MDX

The V10 TDI came to America as a M.Y. 2004 and was promptly taken off the market that very year due to regulations (The Eco. Friendlies had a Shit Fit). This was the raw and pure V10 TDI (consequently, the one I'd have).

VW then brought back the V10 TDI (changing the nomenclature to "R50") from M.Y. 2008-2010 in a particular configuration made to work strictly with ultra-low sulfur diesel; it made marginally more power but had some particulate filter and other emissions poppycock in it. Not for me. I'd have myself the pure, unrestricted 2004 V10 TDI.

Of course, none of the V10 TDI cars (either here or abroad) were equipped with manual transmission. But what a cool relic anyways. Besides, the European V6 TDI (of the same platform) had a 6-speed manual as an option, meaning one could, in theory, do a manual swap (assuming the bell-housing matched up). Provided I had the money, even if the bell housing didn't match up, I'd have a custom one machined and would even spend the money to beef up the transmission and transfer case if need be).

Plus, the V10 TDI is loosely based on the engines found on Audi's LMP cars. IIRC, it was the first all-aluminum diesel engine. Even if the production motor is not too similar to those found in Audi's factory LMP cars, a few Le Mans Lolas were indeed equipped with heavily modified but otherwise off-the-shelf 5.0 V10 TDI engines. I think the later really speaks quite a bit for this engine.

Finally, the V10 TDI just sounds too damn sweet. With an exhaust and a little tuning, I bet the sound would be rather intoxicating.

I'm with you on the V8 models - my ex. had a proper V8 Touareg and it was very impressive indeed. I especially enjoyed the "proper" 4WD system as opposed to the X5s AWD system. I'm sure you've seen all the videos showing how much better the X-Drive is than the AWD system in the Touareg - that's fair enough; during normal driving conditions the X5 may very well be superior. And I'll admit that that's really what matters because these cars aren't off-roaders. Be that as it may, there's something about locking diffs (or transfer case - I never researched how the system works) that is just "pretty cool."

For what it's worth, there was also a 6.0L W12 Touareg that never came to the Americas. It was only available in Europe and the Middle East. I think only about 500 were made. I think I'd still prefer the first version of the V10 TDI.

Grand Cherokee for sure.

For My 100th post......

When the day comes to replace my beloved X, I'm afraid my brand loyalty may come to an end.....(partially) as I am a purist, and enjoy the thrill of a manual transmission. I'd go with a Porsche Cayenne GTS / S with a 6- speed Manual.

BMW, If your reading this..... X5///M, with a manual please, or at least bring back a manual option...... Yeah I know.... Nothing but crickets in the back ground.

Audi Q8 supercharged

Green, wholeheartedly agree with you man. As it sits, I find nothing to satisfy my driving purist passion than a GTS / S with 3 pedals.

I will start saving my pennies now, because by the time I can afford it, I'm sure the current generation will have axed the 6-speed, and I will have to scour for a used Cayenne with 3 pedals, and I'm sure it will be even harder to find a clean example than the search I went through for my X.

Or I would just get myself a 2500 Ram Cummins pickup, with 6 speed, as I really could use more utility with all the work I do around the house. When the X gets replaced, Cayenne or Cummins for me

(I'd rather be Cummin than strokin! for the good ol boys lol)

Hahaha I hear ya Brother! An E60 M5 with 6-speed is calling my name too.

We just picked up our new to us X5, a 2005 model with Sport Package, and the 3.0lt diesel engine, 155,000km. While we never considered a new SUV (couldn't afford one), we investigated several possibilities, like the Porsche Cayenne S and Turbo, the Toyota Land Cruiser, the X6 (still too expensive in the used car market) etc. We also owed a WJ Jeep Grand Cherokee before it, so that was also included in the selection.

The main reason we choose this particular X5, was basically its consumption figures. 10lt/100km (real consumption, not vendor figures) compared to 22lt/100km for the Grand Cherokee and the Porsches. This alone made us want to stick with the diesels. The Land Cruiser diesel of the same era, is grossly underpowered (166 bhp only, for something like 2,800 kg) so that was rejected too.

The diesel X5 is no slouch either, with 218 bhp at 4,000 RPM.

So the selection of the X5 was a one-way street for us. And thank God, it proved a good one. I suppose that the new 3.5D X5 should be equally efficient.

I hope this adds a different perspective on the subject.

A friend of mine purchased a brand new 2013 Tuareg diesel with all the options. It's the poor man's Cayenne diesel. Pretty impressive SUV. Gobs of torque (550 Nm / 405 ft-lbs).

BUT: who would buy a Porsche....diesel....?

g63 amg