Anyone have any ownership experience with these two utes? I'm in the market for a xover. I own an RL and test drove an MDX first. I wasn't blown away by the MDX, so, this weekend I spent about 2 hours with an X5. I drove a 3.0 and a 4.8 version. The 3.0 definitely felt underpowered. I think it's pushing 260+hp. The 4.8 felt more matched for this vehicle but surprisingly didn't feel much more powerful then the 3.7L on the MDX (in a test drive environment).

Putting drivetrain aside, I thought the BMW drove better then the MDX and was a little quieter. The fit and finish seemed comparable. The x5's IDrive is a little goofy, but I don't know if it's as bad as some say. I liked the wide screen LCD on the x5 and the dash layout better. I also loved the keyless start and "comfort access" option. I have that on my RL and have become spoiled. I wish the MDX offered that.

All things being equal I would take the X5. However, things are not equal. The X5 4.8L is $69k equiped like the MDX. The only extra features for this X5 was the keyless start and a bit more hp

I know there's a lot of BMW lovers here as well as Acura fans. Anyone care to try to justify why the X5 is worth $20k more then the MDX? My brother just got a 750 and I love it. I want to like this X5 but I'm struggling with this price given the other options out there.

 

I was in the exact same position as you about a month and a half ago.I was shopping for a family vehicle.My choice came down to the 4.8 X5 and the MDX as well. I'll admit that the X5 feels much more powerful and is actually fun to drive for an suv. You get all the whistes and bells BMW is known for.Idrive is still hard to use for most people, but I got the hang of it about a week after the purchase of my 335i coupe. However, I cannot seem to justify the price difference. Which is why I bought the MDX. You get the same size,utility and premium look you'd get from the X5...if you're not going after the bmw badge,the extra power(for which the mdx offers more than enough for daily use) or the extra gadgets, it makes more sense to me to go with the Acura.Good luck with whichever you choose

 

I'd kill for either. Perhaps there are other models out there if you don't have an issue with spending the $$$.

I'm surprised you thought the X5 was quieter... Was it road noise?

 

Thanks for your thoughts.

The badge is not worth much extra to me. I just want the best car. Power is not a big thing for me. I really love tech. But, the x5 didn't seem to have much more to offer then the mdx (except keyless door handle and start button). BMW does offer more tech options (e.g. Heads up display, adaptive cruise), but you really can't find one spec'd like that (at least I couldn't). This one I saw was $69k and felt pretty comparable to the MDX. I liked the look of the X5 better and it's handling for sure.

 

I personally like the X5 a lot more than the MDX.

 

I've looked at the MB GL450 on paper but didn't bother to test drive it because of teh reliability issues. My sister just traded in her S after two years. Lots of trouble with it. I'm not going near MB. I think they're over priced anyway.

The X5 definitely felt a bit quieter. Maybe it was the tires or the road I was on for the test drive. is your experience different? Noise is important. I do want the quietest one

 

If money wasn't the issue,(I got 4 cars to pay!) I would have gone with the X5. I did find it quieter,more inclined to luxury and is arguably more sporty,better looking and arguably a better vehicle. The X5 I wanted came up to 80k in canadian dollars equipped the way I wanted If you can pay it, it looks like you'll be happier with the X in the long way...

 

If you have the coin, the X5 4.8 is the way to go.

Don't know about it being quieter...I'll take your word on it, but the handling and power beat the MDX. Sux that Honda would build a vehicle like the MDX and not put a keyless start/entry system into it. Murano's and Altimas even have that.

Looks wise I give the X5 the edge...the MDX grille is horrible. I give the X5 the "edge" because I like the MDX interior a little more than the X5. The MDX interior is a little "too busy", but the X5 is to bland.

 

That's my dilemma. I like the X5 more also. Just not sure if I like it $250/month more! If it was $69k AND included the adaptive cruise and heads up display, it would be a no brainer for me. It would win on looks, power, and tech.

I wonder if I should wait a bit to see if there are any rumors of Acura up'ing the ante on an MDX MMC in 09. I would want to wait for the 08 X5 anyway. Don't want a first year model. Maybe their will be info by the end of the year on what's coming in 09 for the MDX

 

^^ Well, you won't pay for maintenance with the X5...if that helps

 

True. Oil changes, tire rotations, etc. are included with BMW. Also unlimited courtesy washes. $500 over 3 years? That adds up to over 10 per month. Ok now I'm down to $240 extra. It's a bargain

 

Maintnence is much more than $500 over 3 years. BMW covers pretty much everything except normal tire wear and damage that you cause under new vehicle warrenty and maintnence. Oil changes, wipers, brake fluid flushes, coolant flushes, brakes, etc. You pay for it ultimately in the price of the vehicle, but the cost of that maintnence adds up. Its probably well over a few thousand dollars over say 4 years.

 

I was in the same position as you, but own a TL. The MDX was the perfect combo that i wanted for the price, I did look at the x5 for a while, but in the end figured it was to expensive for the features. As for the free maintainance, what happens after the 4th year. My buddy has a 335i and he complains about his BMW getting oil changes anywhere fro 50-90 dollars depending on the stealership. I took the MDX to because i knew acura was and is reliable, and also I got a great deal on it thru honda corporate.

 

Yea, I love the styling of practically every BMW made (past and present). Their designers are good. I also like the total package. BMW's priorities are pretty much in line with mine. That's why I always end up passing through a BMW dealership when it's time for another car. Unfortunately, at age 46, I've still never owned one. Same thing always happens. I love the car, but never can get passed the value issue. For me, the numbers need to add up, and they rarely do. I guess I'm too practical. That's why I started this thread. I was honestly looking for some tangible reasons why the X5 is worth $70k. I was hoping I missed something

That's OK. Acura is my #2 overall manufacturer when it comes to matching my priorities. Maybe I'll just wait another year and see if they upscale the MDX a bit more. It feels like 08-09 could bring a real sea change for Acura (if we can believe even half of these rumors)

 

The X5 is significantly heavier than the MDX, so it's no surprise that even the V8 power doesn't feel stronger than the Acura V6.

Leasing is against my religion, so my vote goes to Acura. That and the extra 20k feels better in my pocket than in BMW's.

 

The MDX is 95% of an X5 for 66% of the price. Do the math

 

LOL, I guess that's my problem. Having a B.S. degree in Mathematics makes it hard to buy a BMW. You have to have an art degree or something like that so you can appreciate the styling and ignore the numbers.

 

next mdx change will be a mini-restyle with maybe new headlights, bumpers, and some interior changes. this will be on the 2010 MDX and RDX, also in 2010 there will be a new RL and the TL/TSX will be in their second year of restyled production.

 

 

while i'm in no position to even consider an mdx or x5 at this point, i, too, wouldn't be able to get over the $20,000 price difference.

i agree that all things being equal, i'd take the x5 too. but i wouldn't be able to justify paying that much more.

 

Have you ever looked at the Volvo XC90 Sport?

 

Why? 24 month leases can let you out of a car before tire exchange and break pad replacement. With $0 down due at signing deals you can for sure keep more cash in the pocket. Unless you drive a lot, leasing is viable alternative, IMO. Just my 2 cents.

 

To be honest, no I haven't. Not sure why either. Volvo is just never on my radar screen when I'm shopping and I forgot to consider it. I'll look into it. Thanks.

 

Q7?

but i guess that really wouldn't make much sense. it's probably close to x5's pricing.

 

And is heavier than anything else on the segment. Although, I admit they have a nice front, but an ugly butt.

 

I like the Q7

 

same here. i actually like the looks (exterior and interior) more than the x5.

haven't driven the x5 so i can't compare the two, really, though. maybe someone else has more info.

 

Good point, but usually the 24 month leases only allow for 10,500 miles per year and I go way over that. Of course, you can buy miles but then it defeats the purpose of leasing.

I'd rather pay cash outright for a car which will hold higher residual value. Just my

 

X5 $69K

MDX $49K

Happiness Priceless

You said you've been wanting a BMW for years and never got one then there no better time to get one then now. A new BMW will always be more than most other cars in its class that's not going to change. Everyone hear has valid arguments on both sides. Get the BMW this time and that will determine if you get another one next time.

 

Hmm, that's a good way of spinning the argument. Would you talk to my wife?

 

Can't argue with you. Leasing is a cash flow solution, not a total cost of ownership solution. Short of a great lease incentive (which occur sometimes when manufacturers want to move metal), leasing will not save you money in the long run if you're going to buy and hold your car after the payments are done. You don't do it to save money, you do it to reduce your monthly cash flow. It also has business benefits (if you own a business).

I own my own business so if I can get a good lease deal I'll do it, otherwise I don't like to lease either. BMW is offering a 0.0022 money factor and a 60% residual on a x5 with a 36/12 lease. In the end it will be cheaper for me to lease, assuming I didn't want to keep the car much longer then that anyway. Doesn't usually work out that way but BMW seems to always incentify leases. That's probably why 70% of BMW's are leased (I read that somewhere recently)

 

There you go get a good deal on a lease and if you decide that you like it that much buyout the lease and if not when the lease ends get something else. I think 70% lease because when the lease is up their on the hook for the maintenance then or shortly thereafter and I think there are many people that can afford the lease payments alone without the maintenance than can afford both.

 

Advertised leases are always with the minimum mileage, you can get what ever mileage per year that you need, the payment will just go up. If you are a high mileage driver, it typically cost less to lease a car for 3 years than to buy it. If you put 25k per year on a car, in 3 years you have a high mileage car with a low trade or resale value. But leasing vs buying is another topic for another time.

For SpiceyMikey, I do not own either vehicle, I just work for a company how has both a BMW and an Acura dealership. Bang for the buck, the X5 can't hold a candle to the MDX, but it looks like you already realize that. The X5 does have less space, especially in the 3rd row, whether that matters to you is a different story.

idrive is insane, and not in the good way like Jimi Hendrix was insane, it's in the bad way like Charles Manson was insane. It just requires too many steps to perform a simple function.

In the end, they are the best handling 7 seat SUV's on the market. I was able to put a MDX through a closed course faster than I could with a Porsche Cayenne (V6), and Porsche is a pretty good bench mark when it comes to handling.

In the end I would say, "how long to you plan to own it and how many miles do you plan to drive?" If the answer is less than 4 years and less than 50,000 miles, get the BMW, the maintenance program is going to cover you. If the answer is more than 4 years and more than 50,000 miles, stick with the Acura.

If you do go with the BMW look long and hard at leasing. There is a reason that BMW typically does 65-75% of their business in leases, it is because the educated BMW driver never wants to own the vehicle out of warranty.

 

Cut straight to the weinershnitzel.

 

^
Put it this way, we had to open a multi million dollar service facility for the BMW store, they are always very busy. One show room for selling, 2 service departments to keep them running.

 

I might just have to get in teh BMW servicing biz, sounds like a risk free opportunity!

 

Do not dismiss the 3.0L so fast.

Plenty of ooomph for what it is. You'll get used to it.

The one I saw with a metallic monaco blue and fauve interior with 19" (4.8is); it was A-W-E-S-O-M-E.

55K$.

 

Actually, when I was there this Saturday, the service waiting area (which is open to the sales floor) was jammed. But I think a lot of people were there for the free courtesy wash and the free lunch. YES, they had hot buffet setup in the waiting area. Looked pretty good too! For those prices they better give me free lunch and a car wash each week.

I guess if you bought a BMW you need all the help you can get with the freebies.

The dealer called me back tonight and offered me the X5 for $900/month. This was that fairly loaded one on the showroom floor. I guess they got their 08's on the inbound and are getting a little uptight. It's still way more then it seems to be worth, but it's got me thinking about going down there again this weekend and seeing if I can do any better. I'd take it at $850 tomorrow.

 

What area is your dealer in?

 

Orlando area. Fields BMW in Winter Park