2007 BMW X5 or MB GL

How about you test drive an Audi Q7.

— chewy (View Profile)

Posted on 8/25/2006 12:52:54 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

If he was interested in an Audi, he would have asked for an opinion on the Q7. Obviously, he doesnt want a minivan type soccer mom hauler.
I would go for the redesigned X5 over the MB. It has a more aggressive, sporty look. I personally wouldnt base my decision off others opinions, but rather my own after driving both vehicles.

— BimmerFan (View Profile)

Posted on 8/25/2006 2:07:46 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

Your'e really comparing two different types of SUV's. It all depends on what you really want in your next auto. You state you need a "family hauler", then I'd go with the GL because that seems to be your priority. More space and utility. My sister had the prev generation X5 and it sorely lacked on space. I know the new one should be bigger, but even bigger than the prev generation is still going to be tight compared to the GL.

— senorgato (View Profile)

Posted on 8/25/2006 2:10:42 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

I would go with an ML500 myself. I don't like the X5 (iDrive) and the Q7 just doesn't do it for me.
T

— TauronLB (View Profile)

Posted on 8/25/2006 2:43:41 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

gert123456

Loser spends big money on "status" car, loser thinks he is cool, however he is not. (Not implying that audirevolution is a loser)

— chewy (View Profile)

Posted on 8/25/2006 3:11:59 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

Buy the new X5, you will not be disappointed. You know what; test drive both, and drive fast around a corner. Plus the new X5 has more space than the previous model (for the family). All that technology BMW includes in the X5 is not just for racing, they are also there for safely (family).
What does the GL offer a big comfortable elephant with a high price, before i buy the GL i would just buy a Lexus.

— devitocoke (View Profile)

Posted on 8/25/2006 3:29:49 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Nice one chewy. :)

— Mark (View Profile)

Posted on 8/25/2006 6:47:26 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

GL vs. Q7 and X5 vs. ML
competition between these SUVs... in the bigger class I'd take the Q7, and lower the X5- it has more seats
But for a family hauler I'd take an MPV

In ur comparison though, do consider the Audi, i dont know where this Audi not being the brand business is from because Audi is probably the highest on status here

— CarNut (View Profile)

Posted on 8/25/2006 6:53:49 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Audirevolution... do yourself the favor and drive the Q7, I think you will like it much better than the X5 and the ML/GL. Ignore everyone saying that the Q7 is ugly.. Audi has sold more than they expected. So, not that many people can think its ugly... but to each his own... and P.S. for the non-believers; Audi and Lexus will be the benchmark in Luxury Autos in the next 5-10 years... they are producing better quality cars than BMW and MB...

— KinGofNY (View Profile)

Posted on 8/25/2006 9:25:58 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

I'm not sure why you would be cross shopping the X5 and the GL as they are very different, but the X5 beats it hands down in every way other than hauling and towing so if that is important to you then you have a clear choice. If ANYTHING else is important to you then the new X5 (or the current one) is a better choice.

As others have said your better comparison is the X5 to the ML to the Q7. The new X5 is not out yet so it is hard to know for sure. Based on the stats and photos of that car and my past very good experiences with X5s I would rank them X5, Q7 and then a distant third for the ML.

— TVT01 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/25/2006 9:49:01 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Heres what I would do.....Go for the X5 Its gained about 7.5 inches from nose to tail as well as a few inches across....The larger more powerful engine is off the hook and it now has a lot more things standard. You have been a BMW driver and you will not like the the ride compared to the benz....You love the feel of the road underneath you and you would loose that in the benz...you dont want to lose the preformance of the 530 to a family hauler so go with the X5 it will be your best choice!!

— krzykarl (View Profile)

Posted on 8/25/2006 9:59:04 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Go for the X5. It will drive just like your 530i.
(My 03 X5 drives just like and older 528i we had.)
What's your BMW dealership?

— mstangpny07 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/25/2006 10:04:12 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Hahahahahaha. What will be the best part is no matter which of those three you buy, in two years you will be having the worst nightmares with electrical problems, quality issues, and dealer annoyances. I work for an Acura Dealer and I can't tell you how many people come to use or Lexus and Infinit after having been with MB, BMW, Audi for years and tired of dealing with ridiculous bills for repairs, maintenance and quality issues. Do yourself a HUGE favor and wait a few months, the all-new Acura MDX is coming out! Wow, I laugh everytime I see an X5 of ML/GL on the road. Sure they look nice, but too bad they spend most of their time at the dealer. Oh and have fun paying monthly for your Navigation lololo! No charge on an Acura, you get all the trims fully loaded, leather, heated seats, moonroof, HIDs, 17" alloy wheels, tiptronic automatics, XM radio (3 months free), 6 disc in-dash CD changer, rear climate control w/ auxillary jacks. Write me if you wanna know more. And save yourself 10-20K not counting cost of ownership prices. Go to www.acura.com and to a side by side comparison on those cars.

— clutchrider7 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/25/2006 10:29:27 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3   

I agree with clutch. I to work at an Acura dealership and I also see many complaints and aggravations from my clients in regards to the overall ownership experience with the German products. The new MDX will 18" alloys not 17's and Acura is going to offer a "sport pkg" that was tuned at the Nurbergring. The interior, which has always been one of the biggest midsize interiors available will be even bigger with the standard 7 seat capacity. The six cylionder motor will be "the most powerful motor Acura has ever produced" and with improved fuel efficency. Although I have great admiration for Audi, BMW, and MB, the MDX will be a better vehicle for less money just like it was back in August of 2000.

— golfer38 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/25/2006 10:56:39 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

I don't work for a Japanese brand however I support the idea of cross-shopping to include Acura. Also by the time audiRevolution's lease is up the new Lexus JX may be released.

Personally I would rather buy a Chevrolet Tahoe than the Mercedes GL. Save $20K and get all the options, combined with cheaper service, better reliability, and I think much better fuel economy.

— MercBasher (View Profile)

Posted on 8/25/2006 11:30:59 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

I agree with mstangpny07.

The X5 will definetly drive better than the BIG TIME overpriced GL. And its faster 2, but if u need abit more space then go for the GL.

— M53R (View Profile)

Posted on 8/25/2006 11:51:20 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

family hauler?
does it have to be an suv?
why not try an a6 avant or e-class estate? or even another 5 series?
the q7 is pretty good though.
also, what about an lr3, or even a used range rover?

— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 8/25/2006 2:22:37 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

Cadillac Escalade ESV

— Carboy (View Profile)

Posted on 8/25/2006 3:55:40 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3   

Cadillac Escalade ESV

— Carboy (View Profile)

Posted on 8/25/2006 3:55:43 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3   

oh he needs 7 seats.
i wouldn't want to use the x5s rear seats every day though, they look pretty small.
x5 or gl?
gl is bigger and has more space, and the rear seats aren't tiny.

— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 8/25/2006 4:37:48 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Q7 is the most updated new car. It crisp n clean looking. You see way to many X5's and Ml's. The GL looks almost the same as the ml. The Q7 has received better reviews then both bmw and mb.

— speedracer54 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/25/2006 4:45:39 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

audirevolution, if i were you i would avoid the germans at all cost, especially because you mentioned you need a family hauler. The germans will have problems, but if you are caught up in the prestige thing, consider the q7 before the ml, gl, or x5. The x5 rides more like a big sports car, and is a bit small, even with the new first seat. Idk how many kids you have, but the only car in this segment with a functional third row seat is the acura mdx. If i were in your shoes i would first consider the lexus gx, then the acura mdx. The lexus is no doubt a better car, but if you need the third row seat because you have 3+ kids, go for the acura. The lexus will do fine though as long as they are smaller.

— sexylexy460 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/25/2006 8:17:30 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

correction *third row seat

— sexylexy460 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/25/2006 8:19:58 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

definetly the redesigned x5.but if your not really into looks then maybe you could consider the chrysler i mean mercedes gl which is just a minivan to me.

— bimmerman7 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/25/2006 8:39:26 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Be careful if you decide to consider the Q7. My neighbor just bought one and has had it at the dealer three times already for: power windows that would go down but would not go up or just go up half way, climate control working fine then would completely shut off and not turn back on and head lights that flicker on and off.....all electrical gremlins.

— SixxFive (View Profile)

Posted on 8/25/2006 10:44:50 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

I just test drove the Q7 and I was very impressed with the car. My 3 choices are now the X5, GL, and Q7. I also looked at the GX today and although it was very nice, it was pretty boring to drive.

My 530i never had a single problem and my A4 3.2 which I leased February hasn't had a problem either. The 1999 E I had before the 530i only had two minor problems and the 02' A4 1.8 I had before the new A4 was problem free. Maybe I'm just lucky. Who knows.

I have 3 kids. The oldest is 6 and the youngest is 2.

— audirevolution (View Profile)

Posted on 8/25/2006 11:41:34 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Oh and all you BMW fans out there, do you know when the 5 series will redesign? Because I really hate to give up mine. Something tells me that I should keep the car and get something cheaper.

— audirevolution (View Profile)

Posted on 8/25/2006 11:48:37 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

clutchrider7 ,

Your an idot.....do your homework before you say things...

— krzykarl (View Profile)

Posted on 8/26/2006 5:24:36 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

they said that same quote in top gear.....
the x5 really is the ULTIMATE footballer's wife car. do you get footballers wives in america? it's a completely ridiculous show, but it's funny.

— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 8/26/2006 5:33:37 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Get the GL450 - its the more "butch" of the two and its got a real 3rd row seat. In a year or two, every female suburbanite will have traded in their Lexus RX330 or gen 1 X5 for one.

Have you seen a GL450 on the road? It has real 'presence'.

— nybimmer (View Profile)

Posted on 8/26/2006 6:17:25 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

Who are those Acura peoples? Get the hell outta here! MDX Sucks. I had owned an MDX for 5 months. It's the worst vehicle I've ever purchased. With my current '02 X5, I only need 4 oil change and 2 brake services since I bought it brand new back in 2002. All the services are complimentary at no cost whatsoever. What time at the dealer? My X5 only need a simple oil change every 15k or 16k miles or so. It's the most maintenance free vehicle I've ever own.

— maikoazu (View Profile)

Posted on 8/26/2006 7:02:37 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

nybimmer,
"Get the GL450 - its the more "butch" of the two"

that really seems to be the american philosophy.

but yes, i would go for the gl or the q7 rather than the x5, due to the added practicality, and the more useable rear seats.
and no matter what bmw says about ultimate driving machine, for a lot of people the better seats will seal the deal.

— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 8/26/2006 7:43:28 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

i've ridden in both the GL is more expensive but if you get the technology package on the Q7 you feel like your in heaven how much easier it is to drive especially backing out of a space that rear view cameras software rules

— EvoAudi (View Profile)

Posted on 8/27/2006 12:03:03 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

q7 is also alot more feul efficient and has multiple engines and s-line

— EvoAudi (View Profile)

Posted on 8/27/2006 12:03:50 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

a 5 series or a volvo wagon perhaps?

— vcowman (View Profile)

Posted on 8/27/2006 12:07:34 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

audi allrounder? new or previous generation

— EvoAudi (View Profile)

Posted on 8/27/2006 12:29:27 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

I thought the X5 is in the realms of ML, they are both sporty and fits 5 comfortably. While if u want something more rugged and versitle and big, go for the GL, and it depends how big your family is and how much stuff you are planning to be transported.

GL in Black looks wicked

— wwww (View Profile)

Posted on 8/27/2006 4:48:21 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

An idiot? I like to use facts, pretty sure that Audi had not one single car listed as being a good buy. Yes a BMW is a great car, but I have driven the X5, and the X3 in comparisons with the MDX, RX, GL, ML, RDX. Not to mention that not every single Audi on the road or BMW or Benz will have issues. I mean I know Honda is good quality but whose to say they don't have a few hiccups either. But they are much fewer and farther between than the Germans. The R-class is just ugly, and to fully load one at 80K is ridiculous. What I find funny is how people who are shopping for these luxo cars are concerned about price, lol. If you can afford 50-60K or more, then whats 4 or 5 grand more? Yet they came into Acura/Lexus and wanted 5-7k off the car that was already 10,000 less than its German competitor. Unfortunately Lexus/Infinit/Acura sell so well, no specials need to be offered.

Acura is slightly behind with model availability, but that will change. For now Lexus will become dominant, and the new IS 500 will crush the M3 and RS4, sorry. One last note, the new BMW's are getting very ugly and look like they belong next to a lava lamp at Spencers Gifts. Why spend almost $40,000 on a car (3-series) and still have to get leather, HIDs, automatic (tiptronic), etc. in order to really make it a luxury car.

— clutchrider7 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/28/2006 11:57:49 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

I just cant take it anymore, you people on here kill me.

Audirevolution,

I work for BMW and we are expecting a redesign on the 5-series with a new body and such to happen somtime in 2009 ... You can keep your 5-series till then ... As far as the vehicles go, I always believe you should keep your options open. If you enjoy the driving experience of your 5-series, then expect the new X5 to be nothing less than sensational.


Clutch ...

How does acura, lexus or inifinti fit into the equation? I really dont even know where to begin. You state that the BMW 3-series is ugly, but last time I checked in the automotive news was that BMW sells more 3-series sedans in the US than Lexus ( IS 250/350 ), Acura TL, & Infiniti G35 sedans combined ... Apparently the word didnt get out about how ugly they are. Or maybe it is the fact that they are interested in buying a "sport sedan" and not a copy from a honda, nissan, or toyota. No matter what you think about the BMW 3-series, everyone knows that they are the one to beat in the sports sedan market. Did lexus build the IS 250/350 to compete with Acura? NO it was to compete with BMW. How bout your beloved Infiniti, never a time do I see any comparison test about the G35 vs anyone else exepct on whether or not it can compete with BMW. Unfortunately, the new 2007 has already lost a comparison test to the 2006 330 sedan ...

IS500 will crush who? How exactly are they going to crush the Audi RS4? faster? no ... handle better? no, even if they have a button to turn off the traction system. Lexus's traction system is not a really good system as compared to the other German cars. better feel? no ... and to make matters worse you say the IS500 will crush the M3, huh? I am so lost.

You also mention about BMW and everything being optional. What is your point? What if I wanted the bluetooth telelmatics in my IS250 but didnt want the navigation system? What if I wanted just the navigation system by itself? If I am paying $30k for a car, then why can't I get what I want on it. With your arguement with BMW, I should have bought a Yamaha instead of buying a Harley.

— BMW4me4ever (View Profile)

Posted on 8/28/2006 1:09:50 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Clutch
Keep talking you are proving my point....
You seem to be uneducated in the field, your off base, and you are trying to make points that are irrelavent to anything...

— krzykarl (View Profile)

Posted on 8/29/2006 12:22:48 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

It's not about irrelevance. It might be an age factor if anything. From reading this and many other topics around this site I have noticed that there seems to be a big bias towards BMW. I am simply trying to shed some light that the competition is creeping up and getting very close. I understand BMW holds a benchmark with the likes of M/T C&D and R&T (of which car & driver, road & track are the same magazine) always pick a BMW.

Maybe I did rant a bit in my last post and came in a bit harsh towards BMW. I just have personally not become a fan of them since the 01-02 (not sure which year) when they had that last body style, more squared off and less fluid in shape. I would take a 760 any day of the week (i.e. Transporter.) But from a generational standpoint, more of my friends and associates drive Lexus IS, GS, and Acura TSX, TL and the occasional Infiniti G.

So I guess this could be a partial apology as well as a bit more information. I am only 25 so to me, a car like a Lexus or Infiniti or Acura do appeal more for some reason or another. I just always looked at BMW as yes being a great car, and sure let's say you can get a 3 series for 30k. Well, in order to REALLY get a true BMW it would cost practically another 10K in add-ons. I guess I am confused on the options versus standard equipment a lot of german cars offer.

That could pose two arguments. One, that the Japanese luxury cars are giving all of that equipment in order to gain some marketshare. Or two, that they offer it so it is less hassle for the buyer to determine what they need and can and can't have and just get it all. Acura for instance only comes 2 ways, with or without naviagtion. Not counting if you want 6-speed if offered (no change in MSRP, or an A-spec package.) To me that is perfect, "here you want navigation, its only 2k more." Paying another $800 for HID headlights kinda bugs me. Whenever I see a BMW or Mercedes on the road with regular halogens like my car, I feel like the person got cheap for some reason. Leather as an option to me is a little weird as well, once again, it is a luxury car, so why not come with a luxury interior already. I totally understand paying for a navi system as Acura and all do the same. But why make it Satellite based? That requires a monthly or yearly fee, the Japanese on the other hand use DVD-Rom (Lexus and Acura) which requires the customer to purchase a CD once every few years when an updated release comes, and it is optional.

All in all I am just trying to show that the Japanese do make a good quality car, and after my gf having so many problems with her VW (turn the car on and the A/C, the lights flash and wipers come on?, and a few friends with Audi, BMW, Mercedes issues, I feel more confident buying from them. Again, personal opinion.

Then there is the debate over the service contracts. BMW offers something like 4 years no oil changes, no wipers, etc. basically everything covered. The Japs

— clutchrider7 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/29/2006 1:59:37 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Apparently this comment thing cut me off, but basically it was more of the same comparisons, simply to show that Japanese do have good quality cars and should not be tossed to the side. GM did that when Honda/Toyota came to America, now look at where they are, struggling to make black, which they should hopefully do this year again.

— clutchrider7 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/29/2006 2:04:18 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

MERCEDES GL

— Carboy (View Profile)

Posted on 9/14/2006 10:17:18 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

MERCEDES GL

— Carboy (View Profile)

Posted on 9/14/2006 10:17:22 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1