parts cars

And that is why manufacturers offer so many choices, so that we can all buy our dream vehicles.

Obviously, if you need to tow with it, an X5 4.8 is a better choice than a 550. However, I maintain that the 550 has better performance, handling, and fuel consumption. I think it may even have more than a 5% advantage.

Personally, I really notice the excess weight, and the consequences of that weight such as the higher centre of gravity, poor fuel consumption, and lower performance. The lack of a manual transmission also hurts it in my mind. When BMW went to the E70 from the E53, that cinched it for me, and the X5 came off my list of potential replacement vehicles.

My 535 isn't a true sports car, it is just a much sportier daily driver which can carry four people and all their luggage. I use the X3 to tow (up to 3500 lbs). I wouldn't take either the X3 or X5 off road. If I needed to tow 5000+ lbs, then my current solution wouldn't work.

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2007 X3 3.0si, 6 MT, Premium, White

Retired:
2008 535i, 6 MT, M Sport, Premium, Space Grey
2003 X5 3.0 Steptronic, Premium, Titanium Silver
2002 325xi 5 MT, Steel Grey
2004 Z4 3.0 Premium, Sport, SMG, Maldives Blue

Wow ... 2006BMWx5 I might get flamed here but "F" it. Sometimes us folks here need to pick on someone...Everyone has a right to a different opinion. Dude, you got a new car and congrats to that! You don't have to force people to accept that choice. We all have our reasons... Enjoy what you have!

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2008 Saphire Black on Biege.

JCL well I can't help you in Canada but I own a couple of insurance agencies. Wow rates in Canada are high. I have my x5, and the Gx full cov 250/500/200 limits with a 1,000,000 pup and I am only paying around 1,450/ a year total. I did not realize insurance was so high in Canada.

Thanks. I am.

It all depends. My wife and I live in the interior of BC, both have over 10 years driving experience, and have a 3 year old vehicle.

We pay $1300/year for full coverage through ICBC with all driver discounts included.

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Dan
2007 X3 3.0si*titanium silver*black leather*steptronic*premium*comfort*activity*m sport*bluetooth

Depends entirely on where you live here, and what the insurance provider options are. I had an 18 year no claims discount at the time (the maximum), and still have that. My deductibles were 500 collision, 250 comprehensive and glass (from memory); no drivers with less than 10 years experience; 5 million liability limit and business use (the last two were required by my employer). Downtown Vancouver, new vehicles with replacement clauses. Our X3 is now down to $1700 (no driving to work). No grouping of vehicles, it is all per plate (unless you qualify with a fleet)

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2007 X3 3.0si, 6 MT, Premium, White

Retired:
2008 535i, 6 MT, M Sport, Premium, Space Grey
2003 X5 3.0 Steptronic, Premium, Titanium Silver
2002 325xi 5 MT, Steel Grey
2004 Z4 3.0 Premium, Sport, SMG, Maldives Blue