Considering a BMW X5, thoughts?

[nOOky]

I'm considering a 2025 BMX X5 xDrive40i. I was looking at the PHEV version, but it seems there are a few electrical bugaboos with those yet. Plus there isn't one within 500 miles of me to look at in person. I currently drive a 2019 Ford Edge ST with 58,000 miles that has actually been very reliable, but I want something in a mid-size luxury SUV that's sportier.

The nearest dealer is about an hour away from me, which is a consideration because I have a busy lifestyle and don't want to have to go to far for maintenance. I've been looking online a lot at a lot of different vehicles. Toyota Grand Highlander hybrid, Ford Exploder ST, Mercedes GLE 450 or whatever it is, and other things like the new Honda Pilot or Mazda CX-90. Genesis is kind of off the table as the nearest dealer is 120 miles away.

I considered an EV like the Tesla Model Y, but I can't charge at home except at 120v. I do have an estimate coming from an electrician as we have a maxxed out 100 amp service so I would have a new 200 amp service installed, then the 240v ran out to our unattached garage for the level 2 charger.

I have a few months to shop so I'm in no hurry. I'd still like to consider a PHEV but the mid size luxury segment is kind of limited. I can actually test drive an X5 this weekend. I tend to change vehicles every 4-5 years, this Edge I have now is the longest I have ever kept a vehicle.

 

[repoman0]

My in laws recently bought the hybrid variant and my dad is looking at one too to replace his 2015 (?) 750il.

Wife and I compared the BMWs, Audis etc for her car in 2021 and neither of us feel like we missed anything by keeping $35k and driving away a new Mazda CX-5. I own and love two older BMWs but the new stuff is pretty meh. I’m a crotchety old car snob though at age 34. Except for Mazda

 

[nOOky]

I had a CX-5 as a rental car and it seemed pretty decent. I would just want a a larger vehicle hence the CX-90 or CX-70 consideration.

 

[repoman0]

The interior luxury factor is a step up on the BMW, and there will be more nice aluminum in the suspension and fixed aluminum brake calipers etc. It probably has better rust proofing too and newer BMWs are quite reliable. I’d still check it out. One other option is a Porsche Cayenne if you’re already potentially willing to pay the German luxury and parts/service tax. It will have the best driving dynamics of the bunch.

Still I think for a crossover daily driver type vehicle I’d personally be leaning CX-90. You’ll know for yourself if the fancier cars are worth the extra money to you.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

For $60K MSRP you can get a Ford Explorer Platinum. 365HP / 380TQ.
Shouldn't be too hard to negotiate off $5K as well.

It would be worth back to back test drives with ST (400HP/415TQ) to see if you prefer the sport or the luxury of the Platinum. Nice thing about the current generation Explorer is that its a RWD designed drive-train so they drive sportier.

 

[nOOky]

For $60K MSRP you can get a Ford Explorer Platinum. 365HP / 380TQ.
Shouldn't be too hard to negotiate off $5K as well.

It would be worth back to back test drives with ST (400HP/415TQ) to see if you prefer the sport or the luxury of the Platinum. Nice thing about the current generation Explorer is that its a RWD designed drive-train so they drive sportier.

I spent some time yesterday actually reading and watching reviews of the new 2025 Explorer. Like you wrote, I think I might want to compare the ST with the Platinum especially since they both have that wonderful 3.0 engine. The interior of the Platinum looks nicer, and the 2025's now look more like an adult vehicle inside with the update. The Explorer would be quite a bit cheaper and it has everything I want.

 

[evident]

They are very nice lease mobiles. I might be in the market for a new SUV in about 2 years once my kids stop going to daycare. All the german vehicles are way too complex nowadays but your best bet is with the B58 inline 6 for reliability. you say you're only going to keep it 5 years so you should be good. I was also looking at an older 340i with a 6MT in decent condition if i can find one. From watching reviews the explorer seems very flawed despite it being a RWD architecture.

 

[nOOky]

Drove a 2025 X5 with the inline 6 today, it was loaded. It was underwhelming to me, maybe I was expecting too much. Part of the problem is that you have to option it out to over 80 grand to meet all of the niceties I want that my old 50k Ford Edge has. Adaptive cruse and heated seats and steering wheel etc. I consider requirements now. I will wait and test drive the new Explorer ST before I make any decisions. I wish the Acura MDX had more horsepower and acceleration, it's not nice enough for me to consider it right now.

 

[evident]

Drove a 2025 X5 with the inline 6 today, it was loaded. It was underwhelming to me, maybe I was expecting too much. Part of the problem is that you have to option it out to over 80 grand to meet all of the niceties I want that my old 50k Ford Edge has. Adaptive cruse and heated seats and steering wheel etc. I consider requirements now. I will wait and test drive the new Explorer ST before I make any decisions. I wish the Acura MDX had more horsepower and acceleration, it's not nice enough for me to consider it right now.

Have you driven the MDX Type S?

 

[nOOky]

No. The MDX is getting a touchscreen for 2025 though, they have not hit the lot yet. I keep going back to the Explorer ST, it's almost $20k less and failry quick, it just isn't the luxury vehicle I was thinking of. So hopefully the updates for 2025 help the interior. I think the exterior is actually a bit worse than the 2024, but that just could be that there are a million of them around here and I am so used to them.

 

[rstrohkirch]

When I think sporty, that's Mxxi, SQx, 43/53, etc. That's 400whp+, bit better handling, brakes, etc. In the size range of vehicle you're looking at, that puts you at 100k new or around 75-80k for a 2023 with low miles. If you drop down 1 size to that of your current vehicle, then you can get what most people would consider fast 450whp+ for mid to high 60s used low miles. If that's not an option, then low to mid 300whp SUV is all that's available.

 

[nOOky]

Decided on the X5 xDrive40i custom build. I have a broker looking but tentatively it looks like that will get me 8% off an 80k price with about 800 for shipping and 700 for the broker so it's costing me $1,500 to save about $6,400 because the local dealer can't come close to that. I will take a vehicle if it meets everything I want and maybe is a bit more well equipped.

I can't wait! My build:

https://www.bmwusa.com/build-your-own.html#/studio/fg3prtve/summary

 

[nOOky]

I love the vehicle, it's got a nice fat ass. I was able to test the massaging and heated and cooled seats on the 4.5 hour drive home. Everything is very nice, it reminds me of how my 1994 Acura turned and felt on the road, which is a compliment.