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Congrats! Excellent choice. What made you go down to the X3 vs the X5? Just cost?
Cost was huge factor - X5 with the way I had built would be $200 more per month just because it has no incentives right now.
X5 Interior quality and materials are much better as are the seats.
I sat in X3 and X5 back to back with my seat adjusted to my spec. The rear room legroom is identical as is the headroom. The X5 is wider so it does offer 1-2in of shoulder room. 99% of time i will have 2 car seats there so its not that important.
The X3 does have much more useful trunk area as its a bit lower and easier to load. It also seemed bigger overall.
The X5 has 2 part opening for the hatch and the loading floor is noticeably higher and less efficient.
The M40i also will be much more nimble, faster, easier and more fun to drive.
A cross over these days seem much more compelling that sedans.
Thanks - i agree that automakers are putting a lot of development $$$ into SUVs which are making them extremely hard to resist especially if you have a family.
Originally Posted by mmarshall
Congratulations...hope you enjoy it.
With a BMW, though, I'd consider getting an extended warranty if you are going to keep it more than four years. They have a reputation for becoming money-drainers as they age....and BMW parts and service can be quite stiff.
Of course, if you don't buy it out after the lease, then that won't be an issue.
No interest in buying it - will return in 3yrs.
My M3 is purchased and will for sure get extended warranty if i keep it over 4yrs.
Originally Posted by patgilm
Great choice although not one you mentioned in your initial post. A friend of mine has one and its a beast of a small SUV and with a tune its even better. I have the Supra sedan and you have the Supra SUV! Just kidding of course but it's a great engine.
I was not a fan of X3 at all. My wife convinced me to look at it again.
I did drive it at BMW event a year ago and its a beast but still didn’t like styling or interior materials that much.
Then learned for 2020 there were a LOT of upgrades - namely engine but also interior styling and trim. Now they give M steering wheel, carbon fiber trim, buttons on dash/doors are changed, new NAV etc.
Thanks - i agree that automakers are putting a lot of development $$$ into SUVs which are making them extremely hard to resist especially if you have a family.
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Just the simple easier step in or out of the cross over makes it quite easy to live with. The easier loading in the rear as well. And the better view out of the front windshield.
Phytonic Blue is one of those colors that looks much better in person vs. pictures. Pics don't capture the gloss and depth of the color. IMO of course.
So our current lease on the 2017 Subaru Legacy is up next month.
Car has been trouble free and its a great value especially considering what I pay. Looking to get into luxury SUV or large sedan that has quite ride, supportive seats, good power and space for 3 in second row.
Been looking at options for past month and here are my choices (mostly SUVs)
1) BMW X5 Msport - great car and my top choice. Drives amazing with great interior and Multimedia. Unfortunately lease programs are terrible.
2) BMW 540i MSport - not crazy about styling, would prefer more room.
3) Volvo XC90 Rdesign - looks great with nice interior and 3 rows. Ride is harsh and multimedia interface will take getting used to. 4cyl Engine is turn off.
4) Volvo S90 - nice car but i can lease 540 for same $$$.
5) Lexus RX350 Fsport - i test drove 2020 and was really impressed. Touch screen is great, nice seats, V6, and love the gauges. Spacious back seat. Very comfortable ride.
6) Acura MDX Aspec - cheap to lease, old infotainment / tech inside. Still need to test drive.
7) Acura RDX Aspec - was not very impressed with this car not sure it has such great reviews. Engine is loud, suspension is rough, lease program not great.
At this point new RX is probably what im leaning to unless I can get crazy deal on XC90.
You don't like the styling of the 5 series sedan but don't seem to have issues with how the X5, RX, MDX looks? All those CUV's are pretty homely to me.
If you are expecting Subaru levels of reliability, trouble free/low cost of ownership I would probably avoid the BMW's and maybe Volvo's too. I was not impressed with the RX and think it is pretty ugly. Of all those listed probably the MDX is the safest choice. Why not a Lexus GS350 or LS500? You may want to check out the RLX hybrid too, it has good rear seat room, is surprisingly quick, and you can probably get a good deal on one, it is nicer then the MDX.
Nevermind, I did not see you already made a decision.
Toyota and Lexus Join Mille Miglia For The First Time
Slideshow: A five-car lineup spanning more than five decades of Toyota performance and engineering will tackle one of Italy's most celebrated automotive routes.