[MarkG_M5Comp]

So, after a long line of test drives and loaners as I try to select my next car, this weekend has seen me in an Alpine white X5 30d.

The car has received universal praise from the family! The wife disliked the overall size but managed to drive the 'coach' just fine and more importantly was able to lay a tutu in the boot, completely flat, which apparently is a big deal :

The kids love the space in the rear, the pano roof and the fact they could sit 5 abreast if they wanted.

We all love the refinement, quiet, smooth ride. Wind noise is minimal, there is a little runflat drone but not the worst.

I am loving the compliant smooth ride, same gearbox and engine (although the 30d is just too slow for me in the X5).

Most importantly, there is an iDrive option to adjust headlights for European trips! Happy days.

I'm picking up a Macan tomorrow so we'll see how that goes; I think it'll just be too small.

Might be looking to setup a deal over the next few weeks; so far I can spec a 40d with lots of toys or an M50d with all I need - both in budget.

Watch this space.

[Watsey]

I drove a Macan petrol S last weekend; pretty small inside, and I wasn't that impressed. It felt well made but I didn't gel with it at all.

[Tengocity]

Sounds like you may just have found your next car

[MarkG_M5Comp]

Originally Posted by Watsey

I drove a Macan petrol S last weekend; pretty small inside, and I wasn't that impressed. It felt well made but I didn't gel with it at all.

What I'm expecting - they say it's great but it will have to be astounding to impress, it's pricey.

[Andrewthefirst]

Awh great. Looking forward to see where this goes, I would love an X5 as the family wagon. Would miss the chuckability of the 3, but someday

What's the 40d in the X5- Same as the 335d?

[MarkG_M5Comp]

Originally Posted by Tengocity

Sounds like you may just have found your next car

It really does, very impressed with it. Not without faults and I wouldn't consider it if we didn't have the 135i.

Came up behind a 335d tonight though - he left me for dust - it may have to be the M50d!

[MarkG_M5Comp]

Originally Posted by Andrewthefirst

Awh great. Looking forward to see where this goes, I would love an X5 as the family wagon. Would miss the chuckability of the 3, but someday

What's the 40d in the X5- Same as the 335d?

Yep. But with 2+ tonnes to lug around!

50d is 381bhp/740nm tori turbo. Similar power to a remapped 335 is guess. Won't be a rocket but I think it 'needs' more than a 30d.

When I have time I'll post up my options and get some views - not doing it from my phone!

[Tengocity]

Originally Posted by MarkG335

What I'm expecting - they say it's great but it will have to be astounding to impress, it's pricey.

Can't help but think they're for different people- The Macan seems like something more for me and the wife, where we want sporty practicality, compared to an X5 which is superb, refined family vehicle, that isn't crap to drive quick if needed.

[MarkG_M5Comp]

Originally Posted by Tengocity

Can't help but think they're for different people- The Macan seems like something more for me and the wife, where we want sporty practicality, compared to an X5 which is superb, refined family vehicle, that isn't crap to drive quick if needed.

I've been really surprised with how chuck able the X5 is - is take a 50d on the track for laughs!

We'd actually ruled out the Macan due to size, then they called to say some allocation became available for October.

Reading the spec p!sses me off - and manufacturer that charges for coloured wheel decals needs a slap.

[Tengocity]

Originally Posted by MarkG335

I've been really surprised with how chuck able the X5 is - is take a 50d on the track for laughs!

We'd actually ruled out the Macan due to size, then they called to say some allocation became available for October.

Reading the spec p!sses me off - and manufacturer that charges for coloured wheel decals needs a slap.

Yeah I was playing around with the configurator and managed to spec a Cayman GTS to £74k without even going particularly crazy... It's those little things that all add up.

[NorthEastX5]

+1 from me. our main family bus is the X5 and 8K miles in we love it. Came from a Cayenne which was also great but wanted the X5 for 3rd row seats as we now live closer to grandparents and cousins so the flexibility to have 7up meant the Cayenne had to go.

Agree with the Macan comments. Tried one before the Cayenne. Lovely car but if you need the space (which we did) it just seemed a compromise over the Cayenne for basically the same money. If you don't need the space and just want a sporty SUV for 2 adults (and maybe a dog) then the Macan would be ideal.

the X5 is not as good to drive as the Cayenne was in terms of "sportiness" but that's only because the Cayenne is brilliant and defies the laws of physics. That said after a couple of thousand miles in the X5 i'll be honest and say I cannot recall the differences that much anymore. the X5 is still by most standards an awesome drive and the 30d + 8sp auto is a lot better drivetrain than that the same combination i had in the Cayenne. by a mile.

so overall. big thumbs up from me for the X5. love it.

in terms of options. our car was a cancelled order. i was also looking for a 40d but in the end this car at the money the dealer wanted for it i went with the 30d. in terms of performance to be honest in real world driving it has plenty of power. yes the 40d has a bit more urge but in reality the way i find my driving style adjusts when in the X5 i tend to just drive it "sensibly" i guess still has all the power you need for overtakes but you never get crazy, its a BIG heavy car at the end of the day and if its loaded up with family and grand parents i tend to keep the overtakes to a minimum the odd times i flick it into sport mode its very impressive but driving in normal mode on motorways, a-roads, b-roads the pickup is still impressive so i'd say don't worry too much about a 30d IF you find a car with right spec at right price. compared to the Macan/Cayenne it will seem like a bargain. you should be able to find a well specified, nearly new, pre-reg or stock X5 for £45-50K easily. ours was in that range and had 90 miles on clock when i collected it.

Spec, came with the "M" special order 21" wheels not the normal 20" M-Sport upgrades. the 21" wheels are awesome but be aware the tyres are £400 a corner inside we have 3rd row seat, heating front/rear seats, heated steering wheel (brilliant extra who knew), harman kardon (must have IMHO), memory seats (could be standard cannot recall), internet, sun protect glass, ext bluetooth, folding mirrors etc.

[MarkG_M5Comp]

Originally Posted by NorthEastX5

so overall. big thumbs up from me for the X5. love it.

in terms of options. our car was a cancelled order. i was also looking for a 40d but in the end this car at the money the dealer wanted for it i went with the 30d. in terms of performance to be honest in real world driving it has plenty of power. yes the 40d has a bit more urge but in reality the way i find my driving style adjusts when in the X5 i tend to just drive it "sensibly" i guess still has all the power you need for overtakes but you never get crazy, its a BIG heavy car at the end of the day and if its loaded up with family and grand parents i tend to keep the overtakes to a minimum the odd times i flick it into sport mode its very impressive but driving in normal mode on motorways, a-roads, b-roads the pickup is still impressive so i'd say don't worry too much about a 30d IF you find a car with right spec at right price. compared to the Macan/Cayenne it will seem like a bargain. you should be able to find a well specified, nearly new, pre-reg or stock X5 for £45-50K easily. ours was in that range and had 90 miles on clock when i collected it.

Spec, came with the "M" special order 21" wheels not the normal 20" M-Sport upgrades. the 21" wheels are awesome but be aware the tyres are £400 a corner inside we have 3rd row seat, heating front/rear seats, heated steering wheel (brilliant extra who knew), harman kardon (must have IMHO), memory seats (could be standard cannot recall), internet, sun protect glass, ext bluetooth, folding mirrors etc.

Good to hear...

Love those wheels - similar to the X3 versions but look much better in 21" on the X5.

I think you have something with the 30d - for 80% of my test weekend I thought the 30d was just fine and plenty quick enough for what I need or want; I just drive so much more sedately in the X5 - However, I had actually promised myself a petrol car next time around but couldn't find one that fit the bill (M5 was close but just doesn't answer the practicality question - and the economy ). I really don't want to drop performance and even the 40d would do this due to power:weight. This was really apparent during overtaking on dual carriageways yesterday - I have lots of short dual carriageways near me and when I couldn't get past an ice cream van it made me cry!

[MarkG_M5Comp]

So, I have a spreadsheet...

Thoughts on best value?



There is likely to be around £50 difference in monthlies from the fully spec'd to lower spec'd 40d with the 50d siting somewhere in the middle (so so £30 more than the identical spec 40d).

Interestingly, there are some things I will not spec now:

1. 4 Zone climate - the girls like the large (iPad mini sized) shelf that exists without this.
2. Sunblinds - still don't think they cut out enough light so we'd end up with stick on jobs for the drive through Spain anyway
3. Heated steering wheel - I know it's cheap with the winter pack but I didn't rate it
4. Vented seats - £695 and the leather looks nasty with the pin holes!

But then I WILL have:

1. Comfort seats - trial car lacked lumbar but I still thin kthe seats are average, the sports seats dont have the side bolster adjustment, WTF?
2. Sunroof - sold on that
3. Reverse camera/park assist - can't say I used either but seems sensible anyway

Not sure about enhanced BT - I know it could be coded but the two mics? The car is such a great place to take calls, so quiet, it may be worth having the 'proper' kit.

[TonyMaloni]

Have you considered the F-Pace? Great looking and i'd be tempted to get the 3 litre petrol. Size-wise is between the X5 and the Macan I think.

[NorthEastX5]

Originally Posted by MarkG335

So, I have a spreadsheet...

Thoughts on best value?

Attachment 1399189

There is likely to be around £50 difference in monthlies from the fully spec'd to lower spec'd 40d with the 50d siting somewhere in the middle (so so £30 more than the identical spec 40d).

Interestingly, there are some things I will not spec now:

1. 4 Zone climate - the girls like the large (iPad mini sized) shelf that exists without this.
2. Sunblinds - still don't think they cut out enough light so we'd end up with stick on jobs for the drive through Spain anyway
3. Heated steering wheel - I know it's cheap with the winter pack but I didn't rate it
4. Vented seats - £695 and the leather looks nasty with the pin holes!

But then I WILL have:

1. Comfort seats - trial car lacked lumbar but I still thin kthe seats are average, the sports seats dont have the side bolster adjustment, WTF?
2. Sunroof - sold on that
3. Reverse camera/park assist - can't say I used either but seems sensible anyway

Not sure about enhanced BT - I know it could be coded but the two mics? The car is such a great place to take calls, so quiet, it may be worth having the 'proper' kit.

all specs look good. to be fair the cheapest 40d has all you need.

have to admit i like my heated wheel. ETTO. i don't have reverse camera. never get used to those things. sunroof, didn't concern me as i had pano roof in last car and got sick of kids telling me to close the blind as the sun was reflecting on their iPad screens!!!!

one thing i would spec if i had chance is the multi-function i.e TFT instrument panel for no other reason than it looks if you put a factory order in tick that box....go see a car with it fitted, X6 or X5 doesn't matter you should be able to find one local. plus there's videos on youtube. really like that option.

[MarkG_M5Comp]

Originally Posted by NorthEastX5

all specs look good. to be fair the cheapest 40d has all you need.

have to admit i like my heated wheel. ETTO. i don't have reverse camera. never get used to those things. sunroof, didn't concern me as i had pano roof in last car and got sick of kids telling me to close the blind as the sun was reflecting on their iPad screens!!!!

one thing i would spec if i had chance is the multi-function i.e TFT instrument panel for no other reason than it looks if you put a factory order in tick that box....go see a car with it fitted, X6 or X5 doesn't matter you should be able to find one local. plus there's videos on youtube. really like that option.

Haha, ETTO as you say....

The demo I have has the multifunction panel - I'm not a fan! It also has HUD and while I've got a littles used to it - I'm also not a big fan. Not for £995.

Also - just back from the Macan drive - not for me... really small, switchgear feels old as hell, dash looks dated. Drives amazingly on the twisties but the diesel S is not quick enough and I'm not running to a turbo. Left me thinking, great shortly car but not everything I am looking for. Cayenne looks nice but M50d model for a reasonable diesel S without the power (or discounts!).

[JustChris]

Macan will feel tiny in comparison. Some lovely Porsche touches in it though, if you didn't need the space and could wait Macan is amazing.

From your sheet I'd say the 4.0D MSport is the sweetspot?

[Mark1966]

If you really have to and judging by those deals I would definitely go for the M50d, it sounds like a cracking engine

I reckon the others will be too slow and boring for you coming out of the 335d at least the M50d will be a giggle in a straight line

Could you not stretch to an X5M bearing in mind you were considering the M5?

[Craig 1527]

Mark I picked up my 40d last week and really pleased with it I came out of a f31 335i with mppk and mpe and while it doesn't accelerate quite the same it certainly is no slouch and is one great place to be .
keep us informed with your final choices and spec

[MarkG_M5Comp]

Originally Posted by Craig 1527

Mark I picked up my 40d last week and really pleased with it I came out of a f31 335i with mppk and mpe and while it doesn't accelerate quite the same it certainly is no slouch and is one great place to be .
keep us informed with your final choices and spec

That's great to know - will keep you posted for sure. Salesman back from leave tomorrow so I'll expect a call soon!

[MarkG_M5Comp]

Originally Posted by Mark1966

If you really have to and judging by those deals I would definitely go for the M50d, it sounds like a cracking engine

I reckon the others will be too slow and boring for you coming out of the 335d at least the M50d will be a giggle in a straight line

Could you not stretch to an X5M bearing in mind you were considering the M5?

Spec'd up an X5M is major money, like 100k territory. Beast of a motor though.

If the next 2-3 years of my life plan play out well, I'll be back for one of them.

Interviewed for a contract job today with great opportunities all being well!

[JustChris]

Originally Posted by Craig 1527

Mark I picked up my 40d last week and really pleased with it I came out of a f31 335i with mppk and mpe and while it doesn't accelerate quite the same it certainly is no slouch and is one great place to be .
keep us informed with your final choices and spec

Great looking X5