Not sure Xactly which SUV will be our next??? Your thoughts?
 

Hello all,

I find myself in the unsual position of not knowing which SUV to replace the X5 with when its off lease in a few months.

Some background:

We have a 09' 4.8i sport w/20s. It's great in a lot of ways, but the poor mileage in town is now too much to stomach - since 90% of our driving is suburban. We're averaging just under $200.00/week in gas. So the 5.0 is out of the question. Our daughter is 3 and doesn't use the stroller and other big junk anymore. I'm 6'6". Aside from that, we don't 'need' a big SUV. Last thing about our particulars, while the handling is relatively exceptional, the ride with the 20s is a bit harsh.

The contenders are: X3 35i; X5 35i and 35d, 528xi (4 cyl. turbo) and Audi Q5 S line.

I frankly think the styling on the X3 id dumbed down to look less impressive than an X5 on purpose. The lower price, better milage and no loss of handling/acceleration are undeniable, but every time I see one, I just can't see myself driving one?

My vote is 35d. I love the idea of effortless torque and huge range. And I believe that in town, the real world mpg figures for the diesel must be significantly better than the 35i. We'd still get the 20s (which I know impact mileage) but my wife loves them (and loves scrapping them on curbs). But you can't get active steering on the diesel - which is a fantastic option (was on the fence about it as it takes away some feel - then I drove a 5.0 without it....wooow nelly thats a lot of effort in the parking lot with the steamroller tires). Also, there should still be some eco credit I hope?

35i isn't much of a tought. With the 8 speed, it's just about as fast as our 4.8 but that power comes at a price...gas consumption. With a heavy foot, I don't think the 35i will be enough of an improvement over our 4.8 (11-12mpg combined average over any given week). The 35i might get to 14 or 15 combined is my guess. I'd expect 18-19 for the diesel.

528xi. Don't get me going on the new 5. I had an 08 550i sport. Every bit as awesome as the new one is boring. I had a 535i loaner for the day (no sport pack). Fast, very smooth and very very boring like a lexus/mercedes. So if we get a 5er it will need to be an M sport ($$$$). With rear DVD, Msport, tech package etc... $64,000.00 for a 4 cylinder. Seems too high, but with some incentives or a really impressive test drive who knows? Certainly would offer the best milage of the 4 options, and that solid sedan ride you only get when your vehicle is closer to the ground..

Last one... Audi (yes Audi) Q5. I used to hate audi as their cars are good at everything but excel at no one thing in particular. But....(take note BMW AG) Audi simply seems to have stolen the BMW playbook from the 90s: design conservative, handsome vehicles that don't put luxury above performance. With the changes in the quattro (to rear biased), the relocation of the engines behind the front axle and now the weight savings measures (while the whole BMW line just porked up BIG time - to save a few clams on R&D) I'm impressed. Whereas the X3 looks handicapped, the Q5 has the proportions of the E53 X5 (we had one and looooved it). I haven't driven one, but I've heard it is very car-like (a good thing). I can see myself in a Q5 unlike the X3. It doesn't have that introductory model stigma that BMW seemingly intentionally ladened the X3 with. Also, (although I criticize this fact in regard to non SUV vehicles) the Q5 S line, unlike the X3 M sport, is essentially an aesthetics package, so I imagine the ride quality on a Q5 S line with big wheels will be more family oriented than an X3 M sport (I'm a huge fan of the appearance packages which they didn't offer when we got our 4.8) - I have driven a friend's 2011 5.0 with the 20s, no sport pack or adaptive drive and the ride quality vs. handling ratio is ideal for me. Much better than our 4.8 which is much stiffer with the sport pack and adaptive drive.

P.S. I'd get a range sport in a heart beat if they had a reasonably priced diesel or hybrid. But the regular gas version makes our 4.8 look like a Prius at the pump.

I'd love to hear experiences, thoughts, feedback from members.

All the best,
DRP

My opinion's probably not much use since diesel costs about the same as petrol here, however, I'd go for the X5 diesel (looking for a second hand E70 diesel now). I know what you mean about the X3's looks. I've always looked at E70 X5s with a bit of envy because they look far better IMO. The X3 can look a bit tall and skinny sometimes rather than well rounded. Also, we should get about 50% better mileage with a diesel X5 vs our current 2004 X3 3.0 petrol but with similar performance. I can't see myself buying a petrol car again in a while, diesel now costs pretty much the same here yet diesel engines get far better mileage. My fiancée's Smart ForTwo diesel does such good mileage it is effectively free compared to our X3!! To be honest, I'm kind of surprised BMW hasn't started building M series diesels, M3D, M5D, X5MD etc.

I'm no expert but a 6'6" guy won't look good in a girly X3. Q5 is much better.

drove the Q5 hard at the audi event last year. It's just ok. Also drove the X3 35i (take the keys, we'll see you in a bit) and was very impressed. Between the two for fun/performance, definitely X3. That thing just goes. Audi wins in looks by far though, I still don't like the X3 look even though it's better than last generation.

For you though, 35d based on all-around, otherwise X3 if you can stomach it.

btw, lol @ X5MD. :D

I really like my X35d; mileage, torque and comfort are first rate; if I had it to do over again I'd build to order. I'm getting about 20 to 23 mpg in the city, but I only have 3,500 miles on it now and hoping that gets better.

I actually like the look of the new X3 it's more sized like the outgoing E53. I had the previous X3 (a 2010) as a service loaner and I liked it to a degree but it felt a bit rough around the edges to me.

I recently participated in the BMW Drive event and drove the new 535 and really liked it. I drove the Mercedes 350 as my comparison car and honestly felt the BMW was more planted down and more of a drivers car than the Merc. My .02 cents so don't flame me. The cars are for different drivers as I'm sure some would love the floaty feel of the Merc but all I did was think of my granma driving it down a straight road.

I think Audi has compelling vehicles but they don't do anything for me, I feel the Q5 is ugly - I can't stand the sloping rear, giant snaggle tooth grill and the look of the taillights. Plus when I had my Touareg, VW and Audi service were combined and it stunk compared to the experience I have with my BMW center-plus the Touareg was the most unreliable POS I've ever owned. I never got loaner cars with my VW and it spent more time in the shop than on the road.

But drive them all back to back and definitely drive a X35d too.

With those choices, it's got to be the X5d. I also test drove the Q5 and really liked the car like feel and sporty acceleration. But the longer I sat in it, the more cramped I felt. I'm 6' 1" and it really felt small inside to me. That's especially true when you try and squeeze under the rear hatch, which will be a constant strain for your size.

As far as mpg is concerned on the 35i, I get a combined 19mpg, with mostly urban drivin and I have a heavy foot. I would expect to get 22mpg with the Diesel.

I love the Q5, almost bought one but the wait is 120 days right now for the 4 cylinder turbo. Very good value at 45K and a hoot to drive.

Sadly the Audi reliability doesn't seem much better than the BMWs. I am leaving BMW ownership (after many, many years) and switching to an Acura MDX Advanced. Just can't take the BMW reliability issues anymore.

I have driven the last gen X3, Q5 and own currently the 35i.

By far the Q5 handles the worst, its got great handling when you compare it to a Rav4 but not even in the same league when put next to the bimmers, and it felt a lot cheaper on the inside.

The new X3 would be great since its gotten more power and bigger, but the exterior screams Im a chick.

Your misconception about the 35i is obvious, I get around 30, yes, 30.... set on cruise at 75 on the interstate, low 20's around town. The 8 speed is fantastic for power delivery and gas efficiency.

The 35d is nice too, but I just can't get over the FEDEX truck diesel engine knocking sound.

:popcorn:

Think you should sit in a new X3 and decide if it has sufficient headroom for you. If so, an X3 35i would be my pick.

The E70 is an outdated and very heavy design. If you want to improve fuel efficiency, first thing is to lose 1000 lbs. BMW have announced that the next X5 will be significantly lighter. In the meantime, there is the new X3. I would take the 35i over the 35d if both were available. I would consider a 20d when it shows up, because then we would actually see a significant fuel saving.

LOL at all the girly/chick comments on the X3, either the previous or current generation. My masculinity is safe. I am 6'4", and can't imagine letting my vehicle define my self-confidence.

Going to drive a new X1 with the 28i four cylinder in the next few weeks (family member's recent purchase). Too bad those aren't available in the US.

We traded our 2002 X5 3.0 for a new X5 35i a month or so ago. We're getting slightly better mileage, about 19mpg in mostly suburban driving.

The only reason I didn't seriously consider diesel was convenience. I like not having to wonder if a gas station has diesel or not, especially on road trips.

When I drove my new 35d home from Colorado Springs, CO to Boise, ID I had no issue finding diesel and with the MPG range I wasn't that worried either if I did because I didn't have to stop nearly as much.

In light of this thread and comments about noise, yesterday I got out of my car at home and walked around it with engine running and it's really not that loud at all - you know it's diesel but it's not so loud it's off putting to me.

I think BMW just needs to insulate the cabin a bit more; I really only question it when I'm accelerating hard - that there is too much coming into the cockpit. I wonder if people with E53's and diesels in Europe felt it was too noisy for that body design?

I considered the Q5 S-Line as well prior to going with the X5 35i. The Audi is nice but definitely a notch or 2 below BMW, in regards to handling, performance, exterior looks, etc. Also imo Audi's are less reliable and let's not forget they don't offer free maintenance like BMW. For me, a $15K increase from a Q5 to X5 was worth it.

As for mileage on the 35i, I'm averaging about 18mpg on 50/50 driving. Pure highway at 75-85 I get 23-24mpg. I'm sure I can achieve high 20's if I kept speeds <70mph. I test drove the diesel but didn't like it much, due to noise and lack of 8-spd tranny. No regrets about my decision here.

Saw the new baby Range Rover Evoque in the Top Gear few weeks ago, I will get one if the real car will give me the same feel as seeing it in TV when it launching here.

Thinking of leaving....
 

currently on my 3rd x5 (4.8 now) and have enjoyed every mile. Am 200 plus miles from a dealer and am getting a little anxious being so far away. I am seriously considering a Land Cruiser ( yes I know you bimmers cringe but I had a LX 470 previous so know what I would be getting into) and a jeep (SRT8) partly because I have local dealers and partly because I like them. I realize you guys and gals that are a stones throw away from BMW dealerships could care less about stopping for service but for todays vehicles ( electronics) being a long distance from a dealership is really weighing on nerves. Jeep is about the same reliability as the bimmer but have a local dealer and the land cruiser is certainly a step above. Everyone needs to look at their own needs!
Gene

Just wondering why you're not considering a sedan? If it's purely because of the height, I am 6'5 and both the 5 and 7 series are plenty of headroom for me. Easiest way of gaining fuel economy is to cut the weight. Since it doesn't sound like you need the SUV for kids or whatever, just moving to a 535 or something, would immediately change your mileage to 22/32 with regular gas.

One of my best friends has a 2008 X3 3.0 and it is a GREAT car. It has given her almost 0 problems!! I think the new model looks really, really great!! Vast improvement over the first generation!

Have you considered the Diesel or Hybrid new Touareg? I've seen a few at my son's school...and they look really good! I personally like the looks of the first Touareg (more massive and beefier, just like the first Cayenne vs. the new one)..but the new Touareg has cool LED DRLs and the interior blows the X3 out of the water!

Also, the all new 2012 ML350, ML Diesel and ML550 are AWESOME! Build quality, materials, safety and features are amazing! My 2011 GL550 is sooo good. You should at least look at the Mercedes. Their quality since the early 2000's has done a 180!!

The Toerags do look quite nice but aren't quite in the same league as the X5. The Q7's decent looking but something about it just doesn't grab me. I don't like the way Range Rovers are taking their looks these days and besides which, if you drive one around London everyone will assume you're a drug dealer. I wouldn't even think about getting a Merc though, I'm sure they're great on the inside and in the engine bay but saying I dislike the looks is an understatement and when it comes to cars of this price range, I admit that I'm a little vain.

I'm 6'3 and will never go back to a "car" just for the ease of getting in and out. When I get a service loaner at the dealer or a rental car I immediately dread the "car" ha.

Honestly, I do think I would go Q5 S-Line before the X3 given the choice between the 2--X3 just doesn't look right IMO.

If you don't need a "big SUV" then that pretty much rules out the Audi Q7 and the MB-GL. If SUV gas mileage is important my first choice would be the X5 diesel (good mpg, good looks and good resale). Though considering size and weight, my 2012 35i is not so bad as far as mpg is concerned. I have been trying to pay attention to mpg in the last week or so and I get about 15 - 16 in city and 20 - 22 mpg on the highway. Not great but not nearly as bad as a 4.8 V8. Personally I would take a Q5 over the X3. The X3 probably handles better but like you I couldn't see myself driving an X3. But Audi maintenance is not cheap and I'm not sure about the costs of leasing a Q5 vs X3. If you are considering sedans, why not check out the newly introduced 2012 Audi A6 Quattro sedan ... really stunning inside and out IMHO. My 2006 A6 has been problem free so far with 54K miles.

With gas about $4/gallon, and you spending $200 per week on gas at 11-12mpg, you're driving about 600 miles per week?! That's 30k miles per year! Wow.

With that in mind, I'd never consider an x3. It's gas tank is only 17gals. Nobody who drives that far that often needs to lose almost 1/4 of their gas tank (vs 22 on the x5).

The window sticker on your car was 15/21, right? And you're getting 11/12? If so, then you're like me and your driving habits are such that sticker mileage, and the 'blue sky' mileage that everyone else reports doesn't apply.

I had a 2011 x5 35d and my calculated in-town average was about 18mpg (a whole tank in-town). Highway bursts gave me 24. 18mpg wasn't enough to make up for hunting for gas and sometimes general pump grossness (24 would be).

I traded my 35d for a 2012 x6 35i. I get about 16mpg in town (my worst tank was 14, but I think I did a couple of conference calls in the car with the ac running on that one). I've gotten two highway bursts of 27! I NEVER did that well with my 35d. Must be the 8-speed xmission. Usual highway is 22.

So, when you're thinking gas mileage on the 35i and 35d, use 16 and 18.

And, if it's in budget, how about considering and x6? I've driven various x5s for 9 years and I find my x6 SO much more fun to drive. My passengers like it better too (I ask -- the little ones at least). I have a 10yo son, a 10yo niece and a 14yo niece. I couldn't switch to an x6 until they offered a 3-person rear seat. I ordered the car before they were shipping, so we had no idea if it would work out or not. It did, thank goodness.

The only thing spec'd differently from my 35d was the outside color and soft close doors (my 35d had adaptive drive too), so it has to be the x6ness of it all that they're appreciating. You wouldn't think so since the rear seat is a very maligned area of that car.

I did LOVE being able to put furniture in my e70, but I decided that I use my car to move me around, not furniture. If I can fit the cr*p in that I need/want for a trip, I'm good. Since my goal with my e70 was to always keep it under the cargo cover, I knew it would work out.

would you consider a new Ford Edge Sport? Check out this video and you'll see it's very much like our E70s, except the interior materials are a notch lower, but it's very comparable in terms of what's available, at a much lower cost. It has the Mustang engine too, 305hp. Ford has turned it around a lot.

2011 Ford Edge Sport Start Up, Exterior/ Interior Review - YouTube

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Gas here in CT fluctuates between $4.19 to $4.55 and the 11-12 average dips into single digits when exclusively in town. I feel like a 'dumb' American not ever giving mileage a thought before buying the 4.8