[Cdnrockies]

The third row in the X5 is absolutely terrible. Unless you are only using it for kid's 5 and under it is horrible. If you really want a luxury SUV with a truly useable third row the GL and Q7 are the much better options.

Fwiw, both of our diesel SUV's get 30 mpg on the highway when cruising.

[footie]

The OP is comparing two particular versions of each car, so I'm guessing the price difference isn't a concern. He is simply looking the membership who have experience of each to give their opinions as to what is best.

If a third row was important to him then maybe other SUVs would probably have been included, like the GL and Q7 among others. The fact he has narrowed it down to the X5 and Cayenne suggests that driving dynamics are very important and as such the Cayenne is the star here, no doubt.

[Syndicategt]

I have a new MB ML....I love it for hauling my sh*t around. I take it to Tahoe all winter long and does great in the snow, even had it off-roading last year on a camping trip way up north. The ML500 has a fairly powerful motor, but not on par with the X5 or Porsche. I think for the price, it's hard to beat. Look into the GL if you need even more room ( I beleive C&D named it best full sized SUV last year).

[Cdnrockies]

Originally Posted by atlanta2004m3

I save the third row for kids, folks I don't like and Audi-homers, in that order of preference....

This actually made me laugh.

X5 can get 27-32 (talking US mileage, not Canuck, then it would be closer to 31-36....lol), depends on if you go 85 mph or closer to 60. Since you're in Canada, with the limits as they are....100 kph being tops out east and what, 110 on major roads in Alberta these days? Or have they gone completely crazy and upped them to 120?

This made me question if you know a damn thing about cars. IF you're talking Canuck it would be 7.0 L/100 km....the numbers are still the same at the end of the day.

I'm guessing you're also having trouble converting CDN $$$ to US at the moment.

[skim]

no brainer... cayenne..
this is the older model (i've seen the newer one also doing the same but can't find it..)

[TheRox]

panamera is a better value for price

has awd

looks wide

[gonzo]

blue skies better than dark

see further

looks pretty

[SECRET M]

thoughts on a range rover sport?

[footie]

Originally Posted by SECRET M

thoughts on a range rover sport?

A business associate has a RR Sport, very nice SUV that's comfortable but not really that sporty in my opinion and not really that quick either.

[footie]

Having a Cayenne I don't personally think there is an SUV out there that is as capable on the road and nor do I think there is a rival to it's road ability which can come close to matching it on the rough stuff.

All that being said if money were no object I would buy a Q7v12TDI in a heartbeat, was fortunate enough to get taken a sail in one at an Audi event and nothing prepares you for the torque this thing produces and the way it effortly builds speed, totally different to any of it's petrol rivals.

[krnnerdboy]

I chose the x5 over the cayenne solely based on finances. Special financing rates, free maintenance and way better resale value made my decision easy.

But that's not to say the x5 didnt earn it's merits. Better powertrain throughout the board not to mention that silky 8 SPd tranny and great mpg. 23 on mine if I'm on a trip and 20 mpg all around.

[krnnerdboy]

Btw the mb gl was never a consideration bc I get car sick driving my fathers. He wants an x5 now

[-=Hot|Ice=-]

Cayenne. While our X5 is nice, the Cayenne is just something else in my opinion.

[CAPSGOD]

G55 AMG.. G550 is more comfortable though

[-=Hot|Ice=-]

Originally Posted by CAPSGOD

G55 AMG.. G550 is more comfortable though

New G's should be out in a year. Not a good time to pick up a G.

[mtla4]

Originally Posted by SECRET M

i'm seriously considering an SUV at this point for hauling stuff around, random cheap furniture trips (M is a PIA to haul around IKEA boxes), moving stuff in/out of storage, etc.

i think a 2011 Jeep Cherokee would probably suffice, but i'm looking for something luxurious and comfortable when taking camping or to the snow as well.

anyone consider the new cayenne then change their mind and get an X5 or vice versa? would love to hear your thoughts!

thanks in advance!

The thing is if you're looking to haul stuff in the truck you might damage the interior. Also while going camping you will put mud dirt all kind of crap in that truck. Get something cheaper IMO. I'm not a suv/truck guy if I need one I'll get something that can get the job done and allocate more money to cars which will put a grin on my face. IMO base cherokee or any other truck with good incentives. Btw to each is own...

[CAPSGOD]

Originally Posted by -=Hot|Ice=-

New G's should be out in a year. Not a good time to pick up a G.

Come on. How much has the G changed over the last 30 years?

[E90Alex]

tough comparison, the plain cayenne S (non hybrid) comes out to be $90,000+ with packages that you would want if you dont want a base car

[ImportCarPartsPlus]

If I was going to get an SUV this would be the one for me.

[SECRET M]

thanks for the comments guys. regarding the 'proper' range rover suggestion, i went to look at one, and it is definitely much bigger than what i think i need. it's not a direct comparison to the X5 or Cayenne at all. the range rover sport was very nice, but the reliability aspect worries me a bit. it's a new brand that i'm unfamiliar with.

i also went to look at the Cayenne in person and found the car to be very sporty. perhaps so sporty that it feels like a compromise to comfort and space. i.e., i almost immediately lost interest in it, and it made me want to look at the Carrera 4S and the GT3 RS that was on the lot. i found my interest wandering away from the Cayenne and into a 'real' Porsche, as the dealer put it.

finally, i stopped by BMW to see the good old X5. while i know what to expect out of the X5 as far as reliability, the interior really seems lackluster to me. reminded me of the feeling i had when i first saw the E9X interior. that feeling eventually went away, but overall the dash and console are a bit boring. the performance and comfort are all there though.

for a little while i really thought i would pick the cayenne based on so much good feedback, but after sitting in it, i'm not sure i like it. will continue to think about what i really want.

[gonzo]

^ Hmmm. I thought the seats were spectacular.

Are you a bigger fella/waist/butt? No offense.
They are the sportiest SUV seat I have ever been on. I am a medium waist/butt fella though.

The Cayenne is narrow compared to most which I like for parking.
If you want bigger and value get a Tahoe and a CPO 911...

If the person at the dealer really said "let's go look at a real Porsche" then he/she is an idiot. First of all it puts doubt into you the buyers eye and it just happens to be their hottest selling vehicle I think.

[E90Alex]

i mean u can pick up an x5m for the price of a well equipped cayenne s or cayenne s hybrid lol