X3 vs Q5 - quirky key decision

Interesting write up on the S60. I to thought the S60 was a nice option but personally I hated the way it looks from the rear, especially the strange shaped tail lights. The Volvo is also a quick car but I completely disagree with your assessment of the X3 35i, which is quicker that the volvo (not by much though) whether you felt it or not.

Originally Posted by colson79

Interesting write up on the S60. I to thought the S60 was a nice option but personally I hated the way it looks from the rear, especially the strange shaped tail lights. The Volvo is also a quick car but I completely disagree with your assessment of the X3 35i, which is quicker that the volvo (not by much though) whether you felt it or not.

To be clear it was the XC60 (as opposed to the S60 sedan), and ironically, the tail lights are one of our favorite features LOL! The X3 35i is indeed quicker (5.5 vs 5.7 to 60 and 14.2 @ 97 mph vs 14.3 @ 98 mph - X3 vs. XC60 - effectively identical), but the DELIVERY of that power - especially under normal acceleration scenarios (as opposed to full throttle stomps) - is not the same and that's where we felt the XC60 won out. I admit, I would like a more extended test drive in an X3 35i and think it is a great ride - will definitely be on our test drive list again the next time around.

Originally Posted by cblandin

... The BMW - again, a disappointment on the 35. The 28 was better, but only adequate (better than a 3.2 Volvo though)..

Really surprised that you found the xDrive35 to have disappointing power given the 0-60 times that some reviewers have gotten. For the Luxo CUV market, I thought the 35 was the market leader as far as power. I haven't driven the 35, just both iterations of the F25 28, and my wife commented she didn't like the lack of power for the 28 I6. So, we'd be looking at the 35. We rented the 28 I6 for 4 days, and I liked the smooth transmission shifts, but there's a lot of them.

My local dealer doesn't have any xDrive35's available to drive, but I hope to drive one before we make a buy decision.

Originally Posted by cblandin

To be clear it was the XC60 (as opposed to the S60 sedan), and ironically, the tail lights are one of our favorite features LOL! The X3 35i is indeed quicker (5.5 vs 5.7 to 60 and 14.2 @ 97 mph vs 14.3 @ 98 mph - X3 vs. XC60 - effectively identical), but the DELIVERY of that power - especially under normal acceleration scenarios (as opposed to full throttle stomps) - is not the same and that's where we felt the XC60 won out. I admit, I would like a more extended test drive in an X3 35i and think it is a great ride - will definitely be on our test drive list again the next time around.

Sorry I was referring to the XC60, I actually like the taillights of the S60 sedan. The really long curvy taillights of the XC60 just don't do it for me, but lucky we all have choices.

Fun thread! Everyone has their own taste and priorities when vehicle shopping. I love the look of small sporty cars but much prefer the increased height and visibility of an SUV. 4 x4 or AWD is a must for me. Although I found the Audis very nice and lower in price than the BMWs, the styling didn't grab me. The extended test-drive sold me on the X3. The decision between the X1 and X3 was harder, because the 2.0 seems zippier on the smaller, lighter vehicle and wow the X1 was a total kick! But.....the X1 is smaller, tighter, and lower than what I was really wanting so we got the X3. The way the x-drive works gives the X models a more RWD feel. Take the Audi, the BMW X1 and the X3 for a nice long test drive. Since you mentioned radio, check the audio qualities of the sound systems. The brand and model that "speaks" to you will make the decision easier.