LexBob2

I like them both and am comfortable with both. For me, it's getting used to them. If I had to pick one I'd give the nod to the iDrive but it's close.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

I really like the look of the new RDX. Love that they brought back the real SH-AWD again to this third generation. The new BMW X3 is also a gorgeous looking ute. The Q5 while nice, has never been my cup of tea.

LexBob2

With the new iDrive, I think they call it iDrive 6 or something like that, you can either use the touchscreen or the control **** to execute things.

Mike728

Yeah, I need to go back and revisit this. Maybe I can go on a day the test track is open.

LexBob2

Sounds like you're in Napervile??

Mike728

I am. It's a nice perk for the local dealers that take part in it. https://www.naperville.il.us/busines...to-test-track/

It's weird that BMW isn't on the list. The salesman brought a prox key with him during my X3 test drive. It was closed for some event that was going on that day, so we couldn't get in. They're also the closest dealer to the track.

Edit: Never mind. They're on this list: http://www.drivenaperville.com/naperville-test-track-1/

LexBob2

Neat place. Makes me wish I'd gone to Naperville when shopping for the X3. It would have been fun to drive on it.

oldcajun

My impression after driving both the RDX and Q5 is that the RDX is virtually a size larger closer to the Lexus RX350. The Q5 has some neat advance tech, but for me the RDX is a much better buy.

BippuLexus

Q5 over the RDX easy.

Don't let the RDX hype fool you. While I agree the RDX is a much better car than the outgoing car by miles, its still relatively "okay" in my opinion compared to the competition. I say that because my biggest issue with it is that - they won't let you get A-Spec model with Advance pack. The biggest issues with comments and reviews is that they seem to "merge" the features you get from the Advance and A-Spec into one. I have heard so many people go like - "Well. The A-Spec RDX has this over the BMW/Audi." While in truth, the RDX does but only the Advance pack does.

You'll be stuck choosing between a good looking A-Spec model with less tech. Or a Advance pack model that looks ugly. I think it has too much chrome and it looks good with it blacked out on the A-Spec model.

geko29

We were in a similar situation a few months ago, just one size up. So we looked at the MDX, X5, RX/GX, and Q7. For us, it was Q7 by a mile. Our priorities were comfort, reliability, and tech, probably in that order. Third row was not a factor. We've personally had good luck with BMWs over the years, and Audi has been near the top of the charts for the past several years--in fact, they were the only full-line manufacturer where CR recommended every single model this year (Genesis also got this distinction, but their entire lineup consists of two sedans). We're definitely still in the honeymoon period--we didn't start second-guessing our previous RX purchase until about the 4-month mark--but so far it's been everything we thought it would be, even though it was more than we wanted to spend.

Short version--we'd choose the Q5 also.

sivikvtec

tex2670

No offense, but this is spoken from a standpoint of not having working knowledge of the iDrive system. I agree it was universally panned when it first came out. But I never said that there were no improvements until the generation installed in the F30. I'm sure there were many advancements along the way. And neither of us has knowledge to say when it became more intuitive.

And--trying any infotainment system on a 10 minute test drive is just not a sufficient basis for determining if it's intuitive or not.

geko29

Challenge accepted. And completed by simply looking in the mirror. The total out-of-warranty repair cost for my E46 over 12 years and 155k miles was $109: $49 for a Final Stage Resistor, and $60 for VANOS seals. My E90 has been a little more expensive so far after 8 years and 90k miles, as I paid $373 to have the glow plug control module replaced. Could have done it myself for about $140, but my hands aren't small enough to do so easily.

$500 over 20 years I can certainly live with. And is a lot less than we spent on repairs to my wife's Lexus over the 12 years we owned it.

sivikvtec

Mike728

Looking at some of the latest reliability reports, they seem to be doing quite well. BMW is ranked 5th overall and Audi is 4th:
https://www.newsday.com/classifieds/...kia-1.14536765

That said, the Q5 and its engine are built in Mexico. That has me a little nervous for the long haul.