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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 10 of 19

#85 of 185 MDX vs X5 by bimmerguy288

Jan 09, 2008 (1:06 pm)

I am a bimmer fan (as you could tell by my sreen name) but not a fanboy. I am also a BMW club member and receive their monthly magazine "Roundel". In April 2007's issue, they did a comparison test X5 (not the V8) vs. MDX (with sports package). The author, whom I assume is a BMW fan since he writes for the magazine, says there is NO reason to justify the extra $14000 for a similarly equipped X5 except for the badge.... The MDX performed equally as the X5, and better than the X5 in some areas. The 3rd row seat in the X5 is an option and you will only get those infamous run flat tires (no spare) with the 3rd row in the X5.
 
Now I wish Acura would put some real wood in the MDX and the plastic door handles look really cheap. The MDX is WIDE (88" with side mirrors I believe). If you have a narrow garage, that will be a pain. I think they should have power folding side mirrors. The MDX has its own share of problems too but I think it's the best bang for the buck if you could get over the style and if you don't need to be seen driving a BMW.

#86 of 185 Re: May '07 Car and Driver Comparison [upstatedoc] by chrism124

Jan 09, 2008 (1:47 pm)

Replying to: upstatedoc (Jan 09, 2008 11:30 am)
upstatedoc, My wife and I haven't decided yet. We have looked at it but didn't have the time for a test drive. We have scheduled time for this coming weekend to drive a Sport model. Our current lease doesn't expire until June 08 but still may buy a replacement vehicle before June.
 
I am starting to see more of the newer MDX's but it is still an uncommon vehicle around my area.
 
The front could use a redesign but I have seen worse (and certainly better). However the design is starting to grow on me.
 
Just think of the added bonus, besides getting a good SUV, you would also have a robot protector!
 
Regards,
NHman

#87 of 185 Re: May '07 Car and Driver Comparison [love2driveinct] by chrism124

Jan 09, 2008 (1:58 pm)

Replying to: love2driveinct (Jan 09, 2008 12:19 pm)
love2driveinct, Bluetooth is available in the 06 and newer XC90's but only as a dealer add-on. A very large and unattractive button is installed along with the communications module. I would rather have a system integrated into the vehicle from the factory. In my opinion, this feature was an afterthought.
 
When we leased our Volvo, summer 2006, the m.f. was .00001 with a good residual. Our payment is $500 per month. The only $$$ required was first and the $650 acq fee. This was for a fully loaded (minus Nav) XC90 V8. I believe the MSRP was $52.6k. There was an incentive on the V8 models, which was the model that we wanted. Leasing can be attractive if the right combination of m.f. and residual is available. When looking at the lease deals from Audi and BMW, I found the financing interest rate to be better.
 
I am also a BMW enthusiast but I just can not justify spending the extra $$$ for the X5. Perhaps after test driving the MDX I might have a different opinion. Stay tuned!
 
Regards,
NHman

#88 of 185 Re: MDX vs X5 [bimmerguy288] by chrism124

Jan 09, 2008 (2:12 pm)

Replying to: bimmerguy288 (Jan 09, 2008 1:06 pm)
bimmerguy288, I am also a fan of the BMW brand and like you I am a BMW Club member. I remember reading the article comparing the MDX vs. X5 3.0si. I believe they also compared the RDX and X3 in the same publication. They did rave about the MDX and didn't like the RDX. Their argument is the same as mine now, why should I spend the extra $$$ if I get the same or similar performance (not the 4.8 model).
 
If I was to nit pick the MDX, I would want real wood instead of the (very) shiny plastic trim. The center stack could/should be simplified. For the price tag I would want Smart Key Access ($1k adder in BMW) and AFS lights. But none of these are deal breakers. I have all of the options in my current car and while nice to have, I can live without.
 
I must confess, if my wife and I like the MDX. I would be able to sell or trade-in my car for a 08 BMW 335Ci (convertible). Plus being a BMW CCA member, I could use the rebate for my car instead of hers. This is my hope. We'll see what happens.
 
Regards,
NHman

#89 of 185 Re: MDX vs X5 [chrism124] by bimmerguy288

Jan 09, 2008 (2:44 pm)

Replying to: chrism124 (Jan 09, 2008 2:12 pm)
NHman, I had a 2004 BMW 330 convertible and almost bought the new 335i convertible when it came out last spring but ended up with a 750i, an entirely different animal.
 
In my opinion, in the entire Acura lineup, the MDX is the only one that comes close or equal to a BMW in the same class in terms of balance of comfort and driving dynamics. The MDX's 3rd row seat is also more "spacious" than the X5's. I agree, I am still not warming up to the front design of the MDX but nothing is perfect.

#90 of 185 Re: May '07 Car and Driver Comparison [chrism124] by love2driveinct

Jan 09, 2008 (2:52 pm)

Replying to: chrism124 (Jan 09, 2008 1:58 pm)
NHman, that is frustrating about the bluetooth, what is wrong with Volvo? Reminds me of the add-on CD changers with the little gizmos that you velcroed to your dashboard, lol... I can't believe that Volvo would totally overlook such an important feature, especially when it's not just a convenience but a safety matter, at least IMHO, lol...
 
Sounds like you got a good deal in summer 06. When we looked at the pretty-well-loaded V6 (leather, ent sys, 3rd row seat) in winter 06, I think the payment was around $720! Needless to say, when compared to $610 for the Ody and $588 for the MDX, it wasn't even in the running when you factored in the features we'd be giving up (bluetooth, for one).
 
Alas, we will likely not end up with an X5, and probably not an XC90, either. But we may find that the MDX's are out of our league as well, if there aren't any good incentives at that time. Then we'll be forced to look at the Acadia and some others that we hadn't previously considered. We would look at the Pilot, but I think my hubby will be trading in his 05 Pilot for an 08 Pilot soon -- they are leasing locally at $361 a month for 36m/12K/$500 down. It was weird deciding to have both a Pilot and an MDX, but having two Pilots would be just a little TOO weird... lol
 
PS: My Dad was also a member of the BMW club, and enjoyed the one time he got to show off his 2002 540 at a local show in Mass. My Mom still has this vehicle sitting in her garage, but is just about ready to part with it and list it for sale (he passed away a year ago). He put so much time and energy into his vehicles, something that I think only BMW people can appreciate.

#91 of 185 Re: May '07 Car and Driver Comparison [love2driveinct] by bimmerguy288

Jan 09, 2008 (3:12 pm)

Replying to: love2driveinct (Jan 09, 2008 2:52 pm)
love2driveinct, the new Buick Enclave is very nice inside out with a decent 3rd row. I think Buick is pretty good in terms of reliability these days. I am not one of those who automatically rule out a domestic make. But the Enclave is too big for our needs (two kids) and underpowered for its weight.
 
I am getting the MDX with tech/entertainment package. For our needs, it's not too big, not too small. It has comfortable ride & handling, good resale value, nice navigation/stereo. It's replacing our 2005 Toyota Sienna and the 2004 Lexus RX330. I can't find anything better for the price. But there is still a list of features/improvements I wish the MDX had...
 
For those who really need the space, practicality and utilty, nothing beats a minivan. I really don't mind being seen driving a minivan and I am a GUY.

#92 of 185 Re: May '07 Car and Driver Comparison [bimmerguy288] by love2driveinct

Jan 09, 2008 (4:33 pm)

Replying to: bimmerguy288 (Jan 09, 2008 3:12 pm)
I know, I know, a minivan is always the practical choice! My hubby really liked driving our Ody, too...
 
But now that I've gone from minivan to suv, I can't imagine ever going back.

#93 of 185 Re: May '07 Car and Driver Comparison [love2driveinct] by chrism124

Jan 10, 2008 (5:39 am)

Replying to: love2driveinct (Jan 09, 2008 2:52 pm)
love2driveinct, for a fully loaded MDX I would expect the price point to be (roughly) $44.4k. This is based on a few hundred dollars above invoice. If leasing remember to negotiate the buy price first and check to be sure the dealer doesn't markup the m.f.. Honda Financial is offering a good financing interest rate, 2.9 up to 3 years adn 4.9 up to 5 years.
 
You may want to look at the Mazda CX9 in addition to the Acadia. While I haven't looked at it, it seems to be a similar vehicle to the MDX. I know there is another topic comparing the two.
 
If your Dad had an 03 540i Sport, I would be very interested. BMW made enough changes in the last year model that made it an attractive alternative to the M5.
 
Regards,
NHman

#94 of 185 Re: May '07 Car and Driver Comparison [chrism124] by varmint

Jan 10, 2008 (3:53 pm)

Replying to: chrism124 (Jan 10, 2008 5:39 am)
You may want to look at the Mazda CX9 in addition to the Acadia.
 
I'll ditto that. The CX9 has style, utility, and good performance. Personally, I'd rather have the MDX, but that Mazda is a fine machine.

Messages Page 10 of 19

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