Thanks NosherN. That’s all very useful info. I have already got the sliding rear seats down as an essential option if we get an X1, as when we looked in 2018 the boot was a squeeze for the wheelchair. I will keep an open mind re the Sport seats. Surprised that the 3 Series and X3 have the same size seats, as visually they look a lot closer to those in the 5 Series.
I agree that the Tiguan and X1 are in different classes. Frankly, I don’t consider VW to be a premium brand at all and certainly not in the same league as BMW or Audi. I see VW as firmly ‘upper mid sector’ along with Volvo, although I think the latter is starting to move into premium territory. Ford I see as mid-sector as it isn’t up to VW standards, but is a bit better than many of the budget brands.
I’m very envious that you have a new X5 on order. I came very close to ordering a new X5 myself just over a year ago, but the dealer had loaned their demonstrator to a disgruntled customer who was trying to reject his new car and he was insistent that he was keeping hold of their car until it was resolved! As it happened the chap did me a favour, as the world went mad shortly after with lockdowns etc and I would have had a very expensive brand new X5 sitting in the garage depreciating! I’ve always fancied one and I even have the personalised number plate X5 followed by my initials but it’s now on retention (sad, I know) ? Both my wife and I thought it was absolutely superb when we sat in the one in the showroom, but we wanted to try access with the variable suspension on its lowest setting and I was concerned that the split tailgate design (the one thing I don’t like about the X5) might make loading and unloading the wheelchair a challenge by having to stretch over it (not good with back issues). We are both retired now and because my wife can’t drive any more we now just need one car. I was all for ditching Motability and buying an X5 or a Porsche Macan S, but my wife (who has the entitlement) wants to stay in the scheme so we are restricted to what we are ‘allowed’ by Motability ? Enjoy your X5 when you get it, as I am sure you will.