help me with choosing SUV!! (Range Rover S, Q7, X5, X6, Cayenne, etc...)

I am thinking to buy SUV car but I can't decide.. I liked Range Rover sports but its fuel economy is too bad, x5 is coming with next generation soon, (so is Q7) 2011&2012 X6 doesn't come with new bmw's LED taillight and corona rings(why!??) and Cayenne S is too expensive.. (I don't like base cayenne)

I know I am being to picky but it is really hard to make a right decision..

Only you can decide what car you want to get. Go test drive them all. My wife and I were in the same boat as you. We decided the X5 was the best car for our budget.

Dont easily discount the v6 Cayenne, its actually quite nice and feels peppy with the weight reduction for this new model year.

You came to the X5 board, what kind of answer did you expect besides 100% for the X5?

Go buy a new Ford Explorer and put the left over money in the Ford's gas tank. Everybody here likes BMW's, but then again, we got'em.

if you wait until 2014, RRS will have a hybrid version out. As you probably know, reliability may be an issue.

I also liked the Range Rover sport, but I ultimately chose the X5 because it had more technology for less money (I love toys). I loved the ride in both and it was a difficult decision, but things like HUD and side view cameras aren't available in the Range Rover. I also much prefer the iDrive system to anything else out there. Finally, may be minor to some, but I find it a bit ridiculous that the Range Rover is not available with power lift gate. How does that happen? The Q5 and Q7 were nice enough, but just nothing at all stood out about either one; the X5 and Range Rover were both far more enjoyable to drive. I didn't go with the X6 because you're paying more money just for styling, and less interior room.

Yeah, they're coming out with a new X5 in a couple years and I'm sure I'll want it, but I'd still want it even if I got a something else. I don't think you can choose against a car for a change that's happening a few years down the road, particularly when you don't even know what it's gonna look like. I couldn't be happier with my decision.

RR S- design is getting old, high gas consumption, reliability issues, very high seating position, smallish at least for me, cheap looking and small back seats
PC and PCS i would never spent 60-70K on VW engine powered car and PCS is at least 80K
with all the right stuff
I liked new VWToureg but 2 things were unacceptable-hybrid and brand i like a lot of people on this forum snobs and like certain label
X5 seems like best choice i just sold my 2007 x5 4.8 and it was terrific car in all aspects
New one will be most likely at the end of 2013 therefore it is still 2.5 years to go
BOTTON LINE GET X5 3.5 YOU WILL LIKE IT IS A GREAT ALL AROUND CAR

O X6 i test drove 5.0 sport and it was single best driving car/suv at least for me
but could not get over claustrophobic feeling and rear end shape
I f you like its shape go for x6

If you're in that much of a quandary, you should add the TDI Touareg to your list.

I test drove most of those plus the Mercedes (which is a joke) prior to buying my 2011 x5 3.5i. I advise you to drive all the others first then the Porsche and x5, if not the x5 will ruin the others for you at least it did for me... If you're looking for a SUV that drives like a car and really performs, the Porsche and the x5 are your only real options unless you opt for a v8. The Cayenne v6 drives similar to the x5 and performs about the same, but the Porsche carries a stigma I didn't want, and is harder to find a dealership for so I opted for the x5 3.5i and I couldn't be happier.

My advice is go test drive them all and see what feels right to you...

My situation is almost same, looking for used V8, with comfort seats & third seats raw. And I am between the Porsche and the x5 ...

For me to buy a car like falling in love. I can't buy according criteria.

X5 is the most beautiful SUV IMO. Second is Mercedes ML 63 AMG. IMHO exterior is more important than interior.

By the way, for me basic Cayenne or Cayenne S are the same in exterior, just Turbo looks from front better. From back they all look as cheap Hyundai Tucson. While interior of Cayennes is a tale.

X5 5.0I with 20's >>>>all SAVs>>>>>all SUVs.

Buy an executive black RRSport. Then you will have a car that the valets will park in the front row at Ivy and as a bonus will have a new best friend in the Service Manager at your Range Rover dealership!

I looked at, and drove them all, plus the ML and GL.
My humble opinion based on research and "hands on" experience:
RR is classy looking but a service/quality nightmare. If you lease the RR, live close to the dealership and they give you an appropriate loaner, you could consider it.
Porsche is tempting as it handles well, and the V6 is actually quite quick. Once you add on all the extras, such as upgraded wheels, PASM, proper leather, heated seats, etc., you can get into a lot of money. I also tow a boat occasionally, so the V8 was necessary. Now you are talking 911 money!
Audi Q7 was a great people mover but had no "soul". V6 was good but again, torque seemed lacking. Q5 was far too small.
ML and GL were slow, although they were very quiet. They seemed a little dated.
The Toureg was compelling, but at the time I was looking there was no rear seat heat option.
I settled on the X5 diesel and could not be happier. It is the best blend of performance, build quality (so far), economy (is this a concern in a $72,000 SUV), and equipment.
From what I now read, the Toureg TDI or Hybrid could be an excellent alternative to the X5, but again, I think the diesel is the way to go.
Good luck and pick your dealership carefully.

I had a RRS Supercharged and must say that I LOVE, LOVED, LOVED it. When it worked. I felt that it was far more connected to the driver, the acceleration was smoother, more agile in parking lots and the upright sitting position was more comfy than the X5. When it worked. I am considering another one but am sure I will get another X5. My current 4.8i has been fantastic. By far not my favorite to drive, but all things considered (namely reliability and BMW maintenance program) another will probably end up in my driveway.

BTW - in case you are buying, after 3 years my RRS looked like it was ready to be sent to auto heaven. The paint faded, it rattled on any road surface, the brakes had been replaced 2 times in under 40k miles ($1600/visit) and it was in need of a new set. I left it in the BMW parking lot and instructed Land Rover where to find it. The X5 is now 34 months old and the lease says its ready for replacement. It looks brand new.

By the way, X6 can't substitute X5 because 3 persons can't seat there in the back, there is some plastic glass holder in the middle. So it is just for 4 people and without a child, because a mom can't embrace her child seating there.

Go with the X5 35i. It's performance is far superior to the base Cayenne. However, if you can afford it, the Cayenne S or the X5 50i. Either is a great choice. Do not, I repeat, do not consider any of the others you mentioned. Trouble's just around the corner!

Originally Posted by AM123

By the way, X6 can't substitute X5 because 3 persons can't seat there in the back, there is some plastic glass holder in the middle. So it is just for 4 people and without a child, because a mom can't embrace her child seating there.

2012 X6 now has an option for a 3-person bench in the back.

First post ... Great thread ... Getting the wife a gently used 2008 X5 4.8 with every option including factory aero kit ... Can't wait

I personally love the look of the lr4 over any suv/sav, but I really wanted a little more of a performance oriented daily driver and I do not have a dealership near me so I opted for the x5. The Cayenne wasn't much of a choice for me b/c of my lack luster 997 experience and b/c they don't offer free maintenance. The x5 was a no brainer, not to mention the 35i has better acceleration and economy over the 4.8i

Originally Posted by khjunee

I am thinking to buy SUV car but I can't decide.. I liked Range Rover sports but its fuel economy is too bad, x5 is coming with next generation soon, (so is Q7) 2011&2012 X6 doesn't come with new bmw's LED taillight and corona rings(why!??) and Cayenne S is too expensive.. (I don't like base cayenne)

I know I am being to picky but it is really hard to make a right decision..

$75 fills my X5 up 3/4 ... and that was on $4.19 a gallon. I'm seeing $4.38 around now. Q7 is heavier: more gas consuption.

X6 = X5. Same engine now.

Cayeene ignored ... since u already made it clear...

Premium just crested over $6.00 a gallon in Hawaii, it is around $4.79 here in NoCal today. Diesel is about a dime higher. I know, if you can afford a BMW you can afford the gas. Still, it does give one pause to consider.

I'd choose either the Porsche or the X5. I have friends with both.

Honestly, on a BMW forum, you're always going to get answers biased towards the BMW, but...

I drove an X6 35 until last week, and it handled incredibly well. I also drive an '06 M3 and an '09 BMW sportbike, so handling and "driver focus" is very important to me.

RANGE ROVERS
I *love* the look of both the RR Sport and RR Full Size. I found the interior of the sport lacking in quality and finish, and I drove a full size and felt travel sick driving it. Also the technology of both (apart from the absolute latest RR Full Size) is lacking compared with BMW - and I like having buttons to push . Eliminated due to cabin quality, and lack of driving fun. Reliability is probably on a par with all - my X6 in two years and 14,000 miles had a new nav unit, new alternator, new fuel pump, replaced passenger seat, new battery

CAYENNE
I liked the old Cayenne S, even though it was really a fancy Touareg in many ways. However, the dealer service near me (Seattle) is truly dire, and that's a deal breaker when I'm spending 90k. The new one just looks a little too much like a Hyundai Santa Fe for my tastes now tho.

Q7
Just too "momsy" for me, both in driving and looks. Lots of buttons to push, and fit-and-finish is good.

ML/GL
I have a friend with an ML63AMG and I love it. However, running costs are criminal, and it still doesn't have the "something" that a BMW has when you drive it. Another friend just got rid of his GL, which was like driving a bus. If you like a Yukon Denali or Escalade you'll like the GL. If you don't have 43 kids and 6 dogs on every trip, it's a large barge and drives like it.

BMW
The X6 I had handled like nothing else I've driven for the size. I actually had more confidence throwing it around corners than I do my M3. Now that adaptive drive, oyster interior, and the twin turbo engines are on the X5 - I've ordered a V8 with all the toys. The X6 is incredible but is impractical even for me as a single guy. I can't go skiing with friends (either the friends or the skis stay behind), can't fit my road bike in the trunk, and can't have anyone over 5'10" in the back.

For me - the post-LCI X5 was the clear winner. Incredible handling, awesome power, decent fit and finish, great dealer service, lots of buttons, road presence, and practicality.

YMMV tho