@kezo Utilising some free time between my two extended test drives, I had a trip around various dealerships today (thankfully all in the same area) to look at the direct competitors to the X5. I didn’t drive anything, but simply wanted to see if any of the obvious alternatives appealed more based on (in particular) interiors and desirability. Thoughts as follows;
Porsche Cayenne – The thing that surprised me the most was that it felt significantly smaller when sat in the front than the X5. It also seems to be lower, and the glass area is narrower (visibility from the X5 was brilliant). There was notably better legroom in the back though, but that’s not a factor for us. The interior seemed a bit bland compared to the X5, and the infotainment screen is built into the dash, so much lower than the BMW version that sits higher so is easier to use when driving. I have no doubt that it will be a better drivers car than the X5, but I didn’t feel ‘wowed’ by it enough to think that I’d prefer it over the X5. However, if next weeks test drive doesn’t resolve the main issues that I had with the X5 PHEV then I might revisit and arrange a test drive.
Audi Q7 – The leather seats were nicer than the standard Sensafin (faux leather) in the X5, but didn’t have as much adjustability. There were a few more actual buttons than in the X5, which is a positive, but the exterior and interior looked quite bland and dated in comparison to the X5, which is a surprise as the X5 is in its last year of production. Seats aside, it just left me a bit cold.
Mercedes GLC / GLE – A brief visit here as the showroom is having work done and there were very few cars in it, so I had to look at used ones outside. They look a bit more exciting than the Audi (exterior and interior) but I am a bit wary about Merc’s having had an E Class company car (which I had to return early due to seat comfort issues) and a GLB loan car for a week in which the infotainment screen kept going black, which meant I had no idea what speed I was doing. If BMW styling continues to head south then I will revisit in the future, but for now I think I’d prefer an X5.
Land Rover / Range Rover – I sat in all current models, bar the Evoque (too small) and Discovery (too big). I absolutely love the look of the Defender, and it comes in some gorgeous colours, but the interior is a let down for such an expensive car. It looks and feels low rent (very plasticky) and austere. You also need a step ladder to get in! The Discovery Sport was easier to get in but didn’t excite. Range Rover Sport was the closest to the X5, but not as nice as the BMW inside (I also prefer the exterior looks of the X5). The seats were softer and more comfy than the X5, as they were in the full fat Range Rover (too big and expensive), but neither had extendable under thigh support and as I’m 6ft 2 the seats felt too shallow. As predicted, I didn’t like the Tesla like large iPad style screens (too low down) and minimalistic interiors. Then, of course, there’s the reliability concerns….
I’ve had a call from the BMW Experience team today confirming next weeks extended test in the X5 M60i, so if I fall in love with that then, subject to price negotiation, based on today’s visits I don’t think that I’ll bother to test drive any other marques. If the twin turbo V8 doesn’t wow me then I’ll consider the 40d, but I’m not sure that I desire a diesel enough to want to sink that sort of cash into one, even though it will be cheaper to run. The other big decision will be the exterior colour. If I get the M60i then I’m tempted to get Marina Bay Blue (exclusive to M cars) but Mrs Glos Guy hates it and prefers Manhattan (supposedly a metallic green, but looks more bronze / gold in sunlight). First world problems 😂
