[omaralt]

Originally Posted by TechCTU

I test drove both and here is where I landed.

Interior - The middle console on the Q8 is raised up much higher then any other Audi. When you climb in its very pronounced. The issue with this is no storage anywhere except 2 small cup holders and a very small spot under the armrest. For functionality day to day this was an issue for me.

The virtual cockpit and new screens on the Audi were great. As a system they function better then the X5. The HUD is much better on the X5. The only advantage on the HUD for the Audi was camera capture of street signs for current speed.

i owned a 18 s5 and loved the virtual cockpit; much more customizable than the BMW one. HUD is much better on BMW but BMW also has a camera that captures street signs for the current speed BTW

Back seat was hands down Q8. Much more space then the X5. The seats move forward and back and recline. Not sure what BWW was thinking about not allowing a 5 seat model to have a different rear seat position. So much space behind the seat.

you can get that reclining seats on the x5 but you have to get the third row. that was one of my must haves and love the power function; i'll attach a picture of how my seats look

Trunk space hands down X5. Much more usable space and you can lower the rear seats from the truck without going around the the seats.

Overall interior for me is going to X5 for the main reason of day to day use is so limited in the front seats of the Q8. Fit and finish looked about the same for both brands with a slight nod to the Q8 for the small things.

Performance - The X5 is faster of the line and feels sportier then the Q8. I have a SQ5 now and the X5 feels closer to that then the Q8. I do like how the Q8 raises and lowers the air suspension when selecting a drive mode. My understanding is you have to do that manually on the X5.

The 50i was of course a clear winner in this department but i am focusing on the 40i.

Features and tech experience - Going with X5
This was a tough choice for me with a nod to the Q8 for the experience of the virtual cockpit and ease of use. BMW has a good start with the new dual 12 inch screens but the Q8 is much more refined. That being said I do like the tech in the X5 and prefer the HUD in the X5 over the Q8.

The bmw genius could not get the complete system to work and it was brand new to everyone. So as time goes on and further updates are made the two systems might get closer.

BWM is offering remote start which is a big bonus for me being in the cold northeast. I have had this feature on other cars and it is important to me.

Laser vs Matrix - I could not test both as my test drives were during the day.

Price - x5 by about 8 k feature for feature before discount.

My final decision is to go with the x5.

see my bolded comments

[Cavman]

Would you mind telling me what those rear seat headrest "pillow"-like covers are in the photo?

Haven't seen those in an X5 before. Did they come with the car? Or were they special order?

Thanks in advance.

[SHARMAATL]

Originally Posted by omaralt

see my bolded comments

Echoing the above comment, where did you get the pillows? I know the X7 has them, but they were not an option on my X5, even with the Merino seats. I'd happily buy them standalone but can't find a product number.

[omaralt]

they were in a bag in the trunk when i picked up the car. the car was not special ordered so not sure. i'll ask my sales advisor

[MystroX5]

Originally Posted by omaralt

they were in a bag in the trunk when i picked up the car. the car was not special ordered so not sure. i'll ask my sales advisor

Yes, please ask them. I want them as well.

[Tenac]

Originally Posted by MystroX5

Yes, please ask them. I want them as well.

I believe those come with the highest level seat package.

[omaralt]

Originally Posted by Tenac

I believe those come with the highest level seat package.

Yup. He said they come with the luxury seating package

[SHARMAATL]

Originally Posted by omaralt

Yup. He said they come with the luxury seating package

Not trying to start any kind of argument, but I have the Luxury Seating Package + Merino seats and pretty much every option available for the vehicle and there was no mention of any pillows. The BMW website doesn't mention them either.

Also, I have not seen any other member on this forum, whenever the discussion of seats has come up, that has talked about the availability of pillows. You might have a unicorn!

I'm now very intrigued and wondering what I can do to get these. Is there any product code you know of associated with them?

[maczrool]

Originally Posted by omaralt

Yup. He said they come with the luxury seating package

I have that. Never got pillows

[MystroX5]

Originally Posted by maczrool

I have that. Never got pillows

Me too. I have the highest Merino luxury seating and no rear pillows.

[SHARMAATL]

#PillowGate may be the new #WrinkleGate. I'm imagining all of our CAs are hoarding pillows in some back closet.

[TechCTU]

Maybe they come with the power rear seat?

[maczrool]

Originally Posted by MystroX5

Me too. I have the highest Merino luxury seating and no rear pillows.

I just have the vernasca but that isn’t it either I guess.

[MystroX5]

Originally Posted by SHARMAATL

#PillowGate may be the new #WrinkleGate. I'm imagining all of our CAs are hoarding pillows in some back closet.

You forgot front "M" fender badge gate on earlier production cars. I guess I will pony up and buy the pillows in ivory white. At this point my kids might as well be shuttled around like a Kardashian.

[SHARMAATL]

I actually think I figured it out. You do indeed get them with the 3rd row. Check the link below. It's called the "Comfort cushion head restraint" and it's super annoying what possible link there is between a third row and suede pillows for the second row. Dumb logic there.

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/en/showp...diagId=91_1570

[cdchris1]

Originally Posted by SHARMAATL

I actually think I figured it out. You do indeed get them with the 3rd row. Check the link below. It's called the "Comfort cushion head restraint" and it's super annoying what possible link there is between a third row and suede pillows for the second row. Dumb logic there.

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/en/showp...diagId=91_1570

I have a 3rd row and I did receive them with mine. I have never used them and they are still in the plastic in my basement.

[hekki]

Originally Posted by Ilyam5

Right on. For the same money Audi does not feel like a 90k car. It certainly does not drive like one. It is downright lethargic compared to BMW. I had them the side by side in the garage. My 90k x5 50 with tartufo interior and q8 with lux package. At 90k plus

X5 wins on features. Asissted drive alone is enough. Tartufo interior looks and feels better vs Audi. V8 exhaust sounds better. And did i mention x50 50 will run. Circles around q8 for the same money. So sorry Audi. Come again with rs q8 maybe we,ll talk

What's up with the drive comparison. I think that average buyer want soft ride and light steering because these cars are usually driven in town or on straight highways(at least in Europe) and in this category Audi Air suspension is better. What features BMW have that Audi do not have?
V8 sound better that V6, nice discovery.
I think that newest Audi S models are joke, underpowered and diesels, only new SQ8 is ok with V8 diesel engine.

[Ilyam5]

Originally Posted by hekki

What's up with the drive comparison. I think that average buyer want soft ride and light steering because these cars are usually driven in town or on straight highways(at least in Europe) and in this category Audi Air suspension is better. What features BMW have that Audi do not have?
V8 sound better that V6, nice discovery.
I think that newest Audi S models are joke, underpowered and diesels, only new SQ8 is ok with V8 diesel engine.

The average buyer who wants soft ride and light steering is usually looking at 50K SUV. The buyer for 90-100K SUV is looking for a performance SUV - that handles like a car.
That is where Audi looses. BMW has air suspension option as well and it is better than wallow -wee Audi. But you can also get BMW with M suspension and DHP with limited slip and Active roll stabilization.
It will handle corners and high speed driving much better vs Audi.
We are comparing price points - that is why we are saying we can get V8 BMW for the same 90K that Q8 is offered in USA with v6 engine.

Features on BMW that Audi does not have:
- Fully automated driving - one of the best in the industry
- auto back up assist
- remote start
- full connected series with climatize feature
- Digital key
- Crystal shifter
- V8 with 523 HP
- Limited slip dif
- DHP
-Laser lights

[Ilyam5]

And now this thing will put a final nail in AUDI coffin.

[Ilyam5]

Maybe i spoke too soon. Audi is re-badging Urus to compete with x6m. Question is - will it get full 640 hp from Urus or will they leave Lamborghini alone and de-tune it to 617 just like x6 m

https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/audi/q...ught-on-camera

[MystroX5]

Originally Posted by Ilyam5

Maybe i spoke too soon. Audi is re-badging Urus to compete with x6m. Question is - will it get full 640 hp from Urus or will they leave Lamborghini alone and de-tune it to 617 just like x6 m

https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/audi/q...ught-on-camera

In the pecking order of VAG, Audi may never overcome Porsche and Lamborghini. Audi will forever be a neutered vehicle.

[solstice]

Originally Posted by MystroX5

In the pecking order of VAG, Audi may never overcome Porsche and Lamborghini. Audi will forever be a neutered vehicle.

While I agree that this seems to be the VAG marching orders for the SUVs it’s not all that black and white.

The Audi R8 V10 and Audi’s RS models are quite competent cars that can match some Porsches. Lamborghini is another story, the top Audi will never reach the low end Lambo...