SPIED: BMW X5 Refresh Caught Roaming The Streets

I had the last generation X5 and thought it was a solid vehicle, with a few minor problems like power windows and a tailgate problem. The Q7 has a large exterior, but basically has the same interior room as the Q5. If you don't need the cargo room, the Q5 should be considered instead of the Q7. If I had to choose between the BMW and the Audi, I would go with the X5. If I could choose another SUV I would go with the Lexus RX350.

Pros

- Handles well
- Comfortable
- Good engine response (4.8)
- Reliable
- Roomy
- 3rd row seating

Cons

- 3rd row seats is tiny for adults
- Not the kind of SUV you would want to take off-road
- Reverse camera image quality is below average
- Doesn't look good enough without the Aero-kit (imo)

Yea take that!! I just deboosted you for no aparent reason as well lol

People, that was a joke.

I have an X5. I'm no SUV fan, but needed a car with a 3rd row, as it's mainly used by my wife to haul around our two kids, plus other kids for short distances. I'll be the first to admit that there are more practical alternatives, such as minivans or a Honda Pilot, but as a car enthusiast, I did want something that was at least CLOSE to a performance car. I test drove the Q7, Volvo XC90, and MDX, and really preferred the way the X5 drove over the others. The X5 is not enormous, which was a plus, as we live on a tight street. The Q7 was just too big.

The one real con: it doesn't have quite the old school BMW feel like my older 3 Series (I suppose it's closer to current 5s and 7s) in terms of feel. But that's it. Otherwise, relative to other SUVs, it handles remarkably well (actually, as well or better than many regular cars), it's smooth, quiet, has sufficient power (the 3.0 is fine, although sometimes turning onto a side street at low speed I feel like the transmission is one gear too high). The body is robust, but some of the materials are a bit second rate (compared to my prior Audis). The black interior is probably the best choice for not noticing this (we have dark brown, but the carpet and some plastics look cheap). It's utterly reliable and we've had zero problems in 18 months (knock on wood). The third row is strictly for short distances and kids, which is fine for us. And it's expensive for what it is, but I felt it was a notch above its competitors. If you need more room, there are better choices. And I'd get the diesel if I was buying now - a friend has it and loves it. Suburban gas mileage sucks, but pretty much all cars get lower than the rated mileage in this kind of driving, at least in my experience. Highway is around 22 to 23.

Good luck.

I am a BMW owner for years and I can see that the new X5 is not strong like the older one, but is and elegant model tought.
Why they still has issues with the interior black paint that sometimes peel , why they don't use another formula or change it. Can anyone answer me this. You have the same issue in new models too.

I use to own a last gen 4.8 X5 and I have test driven the Q7.In all honesty I do prefer the Q7's ride comfort over the X5 (last gen,that is),but I literally feel the X5 was better in everything else.

Pros:
Looks (The last gen X5 had an aggressive stance that I prefer,although I do really like the back of the Q7)

Performance: (The 4.8 outperformed the Q7 I drove in every way,shape and form.Not sure about the other X5 motors and setups compared to the Q7. Again I owned a 4.8 so I cant really say about lesser models)

Room And Space (Ah,heres where it gets interesting. Ill be honest.I dont know the specs on both cars,but the Q7 sure feels like it has more room.If it doesn't than maybe my eyes are playing tricks on me,but it looks like it does. Rear leg room felt about the same,again with the Q7 feeling slightly bigger.Its really a toss up. I didn't need that much room at the time and the X5 was more than big enough and up to the job when i needed to pack it with things.

Reliability: (I have had several Audi's owned by family members and friends and I swear every single one had problems. From 1.8t A4's with tranny problems to two newer A6's both with fuel pump problems.Not to mention the 1998 A6 to 2002 A6 all had electrical recalls.My X5,not one problem besides regular maintenance and I use to drive that truck hard. Although the first X5's to come out did have problems with the fans)

Sorry I couldn't let you know about the new X5,but if the new X5 improves on what the last X5 was,it should be the definite winner.

I have a 2003 X5 - great vehicle. Its fast and is the best handling SUV bar none. On the newer models, the third row seat is for kids so don't expect this to be a true 7-person hauler unless eveyone you know is really short.

My reliabiity has been VERY GOOD- nothing more than an electric window motor and a tailgate latch covered under warranty in 100K miles.

Maintanence can be expensive if you use the dealer (which I do), but why buy a $50,000+ vehicle and then worry about saving $65 on an oil change? My biggest expense is new tires faily often (due to my harder driving style) which run almost $300 ea for the Michelin Diamaris. But then, if I wanted to putz around and save tire wear I'd have bought a Honda Pilot. :)

Word of caution: Be careful about the ride quality of the Sport Package. It can be jarring to some. A better option might be to decline the Sport Package and simply pay to upgrade the tires/wheels to the 19" or 20" sport type. This will give you very good handling with a smoother ride quality.

This is perhaps the most perfect looking SUV out there right now.

If you need 3rd row Go with Q7

If you dont and like Sportier handling go with X5

In either case make sure you test drive the Diesel options, i think you might be suprised.

LOL

I've noticed we don't have many active trolls these days. The website seems much better.