[TXSchnee]

I did look through forum search, but didn’t see this exact question. Looking at replacing my Cayenne as the family car/long trip vehicle. The RSQ8 can do comfort really well, which would be good for 1200+ mile drives. How does the X5M do for long distance cruising? I am more familiar with BMW, and even after my lemon of an iX M60, considering the X5M.

[Jeff J]

We just completed an 800-mile round trip for the holidays in our 2024 LCI X5M, and found it to be quite comfortable. I would argue that the LCI suspension is less brittle than the pre-LCI (and the RSQ8), though obviously that ends up being a subjective thing. Our trip was mostly interstate and divided highway on indifferently (poorly?) maintained midwestern roads in near-freezing temperatures, including light snow.

From a cargo space standpoint, the Audi clearly loses against the X5M, so if you're taking a longer trip with more than just 2 people that could matter.

[fundamentals]

If you need an SUV than the X5M would work well for you. If you don't need an SUV did you look at the RS6? Plenty of room for a family and is quick and comfortable.

[TXSchnee]

Originally Posted by fundamentals

If you need an SUV than the X5M would work well for you. If you don't need an SUV did you look at the RS6? Plenty of room for a family and is quick and comfortable.

The RS6 Avant is still really hard to secure an allocation for. There are some on lots, but not how I would option them. I also already have a wagon (Taycan Cross Turismo 4S) and the X5M and RSQ8 have a bit more rear seat legroom than the RS6 (my 14 year old is already 5'8").

[fundamentals]

How do like the Porsche
.

[Gfit]

X5M rides really nice and is very composed over uneven surfaces

[TXSchnee]

Originally Posted by fundamentals

How do like the Porsche
.

It is really good. Added all the suspension upgrades and it hides it's weight well. It is my around town car and have been very pleased with the range, getting much higher than EPA estimates. I am keeping ICE for long road trips though, with two kids planning charging stops just isn't something I want to deal with.

[fundamentals]

I was thinking about that as a possible replacement for my X5M, do you mind saying what your range is on avg.

[TXSchnee]

Originally Posted by fundamentals

I was thinking about that as a possible replacement for my X5M, do you mind saying what your range is on avg.

Keep in mind I am in TX, so the summer heat hits my range much more than the winter chill.

[TXSchnee]

Originally Posted by Jeff J

We just completed an 800-mile round trip for the holidays in our 2024 LCI X5M, and found it to be quite comfortable. I would argue that the LCI suspension is less brittle than the pre-LCI (and the RSQ8), though obviously that ends up being a subjective thing. Our trip was mostly interstate and divided highway on indifferently (poorly?) maintained midwestern roads in near-freezing temperatures, including light snow.

From a cargo space standpoint, the Audi clearly loses against the X5M, so if you're taking a longer trip with more than just 2 people that could matter.

Do you run a dedicated winter set up? I am moving back to the Twin Cities this summer and will need to purchase one for whichever vehicle I end up with. Another quick question, how does the X5M do mpg wise running out on the freeway? I am not expecting great mileage, just curious.

[Pappys1]

I just went through this situation myself and ended up with the X5M. Since this is more my wife’s vehicle (I have a TRX) she was in love with the Sakhir interior. X5M is very sporty and tight giving it an almost sports cars feeling in an SUV because the handling is second to none. The Audi is more luxurious and more comfortable in my opinion. My choice was the Audi but my wife came from an x3m40i and really liked our local service department. They do drop whatever they’re doing to help and supply a rental car. We didn’t hear too many good things about Audis service department and them supplying a a rental. It’s an extremely opinionated choice between the two, it comes down to what you’re really looking for out of the car.

[XM Label]

Audi RSQ8 is more comfortable of a ride than X5MC but I find the X5MC more fun to drive!

[TXSchnee]

Originally Posted by Pappys1

I just went through this situation myself and ended up with the X5M. Since this is more my wife’s vehicle (I have a TRX) she was in love with the Sakhir interior. X5M is very sporty and tight giving it an almost sports cars feeling in an SUV because the handling is second to none. The Audi is more luxurious and more comfortable in my opinion. My choice was the Audi but my wife came from an x3m40i and really liked our local service department. They do drop whatever they’re doing to help and supply a rental car. We didn’t hear too many good things about Audis service department and them supplying a a rental. It’s an extremely opinionated choice between the two, it comes down to what you’re really looking for out of the car.

I had an ‘18 X3 M40i, made a lot of road trips in that and even with the stiffer suspension never had any issues. My Cayenne has air, I leave it in Sport or Sport Plus all the time because I prefer a stiffer set up. Seems like the X5M will work pretty well, and save me some money over the RSQ8…

[Jeff J]

Originally Posted by TXSchnee

Do you run a dedicated winter set up? I am moving back to the Twin Cities this summer and will need to purchase one for whichever vehicle I end up with. Another quick question, how does the X5M do mpg wise running out on the freeway? I am not expecting great mileage, just curious.

I have Pirelli Scorpion Winters (Winter on the front and Winter2 on the rear) on the factory wheels. We don't get enough snowfall to warrant smaller diameter winter wheels - it's more about temperature degradation for me. I'll be getting a separate set of aftermarket wheels and tires for the upcoming summer. Before I got the winters mounted we had an unusually early cold/wet weekend (right at freezing, but ground was too cold for anything to freeze), and the OEM Michelin PS4S were extremely unhappy - no grip, skittish, and generally unpleasant to drive on. This isn't a surprise, of course, but as someone who many years ago (foolishly) survived on pure summers thru the winter, I was a little bit startled at how dramatic and sudden the difference was on these tires.

MPG at ~80mph hovered between 19.5 and 20, which was a little better than I expected. I manage almost 22 on my regular commute, which is closer to 70mph. And we won't talk about city or "spirited driving" MPG...

[Cobra_X5MC]

My Best friend got his RSQ8 a couple months before I got my X5MC.

Both cars are beasts and he even said himself that the X5M was more bang for the buck vs his RSQ8. ($30k price difference between these vehicles)

At this price point it really just comes down to personal preference. The air suspension in the Audi does make a big difference in ride quality.

I prefer the sportier ride of the BMW. You can't go wrong with either, but if your concern is comfort go with the Audi.

[ipayincash]

If you are planning on doing 1200 mile hikes and want comfort and speed I would recommend you try a Bentayga out. They have significantly dropped in price recently you can practically steal a preowned one with very low miles atm. I have both for that exact reason, the X5Mc is really sporty with sports car handling & tight suspension. I wouldn't go long distance in it but the Bentayga is like a couch on a rocket. My girl loves driving the X5M fast due to the exhaust upgrades she says its fun but she says also agrees with me that the Bentayga drives like a dream, super fast so still same amount of fun but 10x more sophisticated in the comfort and pampered feel. Making it perfect for family cross country road trips. I have not driven a RSQ8 though so my experience is based on what I have driven in depth....

[x622]

I've driven pretty much everything in the "super SUV" space and here's what I think;

X3MC - Even more jarring than the X5M, but handles just as well as a DBX707/Urus when pushed, just.. Not as comfortable at all. And small.

X5MC - Worst comfort but best overall handling and character - (handles some transitions poorly, no RWS, no fancy pre-loaded sways etc)

Bentyaga - Best comfort but can wallow a bit

Turbo GT - Feels like a 911, including the numbness, really didn't seem special at all. Only felt special when I took a corner at 9/10ths speed, just like the 911....

RSQ8 - Understeers, but has good comfort, but not as connected as it's cousins. I think sways + lowering links would make it feel good.

Urus - Understeers but has a bouncy ride at times, fantastic turn in, but you'll be a fuckboy. I like how these handle and drive but.. Urus...

Culinan - Huge couch with no feeling but can still somehow corner and feel a bit nimble

DBX707 - Character of an X5M with the steering/handling of Urus. Has air suspension so you can throw lowering links on easily, and honestly was in general pretty comfortable

GLE63AMG S - Feels like a worse DBX707. Weird echo in cabin too, so good luck if you're doing long drives. Wallows, turns quickly and feels like it'd have character until you go more than 5/10ths then the nannies kick in. No fun allowed.

Plaid X - Terrible everything, terrible turning, terrible handling, terrible transitions, terrible software, terrible traction management. I wish musk would shut up and just hire some ex-bmw or whatever people to make the suspension/handling not dogshit.

I have so far owned two X5Ms, ordered and passed on a Turbo GT allocation after driving it. Unless BMW stops fucking around with the X5M and bringing it downmarket, I'll move to a DBX707. The lack of comfort access, ability to fold seats down from the back, and the in general cheapening of the top trim X5 pisses me off. Where are my CCBs BMW? I'll pay for 'em.

I'd also settle for an iX5M that handles/feels like a BMW but has 3/4 motors and 1-1500awhp. Oh and CCBs. Because I need more brakes not less.

[Vyper340]

Great breakdown! PS - love your garage selections.

I would add the AMG transmission is indecisive unless driven in manual shift but the exhaust note beats most especially with the bang pop gurgle. Never noticed an echo in the cabin. X5MC is ATHLETIC IN EVERY WAY and special (the sequential trans is amazing) with little for comfort but could learn a thing or two from AMG.

Long drive comfort goes to the AMG with the larger range of suspension options. Not to mention the AMG feels and seems larger (interior for sure).

[x622]

Originally Posted by Vyper340

Great breakdown! PS - love your garage selections.

I would add the AMG transmission is indecisive unless driven in manual shift but the exhaust note beats most especially with the bang pop gurgle. Never noticed an echo in the cabin. X5MC is ATHLETIC IN EVERY WAY and special (the sequential trans is amazing) with little for comfort but could learn a thing or two from AMG.

Long drive comfort goes to the AMG with the larger range of suspension options. Not to mention the AMG feels and seems larger (interior for sure).

Thanks, I'm adding more as time/budget permits!

I agree with you on the transmission. The Turbo GT and DBX707 over-ride your manual inputs eventually and goes back to automatic. The BMW stays in manual mode until you want it in automatic mode. I'd also note that the echo was in the coupe version of the GLE63AMGS, not the full SUV trim. I liked the SUV trim minus the MBUX UI and lack of folding rear seats. If you look at their equivalent of "individual" ordering, they have a wide variety of options INCLUDING carbon ceramic brakes.

[blake6551]

RSQ8 sucks, Audi MMI is TERRIBLE. I have my dad's in the driveway the last few months, completely overrated.

X5MC is much more composed and handles way better, it can be a hair stiff over really bad roads but the tradeoff is worth it. I'd rather have an X5 M60 over an RSQ8 and save 40k+.

[jo2134]

Originally Posted by fundamentals

I was thinking about that as a possible replacement for my X5M, do you mind saying what your range is on avg.

I just switched from a 2021 X5MC to a 2024 Cayenne S with air suspension, rear axle steering and other goodies. This is my first time leaving BMW since 2012 and 5 BMWs.

To me the Cayenne wins in terms of build quality and overall driving feel. It is more comfortable, feels more nimble, and just overall more high end. That being said I am not then biggest fan of the interior design of the pre-LCI Cayenne 2019-2023

[DCC]

Originally Posted by jo2134

I just switched from a 2021 X5MC to a 2024 Cayenne S with air suspension, rear axle steering and other goodies. This is my first time leaving BMW since 2012 and 5 BMWs.

To me the Cayenne wins in terms of build quality and overall driving feel. It is more comfortable, feels more nimble, and just overall more high end. That being said I am not then biggest fan of the interior design of the pre-LCI Cayenne 2019-2023

Congrats on the Cayenne S.
Are you saying that the Cayenne drives “smaller” than the X5M?