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

#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.

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

Jul 14, 2011 (6:37 pm)

Replying to: abmwfan (Jun 18, 2011 3:12 pm)
LOL, of course the opinion I gave is subjective. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I also own a BMW sedan and wouldnt trade it for anything in Acuras line but in this instance after driving both SUV's I personally feel the Acura is a better SUV for the price.
 
My personal decision was based on test drive and family and friends who had massive problems with their X5's.
 
Also, my personal preference is to have a sedan thats sporty and fun to drive and have an suv thats plush and comfortable. I love BMW's and think they are just about the best vehicle out there but this was better for my family and I.
 
But thanks for your passion in your response, BMW should hire you! P.S...Its just a vehicle dude dont take this stuff so serious.

#181 of 185 Re: Honest Answer [abmwfan] by mrd4

Jul 16, 2011 (3:01 pm)

Replying to: abmwfan (Jun 18, 2011 3:12 pm)
"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."
 
Be aware this guy's comments is highly skewed. He owned 7 X5s in past 10 years, which means he only drives each new X5 for less than 1.5 years on average. That's not the usually case we talk about reliability. In long run, X5 does have notorious fame for reliability.
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