mmarshall

Thanks, but my picture-scanning and computer skills lag far behind my review skills. I'd rather not get involved in things where I don't know what I'm doing....or don't have the equipment for it.

That's one reason why I include the factory web sites with my reviews....they have a lot of nice pictures, including 360 degree exterior and interior shots.

mmarshall

Perhaps, then, I'll take the door locks as the lesser of two evils.

Och

iTrader: (3)

Mmarshal, if you get a change, can you review the new MDX and Audi Q7?

mmarshall

OK....It will be a couple of weeks yet. Next week will be busy for me. I reviewed the outgoing 2006 MDX last September and have the 2007 MDX on my list. I'll add the Q7 for a future date.
PM me if you want any specific engine-transmission-drivetrain combo or trim level reviewed.

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

The MDX would be a great review. Supposedly in the recent Car and Driver magazine, the MDX's steering and braking were equal to the BMW. Who knows though..

rai

Could you review one of the new GM SUVs (Outlook/Acadia)?

GS69

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ight=acura+mdx

sdbrandon

X5, best looking and best performing SAV/SUV on the road. period.

STIG

Porsche cayenne turbo S? not the best looking but X5 can't touch this car in terms of performance.

mmarshall

Correct.....but the Cayenne Turbo is a $100,000 machine, not a $60,000 one. It is even more outlandishly priced. And the Cayenne, despite the car-based unibody frame, according to auto mags, does better than the X5 off-road, though I have not taken either vehicle off-road myself to verify it....there are no significant places in my area to do it.

sdbrandon

I will take the BMW (V8) over a turbo'd one any day. Plus I am not crazy about Porsche taking a Volkswagen and turbo charging it than slapping a Porsche badge on it.

The X5 will soon be getting the 335 turbo, and with the V8 there is more than ample power. I can't see paying the price of a 911 for a Cayenne.

DASHOCKER

iTrader: (2)

Nice write up Marshall I am sure you wanted to take that x5 for another spin...drives better than many cars..I am starting to see the new X5's pop up like weeds in NYC.. They are all over..

mmarshall

Despite the common platform, there are significant differences between a VW Touraeg and a Cayenne. You certainly cannot call the Cayenne a rebadged VW. While both, unlike the average car-based SUV, are good off-road, the Touraeg was developed more as a Land-Rover style off-roader, while the Cayenne is more of a 4-door Porsche sports car up on stilts.

The X5's 4.8L V8, IMO, provides ample power NOW....without a turbo. And it is thirsty enough as it is now, with 14/18 EPA mileage ratings. A turbo, yes, would give it even more spunk, and bring it up closer to the Cayenne Turbo's performance....but possibly at the cost of worsening already quite poor gas mileage.

If, as you suggest, the X5 gets a six-cylinder turbo, then right offhand, I don't see much difference between that and its present V8, but I'll reserve judgement until the numbers come out.

mmarshall

Yes, they are quite popular here, too in the D.C. area. A lot of people both here in in NYC have the money for them. They combine BMW steering and chassis dynamics....some of the world's best....with winter AWD traction.

You are correct that I look forward to BMW test-drives, simply for the great steering and road feel alone. But they are not my favorite vehicles overall. I place a great emphasis on value (most of the people I shop with are not millionaires, even in this high-income region), and many BMW's, especially the upper-level ones, IMO, are overpriced. I have also never been a fan of I-Drive and some of the other designs from Chris Bangle. Some other vehicles, while not being as slick or as satisfying to drive as BMW's, IMO offer as much or more for less money. I could give you a long list, but Lexus, alone, has several examples.