X5 35d vs. Porsche Cayenne Diesel

Yesterday I went out and tested the Cayenne, X5 35d and the X5 35i. Cayenne was great, but the one I want is almost $75k and I'm going to pass. The 35d was nice and all, and I've always loved Diesels, but there was this irritable drone when cruising at 60-80 mph that just got to me. I tested another one right after that to make sure it wasn't a particular issue, but the noise is still there. It's this constant hum that is ALWAYS with you when you're cruising and i do not like that.

I fell in love with the 35i ... there is no throttle delay like my F10, not even close. I did test a brand new one, built March so all good on the software updates and all. The exhaust sound is amazing and it is very quiet at speed. I'm getting a Sport Activity and I'm extremely happy with my choice. I don't think the diesel's additional torque is worth it in daily driving, as the power and torque bands on the gas engine are much better and flatter ... and did I mention the sound?

That sounds awesome.

I'm on love. Can't wait to get my E70 X5

OMG. People actually buy cars based on what they sound like to OTHER people?!?!?

Originally Posted by ard

OMG. People actually buy cars based on what they sound like to OTHER people?!?!?

Huh? OP said the drone was at 60-80MPH....not sure how many OTHER people are hearing it on the highway, so it sounds like it was just annoying to him. Personally, I don't even notice a different sound at highway speeds, and I kind of like the low speed chatter. With that said, the D certainly isn't right for everyone. Congrats on buying your 35i sport....sure you'll love it!

^^ no, no...i am talking about the wife drivebys in the video.

Originally Posted by ard

^^ no, no...i am talking about the wife drivebys in the video.

I'm confused

Originally Posted by grilodan

. The exhaust sound is amazing

... and did I mention the sound?

[insert videos of sound from the car driving by- ie what someone OUTSIDE THE CAR, STANDING ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD would hear]

Originally Posted by tribecaX5

That sounds awesome.

Originally Posted by grilodan

I'm confused

You seemed to provide audio recordings of the exterior sounds of the car as you drove by a pedestrian as evidence of the amazing sound. So I am confused.

1) Youtube video not done by me, I googled "bmw x5 35i exhaust"
2) I think it sounds amazing because I think it sounds amazing ... i don't understand what the hell you mean by "pedestrian as evidence of the amazing sound"

Originally Posted by grilodan

1) Youtube video not done by me, I googled "bmw x5 35i exhaust"
2) I think it sounds amazing because I think it sounds amazing ... i don't understand what the hell you mean by "pedestrian as evidence of the amazing sound"

It's a perspective thing...

What sound do you hear inside the vehicle vs. what someone such as a pedestrian would hear from the outside. Since its your vehicle, one can assume that you'll be hearing the inside sound (as the driver or passenger)so the sound outside is somewhat irrelevant.

I test drove a used Boxster last night. The sound with the top up vs down was quite a bit different... Convertibles being one of the few types of vehicles where you can 'modulate' the sound entering the cabin. I suppose one could drive with the X5's hatch open.

Originally Posted by BryanCO

I love the styling of the new Boxster but find the exterior styling of the Cayenne unappealing...

If you sat in a Cayenne and drove it back to back to the X5 diesel; hands down the Porsche is a clear winner by far!!!!!!

Originally Posted by dalekressin

If you sat in a Cayenne and drove it back to back to the X5 diesel; hands down the Porsche is a clear winner by far!!!!!!

No doubt, the Cayenne is an excellent vehicle and the last one I drove was a couple of years ago. However, styling is very subjective and I would enjoy the Cayenne less due to its exterior styling. Similarly, I would not own a Bangle era 5/6/7/Z4...

Also remember, you can still order a Cayenne with a Manual Transmission, which might be fun if one was so inclined. It's nice that the option is there at all (and still cheaper than the auto - what a concept).

Originally Posted by Tex94

I have the gas powered versions of both the Cayenne and X5. Both are great but if I could choose only one and the $10-12k difference isn't an issue I would choose the Cayenne. Better handling, interior, etc. quality seems to be the same.

If price difference is not big a deal, nor the unappealing leasing, Cayenne is an ideal DD. Handling, build quality, interior quietness, exhaust note, as well as fit and finish are top notch. Porsche's pricing, IMO, is very misleading, not to mention very little discounts can be had - even for repeated customers.

Originally Posted by zero4588

Porsche's pricing, IMO, is very misleading, not to mention very little discounts can be had - even for repeated customers.

+1. Very misleading to look at the starting MSRP on a Porsche. Plan on $15k minimum additional spend for options (most of which you'd expect forgo be included) on any P-car. Nice thing is you can get the car built exactly like you want it.

Originally Posted by Keyser Soze

Also remember, you can still order a Cayenne with a Manual Transmission, which might be fun if one was so inclined. It's nice that the option is there at all (and still cheaper than the auto - what a concept).

Too bad the 6MT is only on the base V6, not even the TDI or Cayenne S V8

Originally Posted by zero4588

If price difference is not big a deal, nor the unappealing leasing, Cayenne is an ideal DD. Handling, build quality, interior quietness, exhaust note, as well as fit and finish are top notch. Porsche's pricing, IMO, is very misleading, not to mention very little discounts can be had - even for repeated customers.

Same can be said for most Audi products because the "spread" between MSRP and invoice is very little. But on MB and BMW, the "spread" is a lot more, which is why BMW/MB can "play" with incentives and chop considerable amounts of money off MSRP, while still maintaining profit.

But for Porsche, the dealers get screwed because they don't make much, but the company makes ridiculous profit because of the markup they've built in.

I believe the GTS also can be had with a stick. The GTS returns to the lineup later this year.

Originally Posted by UncleJ

I believe the GTS also can be had with a stick. The GTS returns to the lineup later this year.

No. No more stick this time around. I hear there were only 3% that took the stick last time.

Originally Posted by ard

OMG. People actually buy cars based on what they sound like to OTHER people?!?!?

Ard - I've been in this forum for a few weeks and to be honest, I only remember your name and the reason why is because your posts are quite annoying. You might want to tone down a bit with the negativity. Or maybe that's just your nature.

Cheers!

Originally Posted by tribecaX5

Ard - I've been in this forum for a few weeks and to be honest, I only remember your name and the reason why is because your posts are quite annoying. You might want to tone down a bit with the negativity. Or maybe that's just your nature.

Cheers!

Him and quack are more the voices of reason IMO.

Speaking of quack, he hasn't been around recently

Speaking of exhaust sounds, I hear the new Cayenne GTS' exhaust in sport mode is intoxicating. GTS might be the only other SUV I am interested in. Not just for the sound of course. It will cost X5M money, may still be worth it.

Originally Posted by AutoUnion

Same can be said for most Audi products because the "spread" between MSRP and invoice is very little. But on MB and BMW, the "spread" is a lot more, which is why BMW/MB can "play" with incentives and chop considerable amounts of money off MSRP, while still maintaining profit.

But for Porsche, the dealers get screwed because they don't make much, but the company makes ridiculous profit because of the markup they've built in.

Agreed with the Audi products - which are darn appealing nowadays. Porsche, a company that makes its dealerships pay for customers' euro-delivery experiences in exchange for additional vehicle allocations, is ridiculous and laughable to an extent. In this case, customers and P-dealerships always lose. However, they make darn, nice four-wheels.

David, the Cayenne Turbo ($104K) is more than the X5M ($85K) but the new GTS should be slightly less coin than the "M" -- a bargain! Porsche does what Porsche does because they can. The customers line up and the stores sell everything they get their hands on. The resale reflects this too. I am not ashamed to admit I lust for a Cayenne (or any other Porsche) in my heart (a la Jimmy C.) and will probably get one when the new diesels come out.

Now only if this engine was coming to the US market too. They could put it in the A8, Touareg, Panamera, Q7, etc

http://www.autoevolution.com/news/po...ive-42687.html

I would pony up $$$ for a V8 TDI Cayenne