X52MDX

Almost two months ago I purchased a brand new 2009 X5 3.0 and got rid of it last night for for a 2010 Acura MDX w/Tech!

Although I have owned many luxury cars in the past, this was my first BMW purchase so I was very excited to experience the ultimate driving machine. Let me cut to the chase, I WAS NOT IMPRESSED! The X5 wasn’t a bad vehicle by any means but to proclaim that it leads the pack in luxury SUV’s is a huge assumption especially after purchasing a 2010 MDX.

First let me start with a few annoyances regarding the BMW X5

1) Premium Sound - My X5 did not come with the premium sound system and from what others are reporting, I am not missing a thing. The way i see it, the stereo options are crap and premium crap! I came from a Lexus with Mark Levison audio and my X5 pales in comparison. Truthfully, the base system in my coworkers Rav4 blows the doors off my X5.

2) Running Boards – Did anyone in BMW R&D check these running boards for their usefulness? Running boards are an accessory that looks nice but are rarely used. They should respond when called upon but for the most part stay out of the way. The running boards on the BMW X5 are the most intrusive running boards on any car I’ve seen. Climbing in and out while trying to avoid your pant leg rubbing against the running boards is a lesson in acrobatics..especially in the rain!

3) iPod / USB Integration – The iDrive system makes searching through 1000’s of songs a tedious task. Supposedly the iDrive system was updated in the 2010 model.

4) Navigation – The navigation system should be completely blown away and started again from scratch. The current system seems antiquated compared to the systems used in most non-premium vehicles.

5) Key – You are required to insert the key fob and then push the start button. Why not equip the vehicle with a fully keyless start system OR the traditional key-turn start system.

6) Engine – I found the engine to be hit or miss. Sometimes the vehicle seemed snappy off the line and other times it felt like I was walking a dinosaur on a leash. Putting the transmission in Sport Mode or manually shifting gears is definitely the way to improve performance.

7) Ride - Around the city the SUV rode fairly hard (maybe due to run flats) but on the highway everything settled down to a buttery smooth glide.

8) Backup Camera - Seriously? The picture was so grainy and dark it was almost useless at night.

9) Wow Factor – Completely missing never to be found after almost two months of ownership!

Although I haven’t owned the MDX long, driving home I was able to make a few preliminary comparisons. There is one area that the BMW X5 immediately trumps the MDX and that is road manners (i.e. tightness). This was evident one minute into the test drive and further pronounced on my drive home. My observation isn’t a knock against the MDX because the ride and handling is great. However, the BMW X5 feels like it was carved out of steel. There is definitely a more solid and tighter feel overall. This is about the only area in my less than one day of owning the MDX where I see the BMW X5 excels.

I haven’t played with all the bells and whistles in the MDX and honestly I don’t think I know what all the bells and whistles are. One thing I do know and that is the 2010 Acura MDX is an incredible SUV and I couldn't be happier with my decision.

So far...........
Stereo - I thought the Mark Levison stereo in the Lexus brand was a force to be reckon with but the stereo in the MDX is a BEAST!

Ipod - Voice search - nuff said!

Backup Camera - In true Honda/Acura fashion the camera is superb just as I expected.

Navigation - Honda and Acura should seriously consider establishing a Navigation Engineering Academy (NEA) and charge other Automobile manufacturers to attend. The first and only lesson should be, The Do's and Dont's of Engineering a Navigation System!

A few questions:
Can the 2010 MDX play a DVD movie?
What all can i do with the built in hard drive?

Pictures are forthcoming but I was told I have to wait until after 5 posts/15 days or something like that.


Thanks in advance for your answers..................

inklax2

Congrats on the purchase! Surprised to hear you speak so negatively on the X5. I test drove a 4.8 X5 prior to purchasing my '09 MDX and it was a beast. But for the money you cant go wrong with the MDX.

007Acura

congrats!!

X52MDX

[quote=inklax2;11731583]Congrats on the purchase! Surprised to hear you speak so negatively on the X5. quote]

Definitely not what I was trying to convey because all-in-all the X5 is a very well built vehicle. I quickly became annoyed with nuances of German engineering and for those reasons think the MDX is a much better vehicle. Yes the 4.8 is a beast but keep two things in mind. 1.) I didn't have the 4.8 engine and 2.) If performance is all (majority of what) you are looking for, I definitely would give the BMW X5 with the 4.8 engine a glowing endorsement. ;-)

X52MDX

Thanks!!! ;-)

FiftyFive

I think the harddrive is primarily meant to store music on. I highly doubt you'll be able to play DVDs on the navigation system if that's what you mean. Congrats on the purchase and welcome to the forums!

black label

Hard drive system stores music and pictures. It replaced the 6 disc cd changer. When you put a new cd in it retrieves the track info and stores it to the hard drive.

You can't play dvd videos with a tech package.

Type34

Congrats and welcome to Acurazine

I don't recall you mentioning if this was your first Acura, but from someone who owns both a BMW and an Acura, you'll find the Acura to be more user-friendly and intuitive for American tastes/expectations.

Thanks for sharing your comparisons of the X5 and the MDX...it's exciting to see the MDX portion of Azine getting more popular and experiencing new owner posts

KevinMR

Congrats...I just got an 2010 MDX after driving an '08 535. I'd echo many of your comments, though the 535 is a great car.

As an aside, my 535 had the "Comfort Access" option and I miss it...keyless entry and start as long as the fob was in your pocket or in a work bag. I also liked the backup sensors on the 535 better than the camera on the MDX...the sensors gave a color coded indication of how much room I had all around, which works better than the camera in dim light. Otherwise, the Acura is a great car.

princelybug

iTrader: (16)

Congrats!

X52MDX

Thanks! I am loving it so far.............

X52MDX

I didn't have the "Comfort Access" package which is all the more reason to have a FULLY turn-key start instead of a hybrid of both.

The backup sensors were cool but because the display took so long to load, often times I would hear a beep without a visual because I had to wait and wait and wait.....

I enjoy the camera on the MDX better because the crystal clear display makes maneuvering a cinch!

The X5 is a great SUV but the Acura MDX seems to be more ME.....quirky front grill and all.

billman730

I drove several BMW's and did not love them enough to buy one. As to the solid remark? My '09 MDX is as solid as any Beemer it weighs 4600lbs which is a bit more than I wanted it to weigh. But it feels solid thats for sure. I also passed on the Lex Suv. My Son bought a '09 Lex sport model and he loves it. I passed on the SUV in several top of the line styles. I kept going back to the MDX.

My model has a audio DVD for music DVD's which are hard to find. One comes with the car. LOL...

I also have a Video DVD player which is for the video screen. No big deal there. I lost out on the iPhone link and Hard drive to get a low def player system I never use...

X52MDX

No knock whatsoever against the MDX but the X5 felt like a tank and when i closed the doors I felt like I was in a vault. The MDX definitely feels solid and I am loving it. Your MDX sounds very nice as well.

lpe387tt

Congrats. I'm going looking at the 2010 MDX's this weekend. Love the truck. Again, congrats.

Hodog16

At least for the 2007-2009's, there is an aftermarket way to hack the navigation system so you can play DVD's on it, but I never had any interest in it so I never looked up how it was done. I don't know if this can be done with the 2010's because of the hard drive navigation change.

X52MDX

Hey thanks! The SUV is amazing! So far my favorite feature is the ability to use your voice to interact with an iPod. I never have to scroll through thousands of songs again. ;-)

X52MDX

Do tell...inquiring minds want to know!

mikeyhd

I test drive the X5 before buying the MDX, the X5 is pricier, because i'm cheap so I end up getting the MDX, if offers a lot for the price.

But if I would be rich, it would be the X5

db22

I think that the 2010 MDX has a regular key, which is very dissapointing. The RL system of keyless is brilliant but needs to ask a question of "Select Driver 1 or 2" when both key fobs are recognised. I never use a key when driving the RL - open and start the car with the fob in my pocket and open the garage with Homelink. The MDX should have a similar system, for a high end SUV using a key is CRV territory.

billman730

DB22 I have tyo agree. It is a drag to need to keep the key handy. My Son's Lex is awesome in that and many other areas. But for me the MDX did it enough for me to buy another one...