I too compare vehicles based on segment, not price. I never understood how the latter works (like when people compare the X3 to say, a Toyota Rav-4 or Ford Escape).

Off-roading is fun folks. Actually last month I had to reattach part of the plastic plate that's underneath the X3's engine- probably a bit too much speed. It is jolly fun to floor the X3 on a forest road and drive it like a rally car. Really, the Grand Cherokee isn't all that bad and with the diesel, it might actually be practical. I'd consider one if I lived in say, Charlotte where there's less temptation to drive my cars like karts yet still have close access to the outdoors. A lot of the luxury car-based SUVs are bit too posh for my tastes (I'd never sling my muddy bike into the current X3 or toss my dirty gear just....anywhere in the current X3).