[hohlraum]

So both of these would have air suspension but most of the comparisons I've seen between the X7 and X5 ride quality are X7 + DHP vs X5 without air suspension.
Those of you who have experienced both of these setups (X7 no DHP and X5 with air suspension) does the ride quality still lean heavily in favor of the X7?

[JoeAyalaM]

Appart from the suspension setup, as a rule of thumb for any car, a larger wheelbase (X7) produces a more comfortable ride than a shorter one.

But the suspension itself plays a big role, sometimes a larger heavier car will not ride properly on a perfect setup for a smaller one.

That's something that needs to be personally tested, many findings are different from one driver to another.

[BlkGS]

I may be wrong, but I think most X7 wheel options have slightly larger sidewalls than the X5 version, leading to a slightly softer ride there too.

X7 rides better. It's designed to be more comfortable, where the x5 is supposed to be more sporty.

[Jcit]

I just yesterday received back my 2024 X5 50e with air suspension after about 6 weeks while they repaired a stubborn CEL. During most of that time I had a 2024 X7 40i with air suspension. Here are my opinions:
1. The X7 rode a little smoother than the 50e over the same stretch of roads. I am talking NY state roads in winter so lots of bumps and pavement gaps. It was not a big difference but it was noticeable, mainly because I had literally driven 1.5 hours on the same roads to drop off the X7 and pick up the X5. I doubt you would notice much difference if you had one vs the other exclusively.
2. The X7 was noticeably quieter than the X5 50e from road noise and I have the dampers installed on my X5 (several posts talk about 50e road noise). There must be additional noise damping they put in the X7. It could be from acoustic panels or glass. I don't have the VIN for the X7 so not sure if it had acoustic glass or what tires it had installed (both X7 and X5 had run-flat tires)

[TurtleBoy]

Originally Posted by Jcit

I don't have the VIN for the X7 so not sure if it had acoustic glass or what tires it had installed (both X7 and X5 had run-flat tires)

Acoustic glass is standard on the X7.

[rvivam]

I believe this is a very subjective topic....However, having test driven both makes multiple times and having owned the 50e and driven for some 1200+ miles, I can positively say that the X7(40i) feels a little smoother compared to X5 (40i,50e) and rightly so. I believe they are made that way and targeted to a specific/target customer base. X5 is more sportier and firm on the ride (especially on the Sport mode) IMO.

[hohlraum]

I asked about the non-DHP x7 40i because there is nice looking 2024 locally with only 6k miles (no-DHP and no hitch. two options I would choose when ordering) on it at the dealership I have my X5 50e order through.

I know all this stuff is subjective (and some of these are obvious) but in my mind my concerns about the 50e are: 1. When I'm actually going to get this thing (Feb MY24 allocation that'll be converted to MY25. Summer? I've ordered cars from Japan faster than that). 2. lack of seating/cargo (we do use the 3rd row once or twice a year in my Atlas and load up the back with stuff periodically). 3. Second row legroom (I (pretty tall guy) sat in the second row of a x7 and was told the x5 was the same and based on reports that is actually not true). 4. Reliability (CEL, etc). 5. Ride quality and road noise. 6. x5s are incredibly common (they have a much lower base price. x7s are much more rare). My concerns with the X7 are. 1. added cost (about $10k over my 50e). 2. mpg (yeah, i know. if you can afford a 100k car, blah blah blah). 3. less sporty (yeah M60i. my wife already thinks I'm nuts spending this as much as I am on the 50e let alone another 10k on the x7 40i).

I know some of these are "no sh*t sherlock" so go easy on me. I appreciate the responses you guys already provided.

[BlkGS]

Sounds to me like you don't have a decision to make. You know you have to switch it up to an X7. You're just looking for someone to tell you that.

Buy a CPO X7 M50i/M60i, it solves the cost issue, the space issue, then you just have to find one with the options you want. Alternatively, it's worth noting that even a 40i will feel like a rocketship compared to a VW Atlas.

[hohlraum]

BlkGS, I was leaning on agreeing with you. Went and re-test drove an X5 and test drove an X7 and I'm still conflicted. I think I might let my wife be the tie breaker. The X7 definately feels a bit bigger when you are just sitting in it but on the road didn't feel that way. I guess that's probably down to the curb weight of the X7 only being around 10% more than the X5. The X7 I ended up driving was the previously mentioned preowned 2024 X7 that is doesn't have DHP. Beyond that and a hitch it has all the options I would put on a special order so kinda tempting. My dealer thinks I'd get the 50e faster (April) than I'm anticipating (June) so still unsure in that regard.

[TurtleBoy]

Originally Posted by hohlraum

My dealer thinks I'd get the 50e faster (April) than I'm anticipating (June) so still unsure in that regard.

In case it helps, there are no allocations available for April 50e production so it would be a May build at the earliest.

[eluded]

Sounds like you need the space (X7) and I personally would avoid the 50e due to the CEL issues.

Originally Posted by hohlraum

4. Reliability (CEL, etc).

[hohlraum]

Originally Posted by TurtleBoy

In case it helps, there are no allocations available for April 50e production so it would be a May build at the earliest.

Mine was placed using a MY24 allocation. Not sure if that will get it to me any sooner though.

[crackerjack15]

X7 compared to the 50e with air suspension, I can unequivocally tell you the X7 has a smoother and more relaxed ride. The X5 without acoustic glass is also much louder inside than an X7. The driving position is identical between the two. 2024 to 2024, the drivers seat and dash layout are identical. The only way to tell which one your in is, the roof is a little taller and the hood shape is different. My form fitted tuxmats from the X7 fit perfectly in X5.

If you don't need the extra space, it comes down to what you prefer in ride quality. The X5 is slightly sportier feeling and driving. It's much firmer and doesn't jostle you around, whereas the X7 is floatier and your head kind of bobbles back and forth because its so soft at the top of the suspension travel. They both handle well in my opinion. Once they lean over on their tires/suspension and take a "set" they both will haul but on off ramps, etc.

I love the X5 and will enjoy driving it for a while. And, even thought we don't exactly need the extra space, I think we will transition back to the X7 when they offer a phev version, since we travel a good amount. The softer ride is more welcome.

[eelnoraa]

I am with a few posts above. Listing what your want is a great thing to do. But prioritizing them is also the key. If you need the space, then there is really 1 choice here. And it does cost more to go bigger. If you don’t need the space, then x7 become dead space and dead weight to lug around. So before mpg, ride comfort, reliability, sportiness … maybe first nail the size. After that, you can choose option or engine choice to close the gaps for other criteria.

Realistically you really cannot have it all. Large vs sportiness/mpg, comfort/quietness vs sportiness, $ vs size or sportiness, …. All need some compromise.

[TurtleBoy]

Originally Posted by hohlraum

Mine was placed using a MY24 allocation. Not sure if that will get it to me any sooner though.

That is different. If you have a MY24 allocation that is in 105 then it will automatically be changed to a MY25 allocation and you will get a new production number. Some folks have already got their's but we don't know at this point if production will be returning to a normal level or off it will still be limited due ot supply issues.

[hohlraum]

Thanks for everyone's feedback. I ended up switching the order from the X5 50e to a X7 40i.

Here is what I'm ordering:

2024 X7 xDrive40i
M Sport
Skyscraper Grey metallic
21" Double-spoke Bi-color Orbit Grey Wheels, Style 754M with All-season Run-flat Tires
Black Sensafin
Fineline Black Wood Trim

Climate Comfort Package
Driving Assistance Professional Package
Dynamic Handling Package
Executive Package
M Sport Professional Package
M Sport Brakes with Black Calipers
Parking Assistance Package
Trailer Hitch
Space-saver spare

I'll be powder coating the wheels black.

[TurtleBoy]

Congrats on your order, hopefully the wait won't be too long.

[hohlraum]

Originally Posted by TurtleBoy

Congrats on your order, hopefully the wait won't be too long.

They modified in existing order with a production date that starts in a few weeks. They said I should have it next month.

[TurtleBoy]

Originally Posted by hohlraum

They modified in existing order with a production date that starts in a few weeks. They said I should have it next month.

Once you go to Production Begins then you can use the "F12" process to get your production date. That status doesn't mean that assembly has begin but rather that a VIN has been assigned and parts ordered/allocated. This usually occurs about two weeks prior to your production week. At this point you can give Genius a call with your production number and they can give you your production week.