Volvo XC90 vs MB M Class vs Acura MDX vs Lexus RX 350 vs BMW X5 vs Cadillac SRX

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1084 messages, Last post on Jul 29, 2012 at 7:31 PM

You are in the Volvo XC90 Forum.

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What is this discussion about? Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Acura MDX, Lexus RX 330, BMW X5, Cadillac SRX, Toyota Highlander, Volvo XC90, SUV

#172 of 1084 PAUL166--REST EASY -- MDX IS a GREAT suv by BOBPUT

Oct 18, 2001 (6:59 pm)

I bt my MDX in March and am very happy that it is the choice gives the very best combination of performance, utility, safety, luxury and value! Most complete 7 lux. SUV comparison test was in the Dec. 2000 Car& Driver: MDX #1, X5 3.0 #2, RX300 #3, ML320 -tie for 4th ("trucklike").
Exterior styling is too subjective for me to address, but the MDX simply does everything VERY well, and can actually be called "fun to drive" to an extent remarkable for its size and weight. Luxury is NOT a list of expensive options, but more the ability of a car to do what is asked of it with responsiveness, comfort and simplicity--at least to me . BTW, I also own a BMW 7, a couple of older Porsches, & a M-B 280 SL --so hopefully I understand the concepts of luxury and performance without too many prejudices.
Hope your wait isn't too long!!

#173 of 1084 Choices by wwest

Oct 19, 2001 (11:40 am)

If the MDX wasn't predominatly a FWD vehicle, or if it had TRAC (to make up, partially, for the FWD bias), VSC and HID, I would definitely put it on top of the SUV list.

I noticed not just a few posts comparing the RX300 to a MiniVan. Good point, that's really all it is, the Chrysler T&C AWD Limited is priced about the same although not nearly as luxurious. Both are basically FWD with a viscous clutch coupling to carry some minor portion of engine torque to the rear. The major difference is the RX300 only routes about 5% normally whereas the T&C has a much more tighter and "robust" viscous clutch coupling, so much moreso than the RX that it must be by-passed with an over-running clutch during braking.

I have little doubt that the X5, except for pricing and the BMW nameplate, belongs at the top of this list, head and shoulders above the rest.

I could overlook the price much easier than the nameplate.

#174 of 1084 by diploid

Oct 20, 2001 (9:25 pm)

Byt you gotta hand it to Honda- the MDX's panel gaps are amazingly tight for a vehicle this size.

#175 of 1084 MB ML500 by kojak2

Oct 22, 2001 (5:01 pm)

Having driven a X5, MDX, RX300 etc, and having owned assorted domestic SUV's, I recently drove a ML320 and a ML500. I bought the ML500! Ride, safety and now performance! I've had it for a few weeks now and it is the best truck I have owned!

#176 of 1084 I have tried them all, can't decide betweem ML320/ML500 by ezdrive

Oct 22, 2001 (5:28 pm)

I have tried them all. I am convinced the 2002 Mercedes is the best suv for me. I am undecided on the 320 or the 500. I like the power in the 500. Is it worth the loss of 2 miles to the gallon? Kojak2, tell me what you like about the ML500!

#177 of 1084 ML 500 by kojak2

Oct 23, 2001 (12:45 am)

There is no comparison in the driving experience between the ML 320 and the ML 500. The 5.0 litre v8 is a big improvement and the acceleration is effortless and the truck just feels absolutely rock-solid. Secondly, the fit and finish in the 2002 ML 500 is as good as in any MB sedan, it is a nice interior! I really like the saddle interior with the black exterior combination. Thirdly, being 6'2", there is just ample head and legroom in the first two rows of seats. I chose the third row option. The good news is that they can be latched out of the way(its kind of cool) when you dont need them, the bad news is that the only person that probably can use them is someone like me who has young kids or as an emergency type jump seat for adults. Fourth, the standard list of options includes GPS/Navigation which has become pretty easy to use. Lastly, it had the best rating for safety. Steel frame, eight airbags, sos teleaid and so on.
I did'nt like the other trucks as much because:
RX 300 too small, LX 470 nice but gaudy and underpowered, MDX was nice but is it really worth $40k+? and in my opinion, a little bit plain jane. X5's ride and performance were awesome but just did'nt have the room I needed, the Escalade was clearly not in the same league as the others in fit and finish.

#178 of 1084 SUV by wwest

Oct 23, 2001 (10:11 am)

If you are buying an SUV for "survival" in wintertime adverse roadbed conditions then those are more easily and adequately managed with the ML320's lower HP, torque, engine. It is much easier to "soft-shoe" through an area of low traction with this engine. POWERING through these types of roadbed conditions just simply does not work.

Finesse does!

You have clearly picked the best of this "lot", the ML series, as far as handling in adverse conditions.

#179 of 1084 I am taking the MDX by berger2626

Nov 09, 2001 (1:10 pm)

We just closed a deal on a Silver 2001 MDX with Touring...MSRP $37,450, selling price $35,200...Too good of a deal to pass up;the MDX is selling for MSRP in Atlanta, where I live, so I have to fly to Florida and drive 500 miles back to town. My wife and I looked at the Mercedes(poorly designed 3rd row seat, ugly) and the RX300 (too small), and we just feel that the MDX fits all of our needs. Cargo capacity, stylish, handles terrifically; yeah, the interior could be more luxurious, but it still is a tough SUV to beat. I feel grateful to have received a $2300 discount from sticker.

#180 of 1084 Looked and drove them all, wish there is other option by hpia4v2

Nov 10, 2001 (9:11 am)

Well, actually I picked X5 4.4i, will arrive in December.

I liked MDX alot but the drive is rather plain vanilla for my taste, but IMHO the best value for any luxury SUV out there, not to mention realibility. The ML is not bad, except for 3rd row seat options, by the way what are those 2 flappers covering foot well? ugly solution for not very comfy 3rd row seat. Here is the example of "trying to be evrything to everybody" and going nowhere. MBZ just forgo the 3rd row seat or go to bigger chasis next time around.

The best SUV will be drive like X5, reliable like a Lexus and value like MDX. I can dream can I? But again everybody will drive that thing on the road and it's not funny.

Oops got to go, need to install smoke detector in the garage, he...he...he...

#181 of 1084 hpia4v2 - recent buyer of x5 by spfotey

Nov 11, 2001 (3:31 pm)

am wondering -- what made u decide on the x5???

i like all 3 of the vehicles -- mdx for value/reliability, ML for sturdiness and recent improvements, and x5 for driving. But am concerned about x5 reliability. i am about to ditch my 98 ML -- way too many things going wrong in that thing...

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