Maybe the X5 navigation needs improving, but I have spent a fair bit of time with the Acura MDX/Honda Accord nav system and it has a poorly lit screen with very poor (step down) font.

I wouldn't order either vehicles with nav at this point. If a great nav screen is of interest, try the new RX350. It has an oled (organic light emitting diode) screen and is the best I have seen anywhere. It is clearly visible, even in bright sunlight.

Does the new iDrive use oled or backlit lcd? Anyone??

The first gen MDX had crappy screen. The new ones have better and nav is based on dual layer DVDs.

Now official from Acura "ZDX".Thanks! PalBay

I should've been more clear. Their GUI/UI blows.

Regarding Acura: there's no reason to buy those cars anymore. While BMW has improved tremendously, Acura and to a certain extent Lexus have really slipped in that last few years. Infinity is still good.

Acura's body design have gone down hill with toothless smiley grill designs. But they have improved on engine, handling and elctronics. BTW, BMW was kind of influenced by Acura SH-AWD for DPC. BMW does consider Lexus as competition seriously.

Another smiley face car from Acura.

I assume it can be considered as a cost effective alternative, price and reliability-wise to the X6 but i doubt it's an alternative, performance-wise. Any release of stats yet?

I saw photos/renderings of the 5 series hatch back and it looks a lot better than the X6.

everythign BMW comes out with is criticized to ridiculous amounts and then copied.

..the idrive in 2002, look at Mercedes, audi and all other luxury car brands, they all have a similar system