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Acura MDX vs BMW X5

185 messages,  Last post on Jan 03, 2012 at 7:28 PM

You are in the Acura MDX Forum.

What is this discussion about? Acura MDX, BMW X5, SUV

Messages Page 18 of 19

#170 of 185 Re: Honest Answer [jtbazz] by abmwfan

Jun 18, 2011 (3:12 pm)

Replying to: jtbazz (Feb 22, 2011 9:07 pm)
This is an older post, but I'm going to reply anyway because most of this post is subjective, unsubstantiated misinformation. The claim that the MDX is "more reliable" is refutable. Reviewing recent JD Power 3-year reliability numbers, Acura had 1.4 defects per vehicle while BMW had 1.6. There is no significant difference between the two. You will not have 1.4 or 1.6 defects. Either way, you're likely to have a defect or two repaired under warranty.
 
7 of my 15 BMWs have been X5s and I haven't had a single problem with any of them except for the very first model in 2001. On the other hand, the Acura that I owned was a horrifically unreliable piece of junk that I traded after 8 consecutive monthly trips to the service bay. So objective information and my substantial personal experience tell me that that the reliability claim claim is faulty.
 
People who say the MDX gets better mpg than the X5 also are dead wrong. Comparing 2011 6 cyl models, the X5 gets better mpg according to fueleconomy.gov. That's even though the X5 is faster and heavier. Making a faster, heavier vehicle more fuel efficient is a nice feat of engineering. Then you also have the option for a diesel with better performance and significantly better mpg.
 
Then we have posters who whine about BMW prestige. What you will find is that polls of BMW owners put prestige at the bottom of the list. They put the driving experience at or near the top. BMW consistently has catered to buyers who want to be engaged in the driving experience. I'm sure there are many superficial, status-conscious BMW owners, but BMW ownership tends to be more about driving dynamics than prestige. And frankly, if it were about prestige, BMW is entry level prestige at best in wealthy regions, so it's not exactly worthy of envy.
 
For the assertion that the X5 and the MDX are pretty much the same vehicle sold to the same market (families), that also is incorrect. If you want to make that assertion, you have to say "which X5" because there are several. The reality is that BMW caters to a buyer that customizes the vehicle to his/her driving style. 80% of BMWs are custom ordered. Your X5 can be delivered in as little as 3 weeks from the factory extensively customized: 4 engine choices, 3 types of seats, suspension choices, multiple leather choices, electronics, trim packages, wheel packages, with/without roof racks, and on and on.
 
Acura sells the MDX to buyers who want to pick a color and then drive off the lot with a vehicle that looks like every other MDX on the road. The only choice Acura gives you is upgraded electronics/stereo. While it is true that the MDX is sold to families (it's the soccer mom minivan brat hauler in my region), how many families do you know who haul their kids around in a 555 hp SUV?
 
Readers should ignore posters who make statements like "In the SUV world the honest answer is the Acura is the better choice." That subjective statement was made by someone who doesn't distinguish subjectivity from objectivity. Whether something is "better" depends on the buyer's requirements.
 
If you're a buyer whose requirements are not generic, the MDX will be a disappointment. If you require an SUV that comfortably drives you to a parent-teacher conference while you hold your cell phone to your ear (because you can't figure out how to make a Bluetooth connection) and simultaneously change your kid's diaper, then the MDX would be a fine choice.

#171 of 185 Re: mdx vs x5 [pb13f8013] by abmwfan

Jun 18, 2011 (3:23 pm)

Replying to: pb13f8013 (Sep 15, 2010 4:00 pm)
An old post, but whatever.
 
"And he was right in the case of body on frame vs crossover like SUVs (in which lexus was the first------you were wrong and get over it)".
 
The X5 is neither body on frame or cross-over. It's built on its own, unique platform. Not a dressed up truck or an over-weight sedan or a luxury SUV built on en economy car platform.
 
The X5 was was designed and optimized to be exactly what it is.

#172 of 185 Re: Honest Answer [sloperb] by abmwfan

Jun 18, 2011 (3:25 pm)

Replying to: sloperb (Feb 22, 2011 10:32 pm)
"I've owned both and have to agree the mdx is better. I just wish my mdx hadn't started smoking from the center console and that Acura hadn't told me it was nothing even though the fire department responded and confirmed the smoke smell."
 
Wow. Your MDX caught on fire and you still think it's a better vehicle and more reliable. I would love to hear how you rationalize that.

#173 of 185 Just my .02 by rmccall95

Jun 30, 2011 (3:56 pm)

I owned a 2004 MDX, Touring, which included Nav, Backup cam, CD changer. Purchased used. Just traded it for a *used* 2007 X5 4.8i. This is my third Bimmer. Also own a 530i and a Z3. Am totally sold on BMW. I love the road handling of the Bimmer. The road feel is in a world by itself, at least in comparison with the MDX. After driving the X5, I got back in my MDX, and felt like I was riding on a marshmallow! I did not buy the X5 as a sports car - no 2.5 ton vehicle is going to handle like a roadster! Nevertheless, I really appreciate the road-feel in the BMW. Power in the X5 is more than enough for me! I have had to retrain my right foot, both in terms of acceleration, as well as braking, with the X5. I much prefer the RWD/4WD in the BMW to the FWD/AWD as implemented in the MDX. Granted, I have not had it in the snow yet, that will happen soon enough! Right now, it's 96 outside, and I am using the heck out of the AC.
 
The MDX had a much better backup cam than the X5, kinda disappointing, actually, but that is not the primary reason I bought it. I am pleased with the navigation. I am a long-time GPS user, and as such, no factory nav system is gonna totally satisfy me. There are many features on the portable units that I really like. Having it integrated into the sound system, though, does certainly have its advantages.
 
I really like the bluetooth implementation in the BMW. I am on call a good deal with my job, and having that hands-free, excellent sounding function, is very welcome to me.
 
Comfort in the X5 is, in my opinion, excellent. Towing capability is 50% more with the X5 than what I had with the MDX. While I don't do alot of towing, it's certainly nice to have the power/vehicle structure/handling to do so when the need arises.
 
I am very pleased with the switch. If I had driven an X5 before I bought my MDX, I never would have owned an MDX.

#174 of 185 X5 quality is no way compared to MDX by mrd4

Jul 02, 2011 (12:03 am)

See X5 discussion on http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/WebX/.f0fa510?displayRecent
It look like people are buying X5 made from China. No matter what, for such large purchase and long term investment. Quality and Reliabilty are most important factors also, even X5 overcome MDX on performace somehow, but overall people vote for MDX.

#175 of 185 Re: X5 quality is no way compared to MDX [mrd4] by mrd4

Jul 02, 2011 (4:46 pm)

Replying to: mrd4 (Jul 02, 2011 12:03 am)
See Midsize luxury SUV ranking, where is X5?
http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/rankings/Luxury-Midsize-SUVs/

#176 of 185 Re: X5 quality is no way compared to MDX [mrd4] by JBaumgart

Jul 03, 2011 (8:36 am)

Replying to: mrd4 (Jul 02, 2011 4:46 pm)
FWIW Consumer Reports also ranks the MDX No. 1.

#177 of 185 Re: Just my .02 [rmccall95] by wwest

Jul 03, 2011 (12:40 pm)

Replying to: rmccall95 (Jun 30, 2011 3:56 pm)
Over the past years, 30 or so, I have been so often turned off by the BMW & Mercedes salespersons showroom attitude that I no longer bother going to see the new models.
 
So while I would vote the X5 well over the MDX I would still buy the MDX ahead of the X5.
 
Given an relatively equal engine power a modern day R/AWD will ALWAYS have more rapid pickup that ANY F/awd vehicle, even the most stellar of those, the SH-AWD system. With R/awd the DBW system gain will cause RAPID engine response, but with the SH-AWD system the DBW gain/response must be compromised in order for the rear clutches to have enough time to reach the proper engagement level for the rate of acceleration commanded.
 
Most other F/awd systems with elevated engine power capability ALWAYS compromise the DBW gain in lower gear/speed rates wherein front wheelspin/slip, sometimes DEADLY, is more likely to be encountered.
 
Compromises not necessary with R/awd wherein wheelspin/slip, rear predominantly, will be meaningless, often even USEFULL, in a good, proper, driver's hands.

#179 of 185 Re: X5 quality is no way compared to MDX [mrd4] by la_dude

Jul 06, 2011 (11:09 am)

Replying to: mrd4 (Jul 02, 2011 4:46 pm)
X5 is on the bottom of the list.

Messages Page 18 of 19

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