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      02-26-2020, 06:38 AM   #1
jamesinaz
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X5 or something else?

I am currently in a 2017 540i on a lease. June and it's gone. I have no complaints with the 540i except - it's a car. I miss sitting up higher and having room to get larger stuff home from garage sales or Home Depot. So the next vehicle will be an SUV (or SAV not sure about the current nomenclature).

Trying to keep the size about the same as my current car. I don't want a Navigator (though my friends Black Label is an excellent vehicle) or Tahoe. Too big. And a Macan or X3 are too small. X5, X7, GLS, GLE, MDX or the like are the right size.

I also have an issue with too little oomph. Sorry Mercedes but the standard 4 cylinder GLE is not quite what I want. I also don't need (or want to pay the extra for) an AMG or M. My current 540i is actually plenty fast for my needs and wants. Doesn't even have to match that, just not be a dog.

I would LOVE an electric car or hybrid with some range like 25 miles on electric only. 90% of my daily drives are less than that. Not that it saves money cause charging costs but I hate stopping for gas so that would be nice to put off to once a month. I doubt I get one though. Probably next time in 3-4 years will see more options like this in my preferred model area.

And I'm trying to keep all this under $80k if new and less than $50K if it is a low mileage lease return. Buying used though I really want to see some objective measure that the model is reliable and not cost me a fortune in repairs.

As of today, if I had to choose, I think the X5 wins. Order is kinda:

X5/X7
GLE/GLS
MDX SH-AWD

Oh I left off Q7, Cayenne, Aviator and Range Rover. Will be looking at those too. Comments and opinions welcome and I realize I'm on a BMW forum so feel free to opine why I should stick with them.

Thanks in advance and for letting me on the forum.
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      02-26-2020, 06:44 AM   #2
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I would go X5 or GLE. MDX is old tech and scheduled to be replaced later this year I believe or early 2021. Q7 is too soft and a bit boring. Aviator looks nice inside and out but Lincoln? The new Genesis GV80 will definitely be worth a look when it arrives right around when you are looking to purchase.
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      02-26-2020, 06:49 AM   #3
jamesinaz
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Thanks Burrcold. I forgot about the Genesis. I almost got one of those when I leased the 540i. Impressive tech for very competitive pricing. I will indeed look to see if their SUV is out.

And I wasn't aware MDX was getting a change. Good to know.
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      02-26-2020, 07:56 AM   #4
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I test drove Toyota, Acura, Mercedes, etc.
BMW X5 is the one that put a smile on my face.
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      02-26-2020, 08:05 AM   #5
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The X5 40i seems to have everything you're looking for (minus the electric range). But it's roughly the same size as your 540, it's got plenty of oomph, and you can get a well equipped one for under $80k.

I cross shopped the GLE as well, and if you opt for the 450, it does come out slightly more expensive than a comparable X5. It's worth checking both of them out as they are probably the closest in comparison. I had no loyalties to BMW previously, and decided to go with the X5 because I felt it drove better, felt higher quality, and the interior was much more attractive (once you get over the initial wow factor of that huge screen in the GLE).

Unfortunately the Japanese luxury brands seem to be stuck in the year 2010 in terms of technology and infotainment. Even if the MDX is redesigned for the 2021 model, I don't have high hopes for it. I hope they prove me wrong though.

The new Q7 has Audi's turbocharged powertrain which loves to hesitate when you press on the gas. I was interested in a Q8 and just couldn't understand why it was so laggy.

The cayenne is nice, but will cost you $20k more for a comparable model.
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      02-26-2020, 08:22 AM   #6
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X5 all day. Given your want to stay at a reasonable price, the X5 40i will not disappoint. I went this route after trading in my F80 M3. You don't get the growl and car boner, but let's be honest...how fast do you really need to go?

The X5 40i has plenty power and acceleration to have fun, but also get better mpg. This might be a good alternative to the electric/hybrid. I do 95% local driving on backroads and stop and go highways. Getting ~20-21 mpg, which is great for the type of driving. I went the route of comfort. Opted for the X-Line with air suspension and all the other bells and whistle minus the night vision.

All in all, you'll get the most bang for your buck with the X5 40i. Two 90 pound German Shepherds fit comfortably, but also has plenty of room to throw in a generous amount of stuff (Home Depot, etc). Even loaded down, the vehicle shoots off like a rocket ship, and handles like a beauty (hits curves on back roads like a champ). You'll be a lot of good suggestions, but it comes down to your preference within the X5 world. I wouldn't even look at vehicles in the same category. If you go X7, might at well look at Tahoe or Suburban. My only realistic complaint with the X5 is the rear doors do not open as far as some of my previous SUVs. Not a big deal, but just something to note. Good luck in your search!
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      02-26-2020, 08:24 AM   #7
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I went from a 2017 540i to my 2020 X6 40i. For much the same reasons as you actually.

Loved the engine in the 540i so much, I got it again! The 540i with JB+ had more power than I used 97% of the time, so the X6 with JB+ is pretty much spot on in terms of performance for me.
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      02-26-2020, 08:57 AM   #8
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I went through similar process in May, trying to stay under $80K...ended up with 40i. and very pleased with my choice.
If timing flexible, I would wait to see new GV80 and new MDX later this year. Genesis getting good reviews, and MDX might be interesting. My wife had a 2008 and 2010 MDX...both excellent and low cost of ownership.
But based upon current available choices, IMO the only competition to the BMW was the Cayenne. The Macan that I traded was stellar, but was a bit too small in rear seating.
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      02-26-2020, 09:01 AM   #9
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X5 40 all the way! Or a Cayenne except a "base" model Cayenne would run you over $80k. That would get you a very beautifully equipped 40i.
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      02-26-2020, 09:50 AM   #10
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Yeah. I had a Cayenne and they are great. But to get an equipped one now is well over the $80k self imposed (soft) ceiling. I noticed the GLE also reaches that limit without really going over the top once you add the GLE 450 (six cylinder model). And BTW none of the local Mercedes dealers seem to HAVE any of the GLE 450s. Weird.

I am hopeful that I can spot an X5 with the same interior upgrade my 540i has. Not really sure what option that is but it is way better than the standard model it is approaching the mandatory feature on an X5. Seems like it comes more often in the X7 from what I can tell looking at inventory on line.
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      02-26-2020, 09:58 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jamesinaz View Post
And BTW none of the local Mercedes dealers seem to HAVE any of the GLE 450s. Weird.
Yikes, so mercedes is still having supply issues huh. When I was shopping around back in August that was the biggest challenge, just couldn't find a GLE 450. I heard horror stories of people waiting nearly a year for their ordered 450 to arrive. I was finally able to drive one at a dealership that had one as the manager's car about an hour away.
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      02-26-2020, 10:03 AM   #12
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all the usual suspects discussed here. just picked up my 40i Msport this past Monday. traded in a '14 Touareg TDI with 140,000 miles on it and a lot of those were towing the race car. For all the raps VW takes, one of the best cars i've ever owned. Had a '12 TDI and put 70K miles on that in 2 years and no issues with that one either.

Actually had kept this one longer than usual but there really wasn't anything out there that i liked. looked hard at Q7 for about a year but didn't pull the trigger. just could never get over the kind of dull looks. even with black optic package didn't love the look. looked at Q8 and the whole touch screen thing is a disaster. Range Rover, eh. died in the wool porsche fan but as everyone knows prices will kill you.

Did spend a little bit of time looking at the Aviator. it's beautiful but looks like a whole host of QC issues. Saw some pictures of just horrendous mis aligned body panels, water leaks, and other 1st year issues. seems as though Ford rushed it a bit on this car, but if they get it sorted it's a really nice truck. The Genesis looks promising and to a lesser extent the Kia Telluride.
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      02-26-2020, 10:07 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Burrcold View Post
I would go X5 or GLE. MDX is old tech and scheduled to be replaced later this year I believe or early 2021. Q7 is too soft and a bit boring. Aviator looks nice inside and out but Lincoln? The new Genesis GV80 will definitely be worth a look when it arrives right around when you are looking to purchase.
This
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      02-26-2020, 10:30 AM   #14
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depending on your preference of options, a X5 or GLE under $80k would be a mild optioned car, imo. Your better off getting a fully load MDX for a lot less.

Our budget was originally $70k max, but ended up about $90k. We figure if are spending that much already, why leave out options/features we want. We absolutely love ours and no regret for spending the extra $. We were fortunately one of the few (at least one that is active on the forums) that didn't have any issues **knock on wood, so experience was great.

Get what you can afford and most importantly what makes you happy, less on what others have to say.
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      02-26-2020, 10:52 AM   #15
jamesinaz
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Yeah I think you get what you want or regret it until next car. Regarding the X5 it seems $75k MSRP gives me all the features I want. Probably missing a few but that's the right price point.
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      02-26-2020, 12:14 PM   #16
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Recently I went from F15 40e, to 640GT, and now G05 M50i. Wife went from Cayenne E-Hybrid, E Class Wagon, and now GLE 580. In my opinion, these are two different vehicles, that appeal to different types of drivers. In deciding, we drove the GLE 450 and X5 4.0i, the Benz felt floaty, and not tuned for a sporty driving experience as the BMW.
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      02-26-2020, 12:50 PM   #17
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my suggestion is to test drive the X6 too. I got each first X5 F15, than X6 F16 and the driving pleasure with X6 is above expectation. I’ve ordered the G06 X6.
The internal passenger space is the same, the X6 roof is less high and this mean that the passengers have more less warm air aroud their heads and in summer this is better. The driving is similar to a touring wagon, it’s very sporting and you are in an effective sport SUV. The luggage space is similar to X5, you loose only few inchs in high. Towing is the same as X5. My family has appreciated better the X6 against the X5. Again, the driving is more more better. Enjoy
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      02-26-2020, 12:58 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jamesinaz View Post
Yeah I think you get what you want or regret it until next car. Regarding the X5 it seems $75k MSRP gives me all the features I want. Probably missing a few but that's the right price point.
Yeah, I went a little over at $79k msrp for my 40i but with the discounts/rebates/incentives I was at $66k plus tax. A lot of car for the price.
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      02-26-2020, 01:05 PM   #19
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This is a easy choice. The X5 40i is what you want. It has enough power and sport to make it feel like a drivers car and not a sedate family SUV. Its got cutting edge tech, luxury and fits into your budget. Its a good/large size SUV that kinda feels like full size SUV without the lumbersome floaty feel of a actual full size SUV.
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      02-26-2020, 04:24 PM   #20
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They have all said it. go up to 100k get the Porshe Cayenne. drop down to 60k get the acura or even Infiniti qx80 or qx60. go to $90k and get the Mercedes.

But in that $80k range, you're beat bet is a BMW x5. you can customize it and get what you want. want the v8? get the m50 without any options. want luxury features? get the 6 cylinder 40i with tons of features loaded up. You choose your own adventure.
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      03-03-2020, 04:17 PM   #21
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OK a bit more research today. Spent some real time at the Volvo dealer. Checked out the XC90. it is a legitimately nice vehicle.

Pros - solid value versus BMW counterparts. Offers a hybrid version with 400 HP. Really nice interiors and looks good.

Cons - was kinda boring to drive.

One thing Volvo does that is of interest is the Subscription program. The dealer wasn't crazy to talk about it because it subverts them somewhat. It's a program direct from Volvo like a lease that covers all repairs and insurance. You can do it for 24 months. I confess I am skeptical about the insurance part. I have large liability coverage and I mean you can get one of their midrange XC90s for $800 a month. Yeah, with insurance. Something askew here but it sounds great.

Oh with the regular Volvo if you have Amazon prime you can have packages delivered to the car. They will open the car one time for the delivery and note the time. Cool that.

The car I drove was the 316 hp supercharged 4 cylinder. Yeah, it probably is fast enough but I suspect I'll like driving the X5 with a real 6 cylinder engine.

We shall see.

On another front I stopped into the Genesis dealer. They are supposed to have one of the new GV80s in May. Would like to see one before I do the deed. Since I'm pretty easy on my wants with the X5 (they probably have several in stock at any given time I would take) I might wait til the last second so I can see one of these.

Stopped at Ford. Nope. I'm sure they drive nice and all that but the interiors just do not make it for me.
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      03-03-2020, 10:16 PM   #22
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X5 45e should be out by JuNe. If you want a hybrid
Fuel economy of 40 is good enough though. People get 32 mpg on highway.
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