I think the 4.8 will become the classic. But 4.6 is also special.

Either way, no other e53 comes near the 4.6/4.8 in style, options, sound, and performance. Even mine being 14 years old is still a champ.

I think once they really become an enthusiast vehicle prices will tick up slightly (Maybe $20,000 for lower mileage well maintained 4.6/4.8). Collectible? Not for another 40 years, if even. Maybe if you have a 50,000 mile one sitting around at that time, but the mileage all of ours are going to be at... not likely. We're not talking e30 M3 production numbers or racing pedigree with our SUVs.

The most important thing they did was help kick off the sporty SUV craze (along with the Cayenne) that we are in now. And boy am I glad they did. :) If it weren't for the e53 we might not have SRT Jeep Cherokees and Durangos. There were oddball American performance SUVs (some even had 2 doors IIRC) but they were low production and never really caught on. They were faster but didn't handle much better than their regular production line brethren.

Yes, it seems to me because of the engine and I think there were less made, the 4.6 is the more 'exclusive' of the two. Personally, I think that it feels more nibble and there is more steering wheel feedback. The 2002 catalog features the Estoril Blue 4.6. I would look for a 2002, first year of the 4.6, that matches
the color combination and a 2002 catalog for shows or a future buyer.