So, I drove an Audi Q5 3.0 yesterday...

Originally Posted by lotusfla

From what I remember the residual value of the X3 was 59% at 36 months/36K miles and the residual value of the Q5 at 36 months/36K miles was 49%. Another factor that steered me to the X3.

Generally speaking, BMW offers a better lease program vs. Audi. The residuals often are in the upper 50's to lower 60's. Of course, the actual residual number will depend on the mileage allowance. Also BMW FS allows the lessee to buy extra miles up to 6 months before lease termination. This could reduce potential cost due to exceeding the total allowance.

BMW has a much better and longer service plan. Never personally owned an Audi, but going to their dealerships when shopping for vehicles over the years regardless of the location was never pleasant for myself and family. Never a warm feeling and wondered if they treated customers for servicing in the same manner.

Loved the look and drive of Audi, but they seemed arrogant and snobbish. I don't have same feelings with MB, Lexus and BMW.

When cross shopping Audi Q5 before we ordered the 2014 X3, I grew tired of the Audi salesman. He saw that I drove a BMW and spent a substantial amount of time trash talking BMW rather than focusing the attributes of the Q5. Plus the Audi Care is an additional cost and is not as comprehensive as BMW's free maintenance. The Q5 is fine, however wifey and I both preferred the X3 and the BMW sales experience.

AUDI does not offer Alpine White.

Originally Posted by 96_Impreza

AUDI does not offer Alpine White.

AW is a non-metallic white. It's the only white BMW USA offers for the X3. I know it's a technicality but in the USA, Audi offers the Q5 in non-metallic "Ibis White" and metallic "Glacier White". Granted, neither are called Alpine White. I know it's kinda crazy but perhaps two whites are, in fact, better than one?

I shopped the Audi too, but could not get past the JELLY BEAN shape of the Q5, looks like a kiddie car for 3 year olds. I carry boards and bikes on my racks, so the lack of a true sound barrier on the sunroof was a concern. I like the VW Toureg better than the Q5, although it's bigger.

Coming from an S5 and still having an A5 in the garage, the BMW is whole different animal. We cross shopped the Q5 as well and wound up with the X3. We've become used to the Q5 after all of the service our Audis have required and while it's a nice little vehicle it feels more Town Car than Sport UV. I remember thinking I could live with a Q5 the first time we brought one home from the service department. It's capable, relatively luxurious and packs a lot of tech. There are things I really prefer about the Audi. The B&O system is one of the best in the price-range, the IP in Audis really can't be touched design-wise by anything in BMW's line, and I've mentioned the superior tech. The deciding factor was test driving an X3 35. No comparison in my view. Granted we got all of the whirly bits, but it's a nice break from 'the quirks' of our Audis.

As others have said, you can't go wrong. It just comes down to what you're after. And for what it's worth, I've had far fewer issues with the BMW than any of our past Audi's. Could be luck of the draw, both brands have had their share of black eyes. It's best to remember these vehicles don't age like Toyotas and Hondas because they are built for a different purpose. They extend the envelope just a little further, and compromises have to be made for extra performance and features. We are a different breed that accept some faults for a more exciting drive.

Just got the X3 last week and LOVE it. But what I really loved was the Car and Driver review that said, and I quote, "...the Q5 looks and drives like a dinner roll might, if a dinner roll could be driven." And the X3 won the comparo. And I added 3 years to my subscription.

Originally Posted by 02420X3

Not in the US or Canada, unless your X3 has been coded. The key fob will open the rear hatch, but will not close it.

It appears the foot swipe activation for the liftgate I read about was in the 3 series Gran Tourismo material.

"An optional Smart Opener system is included with Comfort Access, and opens the tailgate when a person's foot is waved under the bumper and the Comfort Access key is present."

http://autos.jdpower.com/content/new...mo-preview.htm

Remains to be seen if BMWUSA puts it in cars though.

I find it quite surprising that JD Power rates Porsche, Buick, MB and Lincoln higher in reliability than Honda and Acura. Say what you will about the Japanese cars, but I know no one that thinks there's is less reliable than the aforementioned. I've owned 8 bullet proof Japaneses cars.

Love my X3 and am hoping it holds up.

If you want to read about real world reliability rankings please go to Consumet Reports.

BothJD Power and COnsumer reports use the same methodology of basing conclusions based on customer surveys. It comes down to sample size and trustworthiness of the respondents. Garbage in, garbage out.

I find the C&D article and it's opening drivel about how lobsters piss and how SUVs are "huggable" to be a joke pretending to be a comparo. YMMV

Originally Posted by ErnestHouse

BothJD Power and COnsumer reports use the same methodology of basing conclusions based on customer surveys. It comes down to sample size and trustworthiness of the respondents. Garbage in, garbage out.

I find the C&D article and it's opening drivel about how lobsters piss and how SUVs are "huggable" to be a joke pretending to be a comparo. YMMV

CR receives more accurate garbage. A Buick is more reliable than a Honda? Not a single person here believes that.

Originally Posted by Bmwlvr60

CR receives more accurate garbage. A Buick is more reliable than a Honda? Not a single person here believes that.

I think JD power is in a better position and with more data to make an assertion than your limited sample. That said, my garage and driveway is covered in japanese cars and you won't find a Buick there ever.