Xoutpost.com - BMW X5 4.4 vs Cayenne s

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fraser (Post 664842)

I have a 2005 3.0d but I've driven the 4.4 (both pre- and post-update) extensively. Also the 4.6is and the 4.8is. But for me it's not a question of the engines and I have no complaints about any of the Cayenne's various under-bonnet offerings. Here in Oz we get the V6, the atmo V8 in two states of tune and the twin-turbo V8 in two states of tune. We also get the Cayenne diesel.
In producing a vehicle that has genuine off-road ability, I feel that Porsche has compromised the Cayenne's on-road feel. Compared to the X it feels bigger, heavier and more cumbersome and the steering lacks the X's precision and feedback. All this varies of course with the respective tyre/wheel and suspension packages on offer (and the type of road surface). I'm sure that there are Cayenne fans/owners out there who would disagree, but that's just my two cents worth.
The other argument is that the Cayenne can perform off-road tricks that the X can only dream about so it's the better all-rounder. I just think that it's not as focussed as a road car.

I agree with this - good input. The Cayenne is an impressive off-road vehicle and has huge towing capacity (7700lbs), so it certainly has been built very stout. X5 is really a car platform, where the Cayenne is a true truck platform. And since I am a 99.9% on-road guy, the X sure fits my needs a lot better. The steering and feel of the X is superior for me anyway. I also like the AT trans in the X better than the Cayenne S. Both platforms have pretty good engines, although the X (at least in 4.6is guise) has more torque so when you combine that with the excellent tranny, the driving experience is top-notch road car more than SUV. Pepper-wagon is a damn sweet SUV, but it never feels like a car.