Hi guys. I don't know which part of the forum to post this so if I posted it on the wrong part, my apologies.

I am an Acura owner and currently drive a TLX. I was thinking of getting my wife a 3-row luxury SUV and was looking at the BMW X5. We really didn't like the MDX.

I just wanted to ask what your thought of BMW in general and the X5 in particular.

We are kinda spoiled by the reliability of Japanese cars. How reliable is the BMW these days? Should I prepare myself for lots of trips to the dealership if we got a BMW?

 

 

you didn't mention brand new or used...which makes a difference.

 

Sorry. NEW.

 

the 2018s do have a new transmission, something to watch out for...as it's "unproven" at the moment. but generally, new cars are fine.

 

I wouldn't be afraid of the newer BMWs. They've come a long way. Now, if you were looking at like a 2008 X5 or something... yeah, different story.

Like justnspace said... the tranny is new so just keep an eye on that to make sure the new design doesn't have any quirks... but other than that, you'll be good to go. We've been all German as a primary car since 2005 and have been very happy. Be advised though that maintenance will cost you more than an Acura. Pretty standard for German makes. Not sure if BMW is running any maintenance promos where they pay for some... but if they are, jump on those. Otherwise, it will cost you at least 25% more than your Acura for service... and that number will approach closer to ~35% on the major services. That said, the German service intervals seem longer than Acura's, so your annual costs will settle only a little bit higher, but higher nonetheless. As long as you're cool with that, get it and enjoy it. German ownership is a totally different experience than Acura ownership from top to bottom. Enjoy

 

There's a new sheriff in town. Buy one of these, everyone else will be soon as well.

 

The x5 isn’t really a 3 row suv. There were some years where it was an option and I’m not sure it is anymore. Especially with the x7 on it’s way, which is a real 3 row.

 

Not gonna lie, the new RX350L is pretty nice...

 

I wouldn't hesitate to buy a BMW, I've got 3 of 'em! I have driven the X3 and X5 both with the same engine (3L) and the 3 is a lot faster than the 5. Why not give serious consideration to CPO?

 

And the 5 doesn't have much more interior space than the 3.

We leased a X3 that was a service loaner. Almost a year now and its been great.

 

The new BMWs are great. If you like it, go for it.

Just make sure to check out RX350, Q7 before pulling the trigger. Most cars in that segment are pretty nice.

 

Agreed. Had a Q5 as a loaner when our A6 was in for maintenance... great little SUV. Friend has a Q7 and it's sweet as well.

I would also look at the Mercedes SUVs...

 

Back in April / May we considered a new X5 for my wife, we really liked it and thought it was nice overall.. It drove nice, smooth power delivery good ride (even with runflats) and of course great handling. If we didn't fall in love with the Audi Q7, especially the interior, we probably would have bought the X5..... I think.

I say "think" because even though my wife liked it, it bothered her that you can't go a block here without seeing one. She's right they are literally everywhere especially in white but seriously.. So we would have gotten either the Space Grey or Imperial Blue.

Since you mentioned a 3rd row, make sure you take a good look at the X5 because unless your kids are small, or your not going to use it all the time the X5's third row is very tight. We didn't need a third row but the Q7 has one, and while it's not too spacious I do find it has more space than the X5..

Good Luck..

 

+1 on the Q7

my uncle has a new one and it's a great driving SUV. Drives a lot smaller for what it is and the tech is pretty kick ass.

 

Try lots of things and don't by the "Japanese cars are more reliable" myth. LEXUS is reliable. Acura...not so much.

I love the Q7 from what little I have been in it (Have a relative who has one)

 

I love these threads: OP writes "I'm interested in _______ vehicle, what do you guys think?" Answer: "I would look at ______ vehicle instead."

 

In this case he is asking about a 3 row car...except the one he is asking about isn't really a 3 row car.

 

I would say the call of the question posed is specifically about an X5

 

You're half correct...I've bolded the other half. Since the X5 is not a true 3 row SUV. So, that calls into question OTHER luxury brands with a real 3rd row.

 

As one who's had an 09 MDX (base), 12 MDX (Tech), currently a 15 MDX SH-AWD Tech and now shopping for replacement 7 passenger SUV (lease terminating in March), I can say that the X5 always seems to be atop my list. It's so much more upscale that any MDX and handles great lack of SH-AWD notwithstanding. However, as snug as the MDX third row can be, the X5 is far more snug....which is probably why there's an X7 in the works. If not for that and COST, the X5 is neck and neck with the Cayenne as my favorite SUV.

Quick mention on the RX350L: the brand's main intent is to not lose any more 7-passenger crossover SUV Lexus clients tothe MDX and QX60. If you're used to the relative sportiness of the MDX then the RX350/L will be disappointing even in F-Sport trim. The next generation RX will probably be designed as a 7-passenger crossover from the ground up and will probably be more formidable competition, incorporating the sportiness of the MDX and the luxury feel of the QX60.

 

The Q7 never hit my radar screen seriously until today. As I walked in to the store, a black 2018 Q7 parked. I told the driver, "Nice looking Audi!" and he said "Thanks, we love it." So I started building one and researching them and in that segment, it scored higher than the X5, MBZ GLE and XC90 amongst others. My build came to just under $64K which is right in the ball park amount I figured on spending for my 530xi replacement within the next year.

 

Go test drive one and you will be hooked, especially in sport / dynamic mode. I have the 3.0T but test drove the 2.0 turbo and was impressed with it. I'm six months into owning it and it still amazes me how quick and nimble it is for such a big (almost 5,100 lbs.) SUV..

One suggestion, get a quote from your insurance company. Since the Q7 is mostly aluminum it's expensive to repair so insurance premiums are higher than similar vehicles...

 

Thanks JT, your observations about nimbleness are well taken as every review I read or watched echoed that sentiment. I was thinking I'd want the larger-engined version over the 4 banger but I'd have to drive both and see first. I wouldn't avoid purchasing because of insurance costs but thanks.

It looks like the Premium Plus is the version to go for, which options do you recommend??

Sorry OP, not trying to hijack thread.

 

You're welcome and yeah the premium plus with the 3.0T is the way to go. I test drove the Q7 four times, I drove the 2.0T twice and was getting ready to pull the trigger but my wife (knowing how I am) insisted I drive the 3.0T so we went back to the dealer. After my third test drive of the 2.0T I got out and literally got into a 3.0T. And while I found the 2.0T impressive for a four cylinder, since I felt it moved the Q7 pretty well, as soon as a drove the 3.0T it was game over.

I found the 3.0T to be more refined and moved the Q7 effortlessly, you never really hear or feel it working. Whereas you could feel a little roughness and hear the 2.0T working harder to get it moving. Don't get me wrong, I think the 2.0T is a good engine and I wouldn't rule it out in the future after Audi has had some time to refine it in the Q7 application.

BTW with either engine, you will find when the gear selector is in "D" mode you have to give it a good amount of pedal travel before it gets going. It doesn't hesitate, it just feels like the pedal is a little heavy. They claim this is to make the EPA happy in regards to mileage ratings. But when you shift it into "S" mode... HOLD ON!

I would suggest the 20" wheel upgrade since I feel the 19's look too small, but that's me. The cold weather package not only gets you a heated steering wheel it adds paddle shifters, which is a weird addition to a cold pkg but whatever.. It also includes heated rear seats and the Audi all weather mats

I love the Vision Package which includes the virtual cockpit. IMO the virtual cockpit is worth the $2,000 up-charge alone, but it also includes full LED headlights and full surround view cameras which makes it a no brainer to me.

I was initially looking at the Prestige since it already came with the 3.0T, 20" wheels, Vision Package and Bose (for 2018 Bose surround is now included with the Premium Plus). However, I found that even though the Prestige is the top of the line the residual value was 2 or 3 points lower, and since I was going to lease the Q7 it made no sense. Granted this was a little over 6 months ago so maybe things have changed??

Keep in mind that if you are going to lease, Audi's leasing through AFS usually lease terrible. So I had my dealer go through US Bank and literally saved close to $100 per month with everything else being equal. So make sure your dealer shops the lease. I think Audi would sell a lot more vehicles if the supported their own leases, but what do I know..

Good Luck..

 

 

shaddup

 

Too funny, you had to know you were going to crap for drifting off topic.... LOL

 

I do not agree LOL. but that is based on personal experience.

 

True, however, I never once said as so many do "I bought a Q7, buy that instead of the X5 you're considering."

 

THAT thought process has nothing to do with your original complaint before throwing your interest in a different into the mix...Don't be a Donald...