[wtwo3]

This is me just kicking the tires after my wife mentioned she thinks the X5 feels too big and she has trouble maneuvering in tight spaces (The car has cameras all around so not sure what she's talking about).

She mentioned potentially wanting a smaller SUV for our next one. The problem is we've been spoiled with the luxury/refinement of the X5 (merino multi-contour massaging seats, acoustic glass, air suspension, etc etc), so I really doubt the decision to go smaller would be as simple as going with an X3 which offers significantly less luxury/refinement.

Same goes for other brands... We did our due diligence by checking out the smaller SUV's - GLC, Q5, XC60, etc. None of them hold a candle to the luxury feeling X5.

One thought I had, and I didn't look into much - Would a very well equipped Macan come closer in luxury and refinement to an X5? Porsche allows you to slap leather on pretty much everything, and the Macan does offer at least some of the options we have in the X5 (upgraded leather, air suspension, acoustic glass, etc). Yes it drives the price through the roof, but the Macan starts at a relatively low base price so by the time it's very well equipped it's not far off from what we paid for the X5.

At the end of the day, I'm not sure how serious her inquiry was and I have a feeling we will most likely go with another X5 (unless Audi or Mercedes offer something more compelling with their next GLE/Q8). But figured I'd get other's opinions on this. I get automakers do this to differentiate between models. If they offered all the same options and levels of refinement on an X3, that would likely cannibalize sales of the X5, and going with an X5 would ONLY make sense if you really wanted the extra size/space.

So that begs the question - For this level of luxury, are you constrained with a larger SUV? Or is there something out there where you can get a smaller SUV without sacrificing on luxury?

[Chapel Hill]

Maybe test drive an X5 with IAS if you like everything else about the car.

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by Chapel Hill

Maybe test drive an X5 with IAS if you like everything else about the car.

I keep forgetting about IAS. This may be the best way to go, I'll definitely have to try it out.

[thereef510]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

I keep forgetting about IAS. This may be the best way to go, I'll definitely have to try it out.

Ours has ias. It maneuvers like a Corolla. It spoils you though because you forget about it when you drive other cars

[rmorin1249]

My better half felt the same way about our X5 until recently when we had her drive us around town and she also drove on the interstate on a couple of road trips. She now is more comfortable with its size and we are actually considering buying it at the end of our lease. We will also be cross shopping a number of other SUVs in a few months to see if we find something that we like as well or better than the X5.

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by thereef510

Ours has ias. It maneuvers like a Corolla. It spoils you though because you forget about it when you drive other cars

lol I think we're past the point of being spoiled with our X5... that's the whole issue we've been having. An X3/GLC/Q5, while all smaller SUV's, don't hold a candle to the X5 in the luxury department.

Wonder if they'll offer IAS in the 40i in the future or if we'll just have to go up to the M50i. I don't mind.... just didn't think we needed the power for a family hauler so figured I'd save a couple bucks.

[iconoclast]

You can look into the Macan as a smaller but refined alternative however after all the options and upgrades you're at $102k or thereabouts. Perhaps a Velar, SQ5 or X3M?

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by rmorin1249

My better half felt the same way about our X5 until recently when we had her drive us around town and she also drove on the interstate on a couple of road trips. She now is more comfortable with its size and we are actually considering buying it at the end of our lease. We will also be cross shopping a number of other SUVs in a few months to see if we find something that we like as well or better than the X5.

Yeah we came from a 2010 Lexus RX - and Lexus SUV's are in that weird middle size range... Bigger than an X3 but smaller than an X5 - so that was the perfect size for our needs. We've had the X5 for about a year and a half and she's mostly gotten used to it but still from time to time mentions how she wished it was a little smaller. My wife is short (5 foot nothing), so the X5 is like a massive behemoth to her. I always joke with her about not having anymore kids, lest we end up needing an X7.

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by iconoclast

You can look into the Macan as a smaller but refined alternative however after all the options and upgrades you're at $102k or thereabouts. Perhaps a Velar, SQ5 or X3M?

I like how you think! If this was my daily I'd definitely go for an X3M (If I needed an SUV as my daily). But as the family hauler comfort is the priority here so that harsh suspension on the X3M just kills it unfortunately.

We did check out the Velar back when we were shopping around and that also does get up there in price. I just remember coming away not super impressed by it, but it's definitely the perfect size so may warrant another look.

[Auricom]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

I keep forgetting about IAS. This may be the best way to go, I'll definitely have to try it out.

+1 on X5 or X6 with IAS. Have it on my MY20 and low speed maneuverability is amazing for its size.

Until BMWNA has IAS available on X5 40i for the next MY X5, you may have to test drive or consider a X5 M50i or X6 40i with DHP.

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by Auricom

+1 on X5 or X6 with IAS. Have it on my MY20 and low speed maneuverability is amazing for its size.

Until BMWNA has IAS available on X5 40i for the next MY X5, you may have to test drive or consider a X5 M50i or X6 40i with DHP.

Yeah that may very well be the way to go. I'm not super keen on the looks of the X6, so X5 M50i with DHP might be the one. I definitely need to test drive one (and have my wife maneuver around some tight spaces )

[Stoshu]

Doesn’t X3 have any M40i version? No idea what type a luxury this brings to the table but is worth a look.

**Just did a X3 M40i build:

https://www.bmwusa.com/build-your-ow...vhj81m/summary

Not sure how it drives and isn’t quite a X5 but looks nice and it is $30K cheaper.

[TXSchnee]

A Cayenne is smaller than the X5, but still roomy. I added $32k in options to mine, but you could add less and have the same levels of luxury and refinement as the X5. Word of warning, a lot of people feel there is turbo lag in the base Cayenne, so that could add to the price.

[Paladin1]

You did mention the RX, and as far as size certainly fits the bill (plus previous experience). The "luxury" part can likely be optioned as well or better than an X3, and likely for less coin. A former multiple RX owner, so speaking from experience, although not currently my cup of tea. As a plus, if reliability is a factor, you're at ground zero with Lexus.

[iconoclast]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

I like how you think! If this was my daily I'd definitely go for an X3M (If I needed an SUV as my daily). But as the family hauler comfort is the priority here so that harsh suspension on the X3M just kills it unfortunately.

We did check out the Velar back when we were shopping around and that also does get up there in price. I just remember coming away not super impressed by it, but it's definitely the perfect size so may warrant another look.

Agreed. We had the same opinion on the X3M... all passenger comfort goes out the window and it is primarily a Driver oriented vehicle however it is appointed well compared to it's Plain Jane counterpart.

Thoughts on the F-Pace 30t? It is approximately 10" shorter than X5... Perhaps that works a bit better than a Velar and it's price points. If not then I would consider the SQ5. Peppy, sporty yet accommodating interior. Prestige optioned to the top is like $72k.

[MystroX5]

I found the X3M rides like a brick even by performance car standards. How much better would a X3 M40i ride?? I think Android had one before his X5 50i.
That said, the X3 is not nearly as posh as the X5 level of build.

[Ilyam5]

Macan is the best bet for sure. It will handle like a car as well. We have the same garage m350 and x5. My wife drives m340 all the time now since she can not get used to x5 size. She likes riding in one for comfort, but thinks its a bus

Look into wagons as well. Mb e63 amg is spectacular
Audi is not bad with a6 wagon or rs6

[iconoclast]

Wagons are a great option but most people don't like the low seating position and reduced field of view. We love them and if not for our need for off-road ground clearance we would be in one again.

[MystroX5]

Originally Posted by Ilyam5

Macan is the best bet for sure. It will handle like a car as well. We have the same garage m350 and x5. My wife drives m340 all the time now since she can not get used to x5 size. She likes riding in one for comfort, but thinks its a bus

Look into wagons as well. Mb e63 amg is spectacular
Audi is not bad with a6 wagon or rs6

You are right. Look into a A4 or C class as they have grown to a midsize level vehicle. The M340i is a beast of a sport sedan and probably the best all around German “car” for the money.
My wife has a A4 and likes it’s size but really prefers a SUV so a X2/X3 probably will her next vehicle. The Audi/VW design attitude is much softer and less aggressive than BMW.

[Lance Alot]

Sounds like a bit more money is not the inhibitor since you are talking about the M50i. I have yet to drive one with IAS (none in the lots) but the Macan is an excellent choice smaller vehicle. I also second that wives usually adjust over time. My wife hated our X5M for a variety of reasons including the size. Still hates the environmental and carbon impact but drives it like a boss after 3 years.

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by Stoshu

Doesn’t X3 have any M40i version? No idea what type a luxury this brings to the table but is worth a look.

**Just did a X3 M40i build:

https://www.bmwusa.com/build-your-ow...vhj81m/summary

Not sure how it drives and isn’t quite a X5 but looks nice and it is $30K cheaper.

The m40i unfortunately doesn't add anything in the luxury department for the X3, so there's still a pretty massive difference between that and an X5 in overall level of posh. But it is a lot of fun to drive that's for sure.

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by TXSchnee

A Cayenne is smaller than the X5, but still roomy. I added $32k in options to mine, but you could add less and have the same levels of luxury and refinement as the X5. Word of warning, a lot of people feel there is turbo lag in the base Cayenne, so that could add to the price.

I thought the Cayenne is the same size? I could be wrong - we did strongly consider a Cayenne when shopping originally but a comparatively equipped Cayenne ended up being 6 figures (compared to ~$81k for the X5), so we just didn't feel it was worth the price for admission. But definitely will check it out again.