05-31-2011, 05:21 PM | #1 |
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Looking into an X3, would like opinions
Hi everyone. I'm very active on e90post, but this is my first time posting here. My mom is going from an e90 to an f25 xdrive 28i, mainly for the extra space. I know very little about compact SUVs so I've come to you to ask for your opinion.
My main question is, what other cars did you consider before purchasing the X3? Also, what made you choose the X3? I hope to learn more as I continue to lurk these forums. Thanks!
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05-31-2011, 05:39 PM | #2 | |
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05-31-2011, 05:58 PM | #3 |
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For an all-wheel drive vehicle that can perform at a high level and still be practical, I looked at Audi Q5, BMW X5, BMW 328 xDrive Sports Wagon, Audi A3, Volvo XC60, MB GLK, Porsche Cayenne. Of these, the Q5 was the only real contender.
I'm getting the X3 35i M Sport because of its superior performance and technology. It's the right size, handles well on road and can do a bit of soft-roading, looks good, hauls gear, people, and a**. IMO it's a vehicle that can do it all. |
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05-31-2011, 06:21 PM | #4 |
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Thank you for the suggestions.
After doing more research, I doubt my mom cares about AWD or whether the engine is turbocharged. She just wants a luxury SUV (but isn't open to the idea of wagons), so I would assume her pool of choices would include the MB GLK, MB ML, BMW x3, x5, audi Q5... and possibly any other japanese brands I am not including. Since I don't know too much about this segment, this thread was natural.
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05-31-2011, 06:51 PM | #6 |
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I personally would not call this "luxury" in the Japanese sense, but more like a "premium" interior. My dad's Lexus has lights everywhere, plush leather seats and gadgets glore. I'll take the X3 anyday! BTW, get the premium sound. I was not impressed in the beginning, but hour after hour of play it gets better and better.
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05-31-2011, 08:10 PM | #7 |
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If you mom really doesn't care about performance she should look closely at the Lexus RX. It has great interior luxury, a marshmellowy ride and even comes in hybrid if she is into that sort of thing. I wouldn't personally drive a Toyota but lots of people like them.
On the American side I would have to say the GMC Acadia or one of it's platform mates (like the Buick Enclave) are pretty good but a bit bigger. The Cadillac SRX is pretty good too. Certainly the GLK and the ML from MB are good to look at as well depending on price point. Last edited by Mondolemite; 05-31-2011 at 08:11 PM.. Reason: Typo |
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06-01-2011, 10:23 AM | #8 | |
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It sounds like your Mom is not into a sporty drive, and nor does she sound like she's looking for the fastest 0-60 times. The X3 is a fantastic little SUV in that has lots of space for passengers and cargo and can tow up to 3500lbs, and yet it outperforms many cars. But the trade off is that you are paying for that technology and engineering that allows it to handle as well as it does. If someone compares the X3 to another Japanese SUV, option for option, the Japanese vehicle will always win out (for example: $1900 for leather seats in the X3). They just don't put as much money into the driving dynamics as BMW. |
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06-01-2011, 10:41 AM | #9 |
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Not much in the X3 can be called luxury. It's not plush or posh. Sure, BMW is a luxury brand, but that's kinda where the luxury runs out. The ride is a little softer than the pre ops X3s, but still stiffer than most competitors. Go with Benz or Lexus.
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06-01-2011, 11:17 AM | #10 |
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OP - Since your Mom already had an E90, going to the X3 28i makes sense to me. Just don't bother with sport options. The N52 engine is proven, she is familiar with BMW (she may have had the same engine in her E90). I don't see the need to switch her into a Lexus or other Nipponese stuff. A Merc GLK would be OK, but the X3 is the better car IMO.
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06-01-2011, 10:31 PM | #11 |
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Her e90 actually has the N52 in it, and she likes it. Her main reason for getting a bigger car is because she needs to haul stuff to and from her restaurant. Of course, the 28i's estimated mpg being slightly higher than the 328i doesn't hurt either.
I went through the list of competitors with her, and it looks like she'll be going with the X3! Now to order one!
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