scottybdiving

I saw a BMW Diesel commercial tonight. It was a slightly different version.

scottybdiving

I test drove an X5 today with their in-line 6 twin turbo. It is pretty peppy, 265 HP / 425 fp, and boast a 0-60 in 6.9 sec. Towing is 6500 lb. The tranny has two modes, one a little sportier. It handles more like a sports car than a SUV and definitely has a firmer ride and braking than the GL. The bluetooth feature seems 1st rate as does the NAV. The sales rep actually connected it with his phone. It quickly uploaded his contacts, all without the need for a puck. No off raods package. TPMS is the same as MB's(doesn't display tire pressure). No Spare means run-flats. It uses the same AdBlue. Oh yeah, no oil dipstick. It tells you the oil level.

On the down side, these cars are no where near the GL in luxury, IMO. This is apparent as soon as you get in the vehicle. The dash and trim doesn't come close and is not much if any more refined than my Silverado. Although for $2100, you can get heated/ventilated seats, and they are superb. They have power everything including the sides of the seat backs that open or close. It appears that the diesel, fully loaded, with ventilated seats could easily MSRP for 65-70K. The 3rd row seat is an adder and is a complete joke. EPA is 19/26.

YMMV

stickygreen

I had priced one out with essentialy all options, and msrp came out to $71k and change. If it were my car, I would have taken the x5 over the GL320, but there is no way my folks would have been able to cope with the iDrive system, as improved as it is.

I was really looking forward to the 335d, but the lack of a manual transmission instantly killed that thought.

cjh.

I looked at the X5 for a long time before I settled on the GL. As you said, the GL is ultimately more luxurious and I wanted a 3rd row seat that was actually usable. Same held true when I bought my C350, it seemed more upscale than the 335. I might just be partial to MB though.

fq1

I have atotally opposite view of quality and luxury than that stated in this thread. To me the X5's interior looks a lot classier and of significantly better quality than the GL's. The materials are much nicer to touch than the GL's and the plastics of the column stalks much superior in the X5. The driving feel, from an enthusiastic driver's perpective and the steering feedback, are also much superior. However, where the X5 falls significantly short for my needs is the third row, which actually is a joke. As much as i like my GL, if I did not need a usable 3rd row I would have definitely gone for the X5.

googv

I do not like the chopped off back of X5. In my opinion, GL is a bueaty from whichever angle you look at it.

oknish

You, my friend, are the exception that is needed to prove the rule.

dieseldoc

I have owned multiple BMWs including an X5. I have looked at the current X5. My GL's finish is significiantly better than the X5.