I would pick the Cayenne over the Q7 especially if you don't need the extra space. All 3 are a bit long on the platform wise too.

Have you thought about a MDX ? My uncle went to take a look at the MDX recently and quite enjoyed it. He didn't like the wind noise at higher speeds but he did like the price (53k I think) and the base model was well equipped. I think it's worth a look :)

^MDX is not in the same league as owning a RR, ML, X5, Q7 or Cayenne.

IMO, all three are long-in-the-tooth and not surprisingly, all three will reveal re-designed models within the next two years.

Out of the three, I would choose the X5. It's still the driver's vehicle of the bunch.

If you are willing to venture outside of those three choices, I would suggest at least driving a low option Cayenne or Touraeg Executive line. The Touraeg is also available with the Q7's diesel and IMO, has a "fresher" interior design than the Audi.

Good luck with your choice!

Kev

since all three listed are pavement pounders,

i'd say go for the x5.

If reliability is a concern then they all suck. But IMO X5 has proven more reliable than the two. Kind of the reason why everyone got one I guess lol.
If performance is primary then X5 will do the job well. Especially your switching from A5.
Interior comfort and luxury will be RR for sure. But you will be dealing with a lot of issues.
Like PDC, TPMS, air suspension, etc. Trust me I know.
Audi Q7, IMO its just not that great in any of the category. Besides the S-line looks and the nice but fragile interior trims, it just isnt worth the money. Though its cheapest of the 3.

you only live once....spend the money and get an X5/6 M.....best of both worlds....

armind's dad's x5 just blew a head gasket and they want 4k for a fix :suspicious:

Ouch !What yr? But Like I said, they all suck.

All I can say is from my experience. I had a 2001 X5 for 8 yr ownership without any issues besides o2 sensor, and other wear and tear.
If OP want less bias opinions maybe check each model's forums.

did your x5 ever see any dirt time?

Nope, its just not sort of vehicle you would want near any dirt LOL.
But I have driven from Van to Nelson's Ashworth Hot spring, during winter.
With my set of 22inch with Toyos, which took us across with non stoping 13 hr drive on snowy mountain roads :D

atleast you did more with yours than most :D

True that

I know it's not what you're looking at, but I drove a X3 35i with the M-Sport Package the other day, and it was awesome. It's MUCH cheaper than a similarly optioned X5, and you're not giving up all that much in terms of practicality/room. That and the X5/Q7 should be due for a redesign in 1-2 years, so something to think about.

That's what I did. Tested the X3, X5, Q5, Q7, ML, GLK and RX350 for a few weeks and decided on the X3 35i.

With a small family (just the wife and my daughter), the X3 35i more than fits our driving needs and occasional "fun" factor with a bunch of cash left for hookers and booze :ilied:

I'm keeping my A5, getting rid of my 328i coupe which BMW is willing to take in a year ahead of my lease return.

I looked at the X5 m package today, it looked great in black but my sales guy told me that he wouldn't bite on a x5 because of the redesign coming out. If I don't go with a SUV, I might go with the 550i because they had a white one with a m package and it was quite the looker. I'll let you guys know what I decide in the next few days.

the next gen x5 will be coming out not that far down the road so you might want to take that into account as well. i'd suggest a new cayenne. a well optioned out v6 and S will run you around 70 and 90 respectively. the interior of that car is much nicer than the competition imo, and you'll have at least another 5 years until the replacement comes out. only thing is you're looking at late october delivery if you order now lol.

^ I think the new Cayenne will be the sportiest of the bunch, but I think depreciation will be the 2nd worst after the RR........

considered the X5 diesel? pretty torquey, good consumption, and good resale (for some reason they fetch a premium over the standard 6 cyl and V8's....)

^I'd take the Q7 3.0TDi over the X5d for reliability reasons alone.

Get the 535Xi or I :D
I have a 2008 M-sport, its so much more fun than a X5, and even with these crappy runflat summer tires, I was fine on snow. The smaller engine give you more balance and lighter feel, unless you do ton of highway driving, you dont need the 550 IMHO. There is really no need for SUV unless you are hauling stuff and people all the time.

If you are willing to entertain sedan's option, I'd personally put a bit more money and go for 6 serie gran coupe.

It's IMO the best car BMW has to offer now. Seats 4 comfortably, great performance/mileage ratio and super hot-looking and fresh design (first year) car.

I would go for the Audi Q7.

http://www.xbimmers.com/forums/attac...1&d=1292184573

BMW x5 M package.

problems? lol. only problem with X5 35D: fuel pump. thats it :ilied: its actually more reliable than the N55 powered X5 35i

pretty sure the audis would have similar problems too. those TDi's are pretty nice actually...