There is a significant difference between the MDX and the X5 whether we're talking about 1st or 2nd generation. Acura is near luxury, BMW is luxury. Having driven both, the new MDX has comparable performance with it's 'Sport' package. Comparing apples to apples, the MDX will almost always figure to be about $10,000 less on a similar X5 package. Acura uses a lot of plood, lesser quality interior pieces. Although I've really enjoyed the 1st generation MDX and I feel the new one is great, I feel in the long term it evens out b/c of resale value of the BMW.

I have driven all three back to back, MDX, 3.0 and 4.8. I found that there is no comparison between the X5 and MDX. The X5's being the winner IMO. Firstly, The interior fit and finish it far supperior in the X5's. The MDX is nice but, I think the interior is far too out there kinda "star treky" in design. The MDX seems too gimicky in design. The gauge pod is ungly and I think the novelty would wear off quckly and it will date itself rapidly. Lots of cheap looking plastic.The electronic controls, buttons, joystick and gadetry are overwhelming. Yes the BMW has the gadgets too, but they are nicely accomodated and elegant not to say that the Flexray technology in the BMW is superior for onboard commumication between the internal systems. You think idrive is confusing as some owners claim (I personally like the idrive) try navigating the MDX joystick program. Driving is a different matter this is where the BMW shines. The MDX steering feels sloppy to me and not as responsive with input from the driver, very heavy. Feels like it is over compensating . Take the MDX around a long bend in the road and you will find it just does not seem to want to follow your heading. It tends to body roll and fight you back to the straight away. Acceleration isn't all that great for a 300 hp engine. Pulling onto the highway and getting upto speed is a little of an effort. The transmission seems to have a problem finding that right gear and hesitates whether it should shift up or down or not. It's hard to explain but, to me it seems like it can't make up it's mind what it want to do. On the other hand the 3.0 handles beautifully even without the sports package, finds it transmission shift point effortlessly and makes you feel in total control at all times. The X is alot smoother and highway driving and passing is awsome. Braking in the MDX is good, but it does dive in heavy braking. The 4.8 is a totally different beast. Acceration is crisp, responsive and quick for a SUV this heavy. Drive the 3.0 and 4.8 back to back and you come out spending the extra for the 4.8 extra umph. No comparison IMO. The 3.0 does a fine job I just found it a liitle underpowered for my taste, then again I am coming from a large powerful 6.0 litre tuned road boat. In all both vehicle are capable and I think that the MDX is trying to make up it's shortfall in performance and handling with the Fully loaded gadget incentive. I would rather take the overall performance, handling and superior build of the BMW and make some compromise on the options. Besides the exterior of the BMW is handsome The MDX looks like its going to blast off where "no man has gone before" see that grill....Beam me up! Anyway, I know that looks are subjective and beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Acura will probably sell a tons of these, but when that new X5 pulls up beside you you'll get that " I should of......feeling. Paper specs is one thing, real world performance is another. If gadgets and options are your thing and main concern the MDX certainly does offer the "package" Just my opinion.

As a former owner of a 2001 and 2004 mdx, I have to agree. I thought I wouldn't find a smoother riding vehicle than the mdx, but the x5 beats it easily. Very nice. It's a lot stiffer as far as steering goes too. I haven't noticed much difference in the MDX and our new x5 3.0.

So the X5 is superior or similar?

sorry, I didn't finish my thought. I haven't noticed much difference in the POWER of the mdx and the x5 3.0. That makes much better sense. =)

-Charles

I would agree, there is not much difference in power from my '03 MDX, '07 X5 3.0 or '07 MDX.