If you like to drive--get the X5. If you like to ride--get the MDX.

they did a head-to-head comparo on roads last year and the MDX was ranked better for driving through corners because they have the SH-AWD which is better than XDrive. Well, the E70's' XDrive that doesn't come with DPC (the X6 does). The one advantage BMWs had over others was handling and it doesn't win there in this case.

More gadgets, better price, reliability, it's the MDX. I just can't get over the fat pig look... and I've always wanted an X5 since I was a teen. If I were to buy again, I would seriously consider other vehicles like the new Edge coming out in the summer... again, better stuff and drives faster and stiffer than it did before. BMW is at a good place, but they really can do better considering others are, even at lower prices.

I've had an SUV since I was 16. When friends ask me for SUV recommendations, I always say MDX or X5 as top 2. If it's for their wife who just wants something reliable, quiet, and comfortable, Lexus.

Who is "they?" I would like to read that..

I looked at the EDGE - um.. ewww. If you really want a family car I guess it's perfectly fine. I love gadgets, but don't be seduced by the MyTouch dark side. A lot of that stuff is of very limited utility.

With all of that said, though, whether one really likes the car or not has a huge impact. It does on ME, anyway. I owned Lexus for too many years because it was the "nice / reasonable / sensible" choice and German cars were for people with too much disposable income. I came to resent the Lexus, though, because I always felt like they were behind the curve and I was missing out, in spite of having paid a big bunch of money for it. And the maintenance was NOT cheap. 30K service was $800. 60K service was $1200 or so. Oil changes every 5K miles at $150 a piece. Alignment frequently needed (almost yearly) at $150 a pop.

And it was so boring it would put me to sleep on the way to work.

Just a little perspective.. For such a purchase that you're going to be stuck with for 4 or 5 years (or more) it's important that you at least be satisfied with it, if not giddy to get in it and go. Not "oh, I don't mind going to work.. but I have to drive that old Dragon Lady thing! <groan>"

Yeah, I believe that was a Roundel magazine comparison, so if there was any bias, it was to BMW's favor. Without the DPC, the X5 simply was not as good as an MDX in terms of cornering and handling. If I recall correctly, in the same issue they compared the X3 with the RDX, and gave the X3 a thumbs up over the RDX.

Which one makes you smile more when you push it through a series of corners? That's the answer.

If you don't understand the question, the answer is not BMW.

EDIT>>> looks like penguin answered it...

Like I said, it's being redone. It's even got the Mustang's engine. Coupled with Ford's now-reputable name and what they've put into it - it's not just a "family car" anymore. And also, no more chrome, thankfully, that was hurting my eyes.

2011 Ford Edge - Specifications, Pictures, Prices

BTW, I think you drive a 3.0si like I do - they are family cars half the time. Anyway, I don't know if the OP is going for 08s because of price but I thought I'd throw the EDGE out there since it might be in the range.

The Roundel comparison is a bit dated, as it does not have the new powertrains. But, FWIW, here's a link to the comparison of the X3/X5 to the RDX/MDX done in 2007:

http://stage.bmwcca.org/forum/files/globalshowdown.pdf

Funny you mention that. My wife really wanted me to buy an Edge. :dunno:

Yes, I've seen it. Still not something I would want. Good value, and nothing wrong with a box on wheels. And if you like American cars. Consumer Reports reviewed the new Lincoln that's built on it and couldn't recommend it BECAUSE of it's touchscreen. (but I don't put much stock in Consumer Reports..)

EDGE has been a very good seller for Ford. But there's really nothing Ford has that I like (I looked, believe it or not). The Explorer had BARELY changed from when I was in college. (this was months before the 2011 redesign)

No - I drive a 35i. Had to order it.

I did read the comparison - good points, but I think they UNDERSTATE the MDX's body roll and it is very far from an UNQUALIFIED "SH-AWD is better."

Pricing is also dated in that 2007 report - with the MDX being quite a bit more and the X5 being somewhat less (than it used to be).

I would think that someone who wants an MDX will buy an MDX.

I find the X5 to be much more my taste. Looks, feel, etc.

Thanks.

(yeah, I don't like the MDX either)

:)