2019 BMW X5 Is It Still The Mid-Sized Luxury King?
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Date: 2019-05-31
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Comments and reviews: 10
Sypil
Another great review Alex I shopping my self in this segment and I too am torn between the G05 X5 and the 2020 Mercedes 450. You are spot on with the observations I have had as well. I found the transmission doing odd things in the GLE whereas the X5 was performing how I expected. The GLE sometimes thrusted forward more than the input in gas I was giving, it didnt feel linear at times. The new interior of the X5 is nice, in fact I feel slight better put together than the GLE, but the technology in the Mercedes with the MBUX 3. 0 is just better than the also impressive iDrive 7. 0. As for the dash, I was a bit disappointed that the all digital dash in the X5 is relatively static. Sure you can change what is being displayed a bit on one side, and the middle, but the view feels so much more static/flat than what you can do in the colorful GLE. The GLE dash and interior technology is simply more impressive. Driving wise I have only tried the standard suspension on both models. The X5 handles and steers better since it was more firm than the GLE. The GLE steering felt relatively similar in tightness, but the suspension is slightly softer and hence the handling feels softer compared to the X5 (X5 handler, the GLE comfort. I would be curious an air suspension comparison between the two. I have heard that the air suspension in the GLE made drivers feel uneasy for steering, maneuvers and ride, but it kinda sounds like you were experiencing the same in the X5 (at least steering vagueness wise) It does sound that the GLE 8K e-active suspension would address some of this, but it is simply too expensive and question its reliability. I can give some more information on the third row option and what I have heard/read. Dealers are just now able to order X5s with 3rd rows again. I have heard multiple reasons why the option went away, but what I was told just yesterday makes the most sense. Essentially they ran out of parts they needed to build 3rd row models and hence put a hold on that option. Ironically and amazingly there is a dealer in my area that actually has 4 X5s with the third row They received these early in the release. Im 67 and I have tried it out, I can sit side ways. From what I have read, it is a handy option for your kids friends that need a ride home from school and they are 4 feet and under. Some of the dealers are being told that the 3rd row orders will take another 3 to 4 months before BMW can build those orders. This is one of the reasons why Im leaning towards the GLE since you can easily order with the 3rd row if you need to. Lastly, this is for those of you out their who are very tall like me (67 and mostly leg. The GLE has been the only SUV/SAV that I have tried (15 cars so far) that I do not have to move my preferred position in order to fit the rear facing car seat that we have. It is impressive The X5, I basically could not have the rear facing car seat behind me (sadly. As a side note, the X7 did work for me, but only if the 3rd row seats were stowed (not when they are up) When the X7 3rd row seats are stowed, it allows the 2nd row seats to come back 2 more inches. Alex, your GLE legroom numbers correct? According to Edmunds, and my own personal experience above, the GLE has quite a bit more than the X5 (different than the numbers you posted)BMW X5: (77. 2 total - which you have)front leg room: 39. 8rear leg room: 37. 4Mercedes GLE: (81. 2 total)front leg room: 40. 3rear leg room: 40. 9Alex, I hope you can get your hands on one of the limited supply GLEs for a review soon =)
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Another great review Alex I shopping my self in this segment and I too am torn between the G05 X5 and the 2020 Mercedes 450. You are spot on with the observations I have had as well. I found the transmission doing odd things in the GLE whereas the X5 was performing how I expected. The GLE sometimes thrusted forward more than the input in gas I was giving, it didnt feel linear at times. The new interior of the X5 is nice, in fact I feel slight better put together than the GLE, but the technology in the Mercedes with the MBUX 3. 0 is just better than the also impressive iDrive 7. 0. As for the dash, I was a bit disappointed that the all digital dash in the X5 is relatively static. Sure you can change what is being displayed a bit on one side, and the middle, but the view feels so much more static/flat than what you can do in the colorful GLE. The GLE dash and interior technology is simply more impressive. Driving wise I have only tried the standard suspension on both models. The X5 handles and steers better since it was more firm than the GLE. The GLE steering felt relatively similar in tightness, but the suspension is slightly softer and hence the handling feels softer compared to the X5 (X5 handler, the GLE comfort. I would be curious an air suspension comparison between the two. I have heard that the air suspension in the GLE made drivers feel uneasy for steering, maneuvers and ride, but it kinda sounds like you were experiencing the same in the X5 (at least steering vagueness wise) It does sound that the GLE 8K e-active suspension would address some of this, but it is simply too expensive and question its reliability. I can give some more information on the third row option and what I have heard/read. Dealers are just now able to order X5s with 3rd rows again. I have heard multiple reasons why the option went away, but what I was told just yesterday makes the most sense. Essentially they ran out of parts they needed to build 3rd row models and hence put a hold on that option. Ironically and amazingly there is a dealer in my area that actually has 4 X5s with the third row They received these early in the release. Im 67 and I have tried it out, I can sit side ways. From what I have read, it is a handy option for your kids friends that need a ride home from school and they are 4 feet and under. Some of the dealers are being told that the 3rd row orders will take another 3 to 4 months before BMW can build those orders. This is one of the reasons why Im leaning towards the GLE since you can easily order with the 3rd row if you need to. Lastly, this is for those of you out their who are very tall like me (67 and mostly leg. The GLE has been the only SUV/SAV that I have tried (15 cars so far) that I do not have to move my preferred position in order to fit the rear facing car seat that we have. It is impressive The X5, I basically could not have the rear facing car seat behind me (sadly. As a side note, the X7 did work for me, but only if the 3rd row seats were stowed (not when they are up) When the X7 3rd row seats are stowed, it allows the 2nd row seats to come back 2 more inches. Alex, your GLE legroom numbers correct? According to Edmunds, and my own personal experience above, the GLE has quite a bit more than the X5 (different than the numbers you posted)BMW X5: (77. 2 total - which you have)front leg room: 39. 8rear leg room: 37. 4Mercedes GLE: (81. 2 total)front leg room: 40. 3rear leg room: 40. 9Alex, I hope you can get your hands on one of the limited supply GLEs for a review soon =)
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Ken Ko
X5 is definitely the best pick in this segment, I tested the new X5 with m-sport package and the new Cayenne (not the S) back to back, Cayenne is a hair batter on the handling, but the transmission hold it back, it is just not that good like X5s ZF 8speed automatic transmission. And when you go to the dealership trying to make a purchase of these two vehicles, you gonna find Porsche doesnt care about to give you any discount or any incentive to make a deal because of the car made in EU and way less made then X5. On the other side, BMW makes X5 here in the US they have a much shorter production time and much more productions, and the dealers of BMW will much more willing to sell the car to you if you are very good at bargaining a price you can even get your X5 below invoice price. So in the real world purchase, you will find about 15K-20K difference between very similar equipped X5 and Cayenne. Which is to me is not worth that money at all.
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X5 is definitely the best pick in this segment, I tested the new X5 with m-sport package and the new Cayenne (not the S) back to back, Cayenne is a hair batter on the handling, but the transmission hold it back, it is just not that good like X5s ZF 8speed automatic transmission. And when you go to the dealership trying to make a purchase of these two vehicles, you gonna find Porsche doesnt care about to give you any discount or any incentive to make a deal because of the car made in EU and way less made then X5. On the other side, BMW makes X5 here in the US they have a much shorter production time and much more productions, and the dealers of BMW will much more willing to sell the car to you if you are very good at bargaining a price you can even get your X5 below invoice price. So in the real world purchase, you will find about 15K-20K difference between very similar equipped X5 and Cayenne. Which is to me is not worth that money at all.
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directordave1
2019 X5 40i MSport is my daily driver. Your review is very good -. personally I do not like the air suspension and prefer the MSport for a little better handling plus the MSport brake option. BMW also offers acoustic glass to make it even quieter. The bad engine is sweet. Reliability has been a bit iffy in the first year but seems to be improving. I agree Alex that the Porsche is the best in the segment, I just couldnt justify another 15K or so. I disagree on your like of the MDX - I think this generation of the MDX is more mini-van like (loved the previous then. Again, nice review and I think we mostly agree. The X5 isnt perfect, but it is a heck of a ride.
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2019 X5 40i MSport is my daily driver. Your review is very good -. personally I do not like the air suspension and prefer the MSport for a little better handling plus the MSport brake option. BMW also offers acoustic glass to make it even quieter. The bad engine is sweet. Reliability has been a bit iffy in the first year but seems to be improving. I agree Alex that the Porsche is the best in the segment, I just couldnt justify another 15K or so. I disagree on your like of the MDX - I think this generation of the MDX is more mini-van like (loved the previous then. Again, nice review and I think we mostly agree. The X5 isnt perfect, but it is a heck of a ride.
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bird718
i had a x5e loner last year for a few days, it was very nice minus the weird cd/dvd sound of switching tracks comming from the hybrid system. the handling was way soft compared to my car but its a suv. if the 2019 is softer than that x5e then its not a big deal they will have the x5m or something for people who like to take the turns a little faster. not a fan of the rear lights on this model.
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i had a x5e loner last year for a few days, it was very nice minus the weird cd/dvd sound of switching tracks comming from the hybrid system. the handling was way soft compared to my car but its a suv. if the 2019 is softer than that x5e then its not a big deal they will have the x5m or something for people who like to take the turns a little faster. not a fan of the rear lights on this model.
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Jim C
Color me crazy - but I am thinking of moving from a 2016 X5 50i to a RAM 1500 limited. Alex says the new X5 interior noise at 50mph is among the very quietest at 69db - Ram was even quieter in AoA test at 68. I guess I am just getting tired of the crazy pricing (for purchasing and maintaining) on the German luxury brands.
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Color me crazy - but I am thinking of moving from a 2016 X5 50i to a RAM 1500 limited. Alex says the new X5 interior noise at 50mph is among the very quietest at 69db - Ram was even quieter in AoA test at 68. I guess I am just getting tired of the crazy pricing (for purchasing and maintaining) on the German luxury brands.
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ast5515
How can Carplay not be free? How can they charge you for it yearly? Its standard in a damn Kia Forte. I know its a premium car all that stuff. But consumers have to step up. This is absolutely unacceptable. We really are getting close to the point where you will have to pay extra to get seats and a steering wheel.
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How can Carplay not be free? How can they charge you for it yearly? Its standard in a damn Kia Forte. I know its a premium car all that stuff. But consumers have to step up. This is absolutely unacceptable. We really are getting close to the point where you will have to pay extra to get seats and a steering wheel.
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Sean Collins
The X5 is my demo at work at the moment. Ive owned 3 Audis and a Mercedes. This is by far the worst German car Ive ever driven. So many creaks and rattles in this car I feel like Im driving a Chevy or Ford. Its no doubt beautiful inside and out but its poorly built. Avoid.
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The X5 is my demo at work at the moment. Ive owned 3 Audis and a Mercedes. This is by far the worst German car Ive ever driven. So many creaks and rattles in this car I feel like Im driving a Chevy or Ford. Its no doubt beautiful inside and out but its poorly built. Avoid.
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Rampy
RX smaller? Confirm the RXL is longer and has more leg room in the cabin courtesy of a movable rear seat, which the X5 doesnt have, combined with a transverse mounted engine? It also has the same headroom out front. Hence the difficulty in making simple comparisons like this.
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RX smaller? Confirm the RXL is longer and has more leg room in the cabin courtesy of a movable rear seat, which the X5 doesnt have, combined with a transverse mounted engine? It also has the same headroom out front. Hence the difficulty in making simple comparisons like this.
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Jia L.
Cant really go wrong with the new X5 or German SUVs, in general, these days considering SUVs are their best selling vehicles so they probably spent most of their money on SUV R&D. But yeah, the X5 is frankly one of the best SUVs out there right now.
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Cant really go wrong with the new X5 or German SUVs, in general, these days considering SUVs are their best selling vehicles so they probably spent most of their money on SUV R&D. But yeah, the X5 is frankly one of the best SUVs out there right now.
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HugFest
It would be great if you reviewed the Mercedes counterpart of the X5. I was just thinking today how the Lexus RX is not competitive with these two as the exterior design sucks compared to the X5. Also, hold on? No cooled seats in the X5? WTH
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It would be great if you reviewed the Mercedes counterpart of the X5. I was just thinking today how the Lexus RX is not competitive with these two as the exterior design sucks compared to the X5. Also, hold on? No cooled seats in the X5? WTH
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