[jamesinaz]

Originally Posted by joshuastein55

Sorry to thread jack op!

With pictures like that feel free to thread jack.

[jamesinaz]

Originally Posted by GenXer

Mumba Green FTW!

Local dealer has one of those. In the base model. It is a fantastic color.

I think I'm past wanting a car that small though. I've thought it thru and I just want a little more car for people and stuff and ride quality. X5 is leader in the clubhouse. In the Phytonic Blue and M Sport.

[GenXer]

1. X5 M Sport
2. Mumba Green Macan

in that order!

[jamesinaz]

Originally Posted by joshuastein55

Good pick, definitely the best all rounder in its class and will be much roomier and more practical than the compacts like the X3, I've seen one in Phytonic Blue and in the light it shines very well. What interior are you thinking of getting? The one I saw had the Ivory Merino Leather with an Ivory Alcantara Headliner and it was beautiful! Although I imagine it to be very hard to keep clean!

That would probably work with that combo. I admit interior color isn't as important to me as quality and I won't lose sleep if I get a black interior. But if ordering - White Merino would be for the win.

[jamesinaz]

And I'm back. Really, by June 15 no more of these updates as I will have decided and bought.

OK update. yesterday visited a dealer I'd never been to. They have (had?) 2 2019 X5 xDrive 50i in stock. New with like 180 miles. I had interest. So I went to check them out.

On arrival it appears they are sold. One only has a deposit as the buyer needs to close on a property or something so I might circle back to it but I doubt it. I did like the car but could not test drive. Wouldn't have respected the dealer if he offered since someone had a deposit on it.

While there they suggested if I wanted a SUV with performance to also look at the X3 xDrive 40i. Sooooo, we did. My wife preferred the seats over the X5. Maybe cause she would feel comfortable driving it as her current ride is a 2014 X3. But I admit the seats were good and the interior was OK and size not bad. But I'm thinking it drives like my wife's X3 28i. Much smaller feel. I get conned into a test drive.

It does not drive like my wife's car. Obviously the 2014 28i with 240 hp isn't the same as the 2020 40i with 335 hp and 0-60 in 4.4 seconds. Yes, there is probably as much raw acceleration as my 540i. Or close.

Suspension felt more substantial and I did not feel I was in a toy car.

Still undecided but the Macan was out because - too small. And only advantage is if you want to drive the car like a sports car which I likely wouldn't do after the first month. Plus price.

Cars still in contention include:

X5 - M sport package and other stuff around $74K MSRP
X3 40i - about $65K fully loaded
Cayenne - used 2019 1900 miles asking $75K

Having fun with the research but it is narrowing down.

[GenXer]

If you believe what the internet journalists are saying, stay away from the X5 V8. They're not known for reliability. Stick with the straight six and save yourself a boatload of money up front and in the future.

[chassis]

I drove an X3 M40i for a service loaner and enjoyed it alot. If the X3 size vehicle meets your needs for size and long distance travel comfort, I think it's a good option.

I really do like Porsches. But the price vs value equation for them is unattractive for me.

[Funf6cyl]

Originally Posted by chassis

I drove an X3 M40i for a service loaner and enjoyed it alot. If the X3 size vehicle meets your needs for size and long distance travel comfort, I think it's a good option.

I really do like Porsches. But the price vs value equation for them is unattractive for me.

It depends what you’re looking for. If you want an SUV/CUV that drives like a sport car on stilts, nothing else really comes close.
Porsches also hold value better too. So yes, they are more expensive but also built much better. It all adds into the equation. It cost me almost nothing to own a Macan GTS for a year and a half and 15k miles. Had that been an X3/4/5 it would have lost 30% if not more.

[jamesinaz]

Originally Posted by GenXer

If you believe what the internet journalists are saying, stay away from the X5 V8. They're not known for reliability. Stick with the straight six and save yourself a boatload of money up front and in the future.

Thanks. Didn't find any articles online about that but now I am aware I will do more research. Doesn't look like it will be available anyway. I was only going to buy one cause it was left over 2019 and I thought I could get a killer deal.

[jamesinaz]

Originally Posted by Funf6cyl

It depends what you’re looking for. If you want an SUV/CUV that drives like a sport car on stilts, nothing else really comes close.
Porsches also hold value better too. So yes, they are more expensive but also built much better. It all adds into the equation. It cost me almost nothing to own a Macan GTS for a year and a half and 15k miles. Had that been an X3/4/5 it would have lost 30% if not more.

I think this is a valid description. The Macan is more of a sports car. Which I might enjoy for a month but then - I might get annoyed about the stiffer ride and smaller size. I pretty much need a grocery getter and like power versus a lame assed 4 cylinder GLE. And I don't need 0-60 I need 45-75 power.

Betting depreciation on current Porsche and BMW are similar going forward unless I buy a limited Porsche that everyone suddenly wants. Such as the GTS which they didn't make last year. I don't think it's a safe bet to get the same outcome you did. Good call buying that.

Seriously almost decided. X5 or X3 40i. Both have enough juice and comfort. And cheaper. Only Porsche still in the running now is used Cayennes.

Thanks for all the inputs folks. I do appreciate it. I know I'm spending WAY too much time over thinking this. Combination of being stuck home and having a specific deadline returning my lease has created the perfect storm of over analyzing.

[Funf6cyl]

Originally Posted by jamesinaz

I think this is a valid description. The Macan is more of a sports car. Which I might enjoy for a month but then - I might get annoyed about the stiffer ride and smaller size. I pretty much need a grocery getter and like power versus a lame assed 4 cylinder GLE. And I don't need 0-60 I need 45-75 power.

Betting depreciation on current Porsche and BMW are similar going forward unless I buy a limited Porsche that everyone suddenly wants. Such as the GTS which they didn't make last year. I don't think it's a safe bet to get the same outcome you did. Good call buying that.

Seriously almost decided. X5 or X3 40i. Both have enough juice and comfort. And cheaper. Only Porsche still in the running now is used Cayennes.

Thanks for all the inputs folks. I do appreciate it. I know I'm spending WAY too much time over thinking this. Combination of being stuck home and having a specific deadline returning my lease has created the perfect storm of over analyzing.

I think your arguments are sound and just. I will note, Porsches suspension dampening and rebound are second to none so while it may have stiff springs that yield great handling, it is quite a great riding car and certainly ones I’d place at the top of any SUV/CUV class.
Have you checked out the Macan 4 cylinder? I can also get you 8% off a Macan if you want my contact.

[jamesinaz]

Originally Posted by Funf6cyl

I think your arguments are sound and just. I will note, Porsches suspension dampening and rebound are second to none so while it may have stiff springs that yield great handling, it is quite a great riding car and certainly ones I’d place at the top of any SUV/CUV class.
Have you checked out the Macan 4 cylinder? I can also get you 8% off a Macan if you want my contact.

Thanks. Honestly every time I sit in a Macan I feel it's too small for me. I might buy a used Cayenne because I do believe they are better cars than the BMWs. There is one I like and I am this close to sending an email asking their best cash price. Seems as if with the used market beginning to saturate there should be some give in it.

BTW is your contact in Arizona?

[chassis]

jamesinaz Have a look at basic maintenance cost in your area, for example engine oil change, air filter and brakes. I have looked at P-cars off and on and the basic maintenance prices seem to be a step above other German brands. That is, if you don't DIY.

[Germanauto]

Originally Posted by jamesinaz

Thanks. Honestly every time I sit in a Macan I feel it's too small for me. I might buy a used Cayenne because I do believe they are better cars than the BMWs. There is one I like and I am this close to sending an email asking their best cash price. Seems as if with the used market beginning to saturate there should be some give in it.

Depends how you'll be using the Macan. If you'll be the primary driver most of the time then I find it spacious enough. It's my dad's daily and he has no complaints besides wishing Porsche made a sedan alternative so he could sit lower.

[Germanauto]

Originally Posted by jstein55

Thanks for the offer, but luckily for me, my father in law has been friends with the GM of my local Porsche dealer for years, and has purchased over 20 Porsche's from them over the years, half of which were likely custom built, and he will likely be getting a GT4 too, so I should be set for a good deal when the virus settles and my lease comes to an end.

I've only driven the current "S" trim, but it was very impressive, so the GTS can only be better, and I think its just right for me, as its also replacing my old 05' X3 which my son is taking to Florida for college (hopefully that will happen), and the Macan's interior space is pretty similar in size while still being able to fit my Sheltie in the trunk - he's one of the reasons I needed an SUV/Wagon (that and home depot/Lowes' runs), he will throw up in the backseat of any car, but strangely not in the trunk of an SUV.

Here's my current build, may do an all black exterior, but I like the contrast of the white. I would love to do Mamba Green but that may be a bit too extreme
-Full Leather Interior
-Premium Package Plus
-Sport Chrono
-Surround View
-Lane Change Assist
-Steering Wheel Heating


I was thinking about an X3 M40i for a while, but the steering and interior just don't really do it for me, and while the X5 has a gorgeous and superbly furnished interior, its overall just not engaging, but very practical. I also looked at a Cayenne E-Hybrid, but not as engaging or pretty as the Macan, no PDK, a higher price, and Ihate the touch buttons, though I did like the idea of getting gas less often. The Macan feels like a jacked hot hatch but with a luxury interior and gorgeous styling and that's why I love it! Its not the most practical, but its just enough for my needs.

Sorry to thread jack op!

Join the Miami Blue club!

[TheTallJS]

2020 Benz GLE 450, specifically a white or silver exterior and brown leather with aluminum trim and auto rear sun blinds, so I can buy it off you used. Beloved straight 6 turbo.

[jamesinaz]

OK, thanks for the comments. Yeah, I know maintenance is higher on a Porsche. Lucky me I no longer drive many miles now. Maybe 6-10K a year at most. So I'm willing to pony up one more time before they take my car keys away. LOL.

On the GLE450 - try and find one. MB must have some issue making them. GLE350 tons of them. The rarity probably means they aren't discounting much.

I am now assuming from various comments here and online research that if I buy a Porsche or BMW off inventory I should get something like 8% off MSRP. If that is true then I'll try both Macan and the S version. The test drive of the X3 40i was as described above, not horribly engaging but it probably meets me needs and offers some fun. We shall see. Off to dealer today to try Macan.

[GTF]

Macan vs. Macan S...
I had the base Macan as a loaner, and imo the "S" is FAR more desirable. The exhaust sound of those quads alone makes driving the S a totally different experience. The base a bit lighter in front, but couldn't really feel any handling improvement.

[jamesinaz]

I hope the dealer allows me to test drive both the base and S models. And if he has a Cayenne S used I'd like to try that as well.

Really am trying to keep the price of this vehicle to around $70K. That's what the after discount cost of a properly equipped new X5 would be and I'm really going to need to LOVE driving something to up that price.

[GenXer]

My mom has a base GLC300 4matic. It's just the right size for her. A bit bigger, more substantial and more utilitarian than an X3. But for $10K more an X5 is a whole lot more vehicle both in size and comfort. She didn't like it because it just felt too big for her.

[Burrcold]

Originally Posted by jstein55

Honestly the X5 is a great car, BMW nailed the interior especially, it looks nicer and modern compared to previous BMW offerings, and materials are excellent. The exterior could be better looking and the drive isn't really as good compared to a well equipped Cayenne or older E70 X5, but primarily as a luxury SUV, it does the job well. I definitely agree though that the vehicles are getting big. I currently have a CLS and while I love the car, I definitely want something more compact next.

I really wanted to like the G01 X3, it drives pretty well (other than its steering) and while its looks are conservative its still very attractive but the interior is dated, the materials are too cheap and hard for my liking, and I couldn't get comfortable in the seats during long drives (spent 2+ hours in a G20 which has the same seats). Other than that, its a great SUV.

I was just at the dealership last week at a possible trade in on my M340i for the new X3M. Loved the design outside (although I wished they had done more with the fenders like they do on the M3/M4...looks too much like the X3 40i). Anyways, the interior is what killed it for me too, even when compared to my M340i. The numbers on the trade weren't bad but I don't think I would have been happy especially if a redesign is around the corner.

[Burrcold]

Originally Posted by jstein55

I also looked at an X3 M. I was so happy to find that the seats were comfortable, and then I drove the car. It has an incredibly rough suspension. It felt similar to that of my wife's M2, which is fine on a sports car, but not cool on a family car, not to mention my dog already gets car sick in the back of my car, so that also ruled out the X3 M. I was so disappointed because it drove well, and fixed the biggest issue I had from the regular X3 (other than the dated interior) only to introduce a new issue. I'm sure the X3 M owners will disagree with me, but that suspension is a deal-breaker and just because the letter M is on the back of the car doesn't mean the ride should be harsh.

Honestly, when I drove it, this was the first thing that came to my mind

It was definitely harsh and I can normally deal with that, but this being my daily it would get tiring fast. Seat design looks amazing though and ALMOST make the interior passable but not at $100k Canadian. Couldn't do it...