[Blue87]

Originally Posted by BlkGS

You don't have small kids do you?

The size of a double stroller that your kids will actually use, the size of a convertible car seat, plus then diaper bags, spare clothes, etc... very quickly makes the X5 small. Let alone when you start talking about the size of everything else on the road...

Great point! One of the reasons why I considered the X5 and it's limited rear room was because my kids are old enough to where I no longer need those items. The Q7 had plenty of room in the 2nd row and rear for this type of storage. Luckily I rarely have adults in the second row, but feel bad for them on the rare occasions when I do.

[espressoo]

Our family has a G05 X5 and G07 X7. The X5 is great for a family of 4 and drives really well. Fits 5 as well but not as comfortable. It would be difficult to have more than 2 car seats and a passenger in the 2nd row. The trunk space really isn’t much bigger than a full size sedan. It’s just taller so you can stack stuff. The rear seats can’t be adjusted forward/backward to create more leg room in the 2nd row.

We got the X7 because we occasionally need to carry up to 7 passengers. It’s a noticeably bigger vehicle compared to the X5. I believe it’s a foot longer and not as nimble to drive. The trade off is the 2nd row seats are fully adjustable and can side backwards. If you don’t use the 3rd row and move the 2nd row all the way back there’s ample leg room. The trunk is noticeably bigger than the X5 as well. Similarly equipped there’s a sizable price difference with the X7 but if you need the space and don’t want to go domestic SUV it’s a good option.

If you have a big or growing family, nothing beats a minivan in terms of space. It might not be as cool as a luxury SUV but it’s functional.

[velopod]

I have a 50e and an RX350 (wife's car).

The Lexus does have more leg/knee room as mentioned. But, the X5 is wider, so 3 adults across the rear fit well. Very tight in the Lexus. So, overall dimensions look the same on paper. Leg room probably the most important metric though?

Rear cargo about the same.

Driving dynamics ... HUGE difference.

[eelnoraa]

Originally Posted by velopod

I have a 50e and an RX350 (wife's car).

The Lexus does have more leg/knee room as mentioned. But, the X5 is wider, so 3 adults across the rear fit well. Very tight in the Lexus. So, overall dimensions look the same on paper. Leg room probably the most important metric though?

Rear cargo about the same.

Driving dynamics ... HUGE difference.

In g05 defense, I think the trunk of RX is not practical at all. The lid is too slender. Tested for our stroller, the lid wont close. For comparison, the same stroller fit into e82 1 series trunk and close.

[crackerjack15]

I can tell you after having three X7's and now an X5, the floor and seating position are identical. As a matter of fact I put my tuxmats that are form fit from the X7 into the X5 and it's a perfect fit. Both cars are the same width too. I think the x5 is an inch shorter. So from the two front seats there is no difference in an X5 verses the X7. The second row is a different story though. The X7 has a lot more leg room.

Our volvo xc60 has a more comfortable seat height to floor distance than the X5. My legs sit further down more like sitting in a chair vs the X5, which feels like the floor is higher.

[Photographer918]

Originally Posted by BlkGS

You don't have small kids do you?

The size of a double stroller that your kids will actually use, the size of a convertible car seat, plus then diaper bags, spare clothes, etc... very quickly makes the X5 small. Let alone when you start talking about the size of everything else on the road...

My parents made do with a 1960s VW Beetle until I was 4, and my brother was 12, and my sister 17. Then they got a hand me down Mercedes from my Grandfather. Compared to the Beetle, an X1 is hella spacious.

[1230vani]

Rear feels small, also smaller in comparison to F15 X5, i dunno why, maybe i put driver’s seat more back. One thing is for sure: the middle seat in the rear is like a hard rock to sit on (both for the back and butt) I tested it for 2 mins, you should too. Even for short journeys it is terrible. Side rear seats are comfortable but the angle of the seating position is a bit odd. I decided to go for the X5, had an iX for the weekend and the iX felt more spacious inside. I didnt like that the iX is lower.

[eelnoraa]

Originally Posted by 1230vani

Rear feels small, also smaller in comparison to F15 X5, i dunno why, maybe i put driver’s seat more back. One thing is for sure: the middle seat in the rear is like a hard rock to sit on (both for the back and butt) I tested it for 2 mins, you should too. Even for short journeys it is terrible. Side rear seats are comfortable but the angle of the seating position is a bit odd. I decided to go for the X5, had an iX for the weekend and the iX felt more spacious inside. I didnt like that the iX is lower.

I agree the g05 2nd row is tighter than f15 part too. Quite obvious. F15 2nd row can move back and forth too.

2nd row middle seat!! Tell me about it. We have a ~1 year old sitting behind driver and a 5 year old sitting behind passenger. My wife and I often need to take that middle seat for long road trip to keep the 1 year old from crying distracting everyone else in the car. 🥲😅

[1230vani]

Originally Posted by eelnoraa

I agree the g05 2nd row is tighter than f15 part too. Quite obvious. F15 2nd row can move back and forth too.

2nd row middle seat!! Tell me about it. We have a ~1 year old sitting behind driver and a 5 year old sitting behind passenger. My wife and I often need to take that middle seat for long road trip to keep the 1 year old from crying distracting everyone else in the car. 🥲😅

Thank you for the confirmation. Only Comfort F15 rear seat could have moved (i think). Didnt have that option on my 2nd F15 as it was dicontinued. So far I missed anyone commenting on the 2nd row middle seat, it is soo bad. Makes me feel better its only me who noticed it. Car has merino and its so uncomfortable. My kid and wife complained but until I sat on it…

[G05_galore]

Originally Posted by TurtleBoy

I have been looking at the SQ8 as a possible next vehicle and the back seat has more legroom (3in) and shoulder room (1in). Head room is an inch less but your kids probably wouldn't notice that. Then again, not sure most people notice an inch either way.

Oh man, you are leaving us!!

[E91toG05]

Originally Posted by BlkGS

You don't have small kids do you?

The size of a double stroller that your kids will actually use, the size of a convertible car seat, plus then diaper bags, spare clothes, etc... very quickly makes the X5 small. Let alone when you start talking about the size of everything else on the road...

Fair point. My kids are bigger (12 and 15). Agree the X5 is perhaps not the ideal tool for the job of smaller rugrats. We also own a Kia Telluride which would be better for that purpose.

[Marty in NY]

Originally Posted by TurtleBoy

I have been looking at the SQ8 as a possible next vehicle and the back seat has more legroom (3in) and shoulder room (1in). Head room is an inch less but your kids probably wouldn't notice that. Then again, not sure most people notice an inch either way.

Before buying the X5, we test drove a couple of the Audi's. This was in the midst of the pandemic and dealers didn't have much in inventory, it was the Q7, the only SUV they had on the lot. My wife and I both liked it and we really liked the fact that the rear bench seat reclined and moved forward, it gives you flexibility...well heck, even the VW SUV's do that, anyway, we might have ended up with one hadn't it been for the dang turbo lag, it was awful. Maybe they've dealt with that by now but this was a 2020 if I recall, well it was probably a 2021, don't remember. I was really disappointed that BMW's rear seats were fixed, it still bothers me a bit and I don't even sit back there That said, the engine and drivetrain in the X5 is wonderful and I don't regret the purchase.

[Mattl0806]

Originally Posted by Marty in NY

Before buying the X5, we test drove a couple of the Audi's. This was in the midst of the pandemic and dealers didn't have much in inventory, it was the Q7, the only SUV they had on the lot. My wife and I both liked it and we really liked the fact that the rear bench seat reclined and moved forward, it gives you flexibility...well heck, even the VW SUV's do that, anyway, we might have ended up with one hadn't it been for the dang turbo lag, it was awful. Maybe they've dealt with that by now but this was a 2020 if I recall, well it was probably a 2021, don't remember. I was really disappointed that BMW's rear seats were fixed, it still bothers me a bit and I don't even sit back there That said, the engine and drivetrain in the X5 is wonderful and I don't regret the purchase.

I have yet to drive an Audi that doesn’t have this lag. A buddy of mine dumped his rs7 very quickly because of this same lag. My guess is If it’s still in their R products it will be a problem for all. It is a shame bc the sq8 / sq7 would be great alternatives to bmw and fun to cross shop.

[BlkGS]

Originally Posted by eelnoraa

I agree the g05 2nd row is tighter than f15 part too. Quite obvious. F15 2nd row can move back and forth too.

2nd row middle seat!! Tell me about it. We have a ~1 year old sitting behind driver and a 5 year old sitting behind passenger. My wife and I often need to take that middle seat for long road trip to keep the 1 year old from crying distracting everyone else in the car. 🥲😅

G05 has the X7 to compete with. I think they, at a minimum, didn't try to make X5 as family friendly, knowing they had X7 and that was going to be their upsell.

[Gibson6594]

Originally Posted by BlkGS

G05 has the X7 to compete with. I think they, at a minimum, didn't try to make X5 as family friendly, knowing they had X7 and that was going to be their upsell.

Possibly, but it's a nearly a $20k upsell. I imagine most would prefer to go to MB or Audi and get the extra space without spending that much.

[BlkGS]

Originally Posted by Gibson6594

Possibly, but it's a nearly a $20k upsell. I imagine most would prefer to go to MB or Audi and get the extra space without spending that much.

Anyone who was gonna go Audi would already be there. Q7 is cheaper, larger, and more fuel efficient than X5, plus has a 3rd row. It's kind of the standout on paper among the 3 Germans, so I feel like anyone who would actually buy one is probably already over there.

I do see BMW one day making an X2L or something like that, to compete with GLB. If you're not concerned about dynamics (let's be real, most in the segment aren't), GLB is a huge value. 3 rows, looks great, good on gas... BMW would be smart to get a competitor on it quickly.

[Kgerry59]

i find the front seat area just as roomy as my GLE400 or my Lexus GX's, but I find the rear seat area more cramped.

[Mattl0806]

Originally Posted by BlkGS

Anyone who was gonna go Audi would already be there. Q7 is cheaper, larger, and more fuel efficient than X5, plus has a 3rd row. It's kind of the standout on paper among the 3 Germans, so I feel like anyone who would actually buy one is probably already over there.

I do see BMW one day making an X2L or something like that, to compete with GLB. If you're not concerned about dynamics (let's be real, most in the segment aren't), GLB is a huge value. 3 rows, looks great, good on gas... BMW would be smart to get a competitor on it quickly.

I don’t think the q7 is nearly as fuel efficient as the 40i. Were you thinking compared to an m60?

[sb959]

My wife and I recently test drove X5, GLE and Q7. One of the things she insisted on doing was sitting in the back seat of every car to check out the leg room. I agree with comments that the 2nd row in the X5 is definitely the smallest of the bunch and I would not consider the middle seat in the back to be a workable option other than for a small child (and then with a cushion). Having said all that, we don't have passengers very often and placed an order for a 50e anyway!

[aussieintexas]

Originally Posted by labphoto

I’m almost 6 ft and 180 lbs. don’t have any problems with the rear seats. I also don’t drive with the front seats in the fully reclined position. Before buying the X5, did you get in the rear seat?

Our son is 6’4” and 250 pounds. He can sit in the back behind my wife - head room not an issue and leg room is ‘ok’ for short trips. He can’t sit behind me and I’m not overly tall - 5’11”. He mostly sits up front and I drive (or he drives when we go out for dinner etc &#128077 - my wife prefers to sit in the back anyway. Nervous passenger.

[WagonFan]

Originally Posted by BlkGS

Q7 is cheaper, larger, and more fuel efficient than X5, plus has a 3rd row.

Combined mpg on 6 cylinder engines:
Q7: 18
X5: 23

That’s in favor of X5 by quite a margin. We test drove and cross shopped last year too.

Yes, Q7 more space. But engine and driving, hands down the X5.

Since we don’t need the rear bench regularly we went X5.

[BlkGS]

Originally Posted by Mattl0806

I don’t think the q7 is nearly as fuel efficient as the 40i. Were you thinking compared to an m60?

You can (at least could) get Q7 with the 2.0t that I think beats x5 in highway mpg. It might not, I never really looked into iuch more than face value.