Anyone have any ownership experience with these two utes?  I'm in the market for a xover. I own an RL and test drove an MDX first. I wasn't blown away by the MDX.

I've been going around test driving other options. This weekend I spent about 2 hours with an X5. I drove a 3.0 and a 4.8 version. The 3.0 definitely felt underpowered. I think it's pushing 260+hp. The 4.8 felt more in line but surprisingly didn't feel much more powerful then the 3.7L on the MDX.

Putting drivetrain aside, I thought the BMW drove better then the MDX and was a little quieter. The fit and finish seemed comparable. The x5's IDrive is a little goofy, but I don't know if it's as bad as some say. I liked the wide screen LCD on the x5 and the dash layout better. I also loved the keyless start and "comfort access" option. I have that on my RL and have become spoiled.

All things being equal I would take the X5. However, things are not equal. The X5 4.8 is $69k equiped like the MDX. The only major additional feature on the X5 is the keyless start.

I know this is a BMW forum, but anyone care to try to explain why the X5 is worth $20k more then the MDX? The best deal I could do that day on that $69k X5 was $941/mth on a 36m/12k lease. The MDX was $680.

I love the keyless start, styling, and ride of the X5. I don't love the price.

I chose X5 , thanks for your post , I'm glad to meet you

Well for one, the X5 is a BWM, which is inherently expensive... But with that being said, there isn't another brand I would rather drive, except perhaps for a lambo, or maseratti or some sort of super car like that... They are super reliable, high quality all around, more refined and well tuned suspension (thus the better ride), and overall pleasure of ownership/ driving will be better in the X5, every time you look out your window, or into your garage theres this little flicker of joy just knowing you own a BWM, it's about having alot of pride in owning your vehicle... and if you didn't get/ have this feeling at any point during the test drive, I do NOT recomend going with the BMW, as it is just going to be more a pain (due to higher payments) then a pleasure.

With the X5 covered there, the Acura is really a Honda, with slightly better materials. Honda although their engines run forever (but so do BMW's) they are known for cutting corners when possible... nothing too major just your going to see the odd repairs coming more frequently/ sooner, but some people are fine with that as the parts are usually reddily accessable.

So, thats my views on the choice at hand here, I hope it helps a little, but when it comes down to it, your going to have to make the final decision for yourself, what you have to consider is long term quality, satisfaction, and happiness.

best of luck with what ever you choose.


Cheers!

- Troy


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Car: 1995 BMW 318ti Sport
Color: Hellrot
Mods: None... yet

Other vehicles: 2005 Toyota Corolla S, 1999 Chevy Silverado