and your preference but the x5 and x7
are both very nice. if you need pure size the gls may be better.
I do believe the x5 is superior to the gle -to me the x3 and the fox
are washes.
I say you cannot go wrong with either, though I am partial to an X5 with a V8.
I would not buy, new or CPO, either brand. Gun to my head I had to buy one I would go I-6 BMW either X3 or X5.
Maintenance is high, the V8's, dont seem to hold up very well. I know more about the BMV V8's personally. I was looking to buy a 550i and was scared away. A buddy of mine had a CLS 500 or 550 cannot remember exactly but it had the V8. Constantly in the shop. Extended warranties are expensive.
If you are buying and want German do no discount the Volkswagen Atlas. Also the Q5's from Audi seem to hold up ok. My mother has on with a 2.0L and she has had no problems what so ever with it. Im a big guy at 63-250 and when I drive it I am comfortable and there is plenty of room in the back and a good amount of storage.
My advise if you go German lease instead of buy. If you buy avoid V8s, especially from BMW and Audi.
interior design and a comfortable ride? If it’s the latter go with Mercedes. The Mercedes-Benz interior design is always years ahead of its competitors, specifically BMW and Audi. And the safety features are unparalleled.
Do you need a 3rd row? Kids? Looking for more luxury or functionality? Do you plan on buying the vehicle?
Visually, I don't like the Benz GL series as much bc it basically looks like a high-end VW. I'd take the X-series BMWs in that regard, kidney grill notwithstanding.
That said, the Benz trim levels are probably a bit higher end and the interior is a bit more swanky and you'll pay for it, no doubt.
Really depends on what you're using the vehicle for on a daily basis.
I just bought a Dodge Charger Widebody Scat Pack to replace my Dodge Durango RT (a GREAT SUV, btw - absolutely loved that truck but had no use for a 3rd row anymore) b/c my kids are out of the house - in college - and I wanted something that is crazy fun to drive.
It all depends on the function and your personal style. And imo, the Benz gravitates to an older user, while the BMW is geared towards a slightly younger audience - just my opinion.
There are so many trims and engines across all 3 makes that it's
hard to compare nowadays. There are coupes and SUV's. Then there are real AMG's, M's and RS's vs lower tiers. All so confusing.
If leasing BMW will get you the best price. For similarly priced cars BMW will get you in about 150-200$ cheaper a month. Their SUV's are made in South Carolina now, so keep that in mind.
My brother has three Audi's. Two Q-series and an older S-6 with the V-10 Lambo engine. The Q-series SUVs are beautiful cars inside and out - sharp, quick and the trim levels are really great - plus, excellent in the snow, if that's a variable for you. Something to consider along with the Benz and BMW - always good to have a third party.
I have owned several MB’s over the last decade or so
I’ve had 3 Beemers. The 6 cylinder engine is a great engine. Where they have cheaped out is the rest of the car. Warranty ends at 50,000 miles. On my last one sure enough front sensor went and they wanted 1,300 to replace. The was the end of my BMW run. Don’t believe MB is any better.
has to be factored in, they will run forever but some repairs (turbo, cpu, head gaskets, etc) can add up. I'm on my third Beemer, wouldn't buy anything else at the price point.
Love the look and prestige of Benz, but never find them comfortable or ergonomic. AMG models and motors are hard to beat, but I still go bmw.
Not an Acura fan, as I'm not into upgraded Hondas with trim packages that are less than optimal and the new body style doesn't sit. They sing boring to me.
I also like the Jaguar F-Pace. The new interior is sharp and simple with a huge touchscreen and an extremely smooth layout.
Still, you have to drive, do your research, take dealer and seller names, and leverage it all when you've whittled it all down to your last two. Use basic buying techniques - end of month, seasonal, previous year lot holds in November/December, etc. And have FUN doing it.
interior design and a comfortable ride? If it’s the latter go with Mercedes. The Mercedes-Benz interior design is always years ahead of its competitors, specifically BMW and Audi. And the safety features are unparalleled.
I have aLeah’s thoughts Mercedes interior was cheap and full of plastic and fake metal. I bought a used x5 m sport fully loaded and i think the interior is far more comfortable than any Mercedes I’ve ever been in. But I am biased :)
Not an Acura fan, as I'm not into upgraded Hondas with trim packages that are less than optimal and the new body style doesn't sit. They sing boring to me.
I also like the Jaguar F-Pace. The new interior is sharp and simple with a huge touchscreen and an extremely smooth layout.
Still, you have to drive, do your research, take dealer and seller names, and leverage it all when you've whittled it all down to your last two. Use basic buying techniques - end of month, seasonal, previous year lot holds in November/December, etc. And have FUN doing it.
Agree with everything you said. My only issue with the Jag F-pace is its tight inside. Feels much smaller than the X5 when your sitting in the driver seat.
If I were you I would get a certified pre-owned X5 with the 100k warranty. The only reason I left my Audi for the X5 was the upgraded seats in the X5 that are extremely comfortable. I drove from CT to FL straight in that car, 5am to 11:30 pm and couldn’t have been more pleased./comfortable during that trip. if I still had the Audi I would have had to stop and spend the night, that I know for sure.
Not an Acura fan, as I'm not into upgraded Hondas with trim packages that are less than optimal and the new body style doesn't sit. They sing boring to me.
I also like the Jaguar F-Pace. The new interior is sharp and simple with a huge touchscreen and an extremely smooth layout.
Still, you have to drive, do your research, take dealer and seller names, and leverage it all when you've whittled it all down to your last two. Use basic buying techniques - end of month, seasonal, previous year lot holds in November/December, etc. And have FUN doing it.
Agree with everything you said. My only issue with the Jag F-pace is its tight inside. Feels much smaller than the X5 when your sitting in the driver seat.
If I were you I would get a certified pre-owned X5 with the 100k warranty. The only reason I left my Audi for the X5 was the upgraded seats in the X5 that are extremely comfortable. I drove from CT to FL straight in that car, 5am to 11:30 pm and couldn’t have been more pleased./comfortable during that trip. if I still had the Audi I would have had to stop and spend the night, that I know for sure.
Upgraded stereo - 360 degree cameras - fully loaded - it is my dream car - thing drives like a sports car for old people who like sitting up. Has everything you'd want in a performance/luxury SUV
Don't have experience with BMW, but owned a Mercedes CLS 550
Both make good SUV's. The BMW's will drive somewhat sportier than the Benz's in normal trim. MB will be more comfortable with better ergonomics, design and build quality. If you like flashy tech...you will probably like the Audi's...but they are generally inferior to both the BMW and MB.
We can't keep the GLS's or GLE's in stock. BMW is discounting the X5's and X3's in order to move them by offering significant manufacture incentives. MB does not need to do that right now. The three row X7 and GLS are not very comparable. The X7 is much sportier and the GLS is significantly larger and more comfortable.
Drive them both and you will likely have a favorite.
FYI: No kids, except guest appearances - (first great-grandchild due in July). Just me and the Mrs. She'll be driving it most of the time. Wanted an SUV because I'll be throwing a dog in it once in a while (Dog - TBD).
Thanks again, lots of good info.
One follow-up - someone told me Fall is the best time to buy. Any truth to that?
FYI: No kids, except guest appearances - (first great-grandchild due in July). Just me and the Mrs. She'll be driving it most of the time. Wanted an SUV because I'll be throwing a dog in it once in a while (Dog - TBD).
Thanks again, lots of good info.
One follow-up - someone told me Fall is the best time to buy. Any truth to that?
In past years Summer/Fall was good because automakers needed to clear out inventory to make room for next year’s models. However, with Covid the manufacturers did scale back production a bit. I would not just look at German SUV’s. One of my bosses is in a similar situation (just him and his wife except when grandkids visit). He recently leased his second Lexus RX after liking the previous one they had. He also had a MB GLC recently as a loaner car while recall work was being done on his E series and seemed to like it.
Since it seems like a lot of long term bmw drivers in this thread curious if anyone has encountered any uncomfortable seats in different models or know of that having been a thing?
I'm coming to the end of a lease on a 2019 x3 and the seats are maddeningly uncomfortable on any drive > 30m. I leased a 2016 x3 prior to this one and it wasn't an issue (also not an issue in the other bmw I had leased prior to that one). Both x3s were msport package, and I don't remember there being any specific option on the seats I passed on, though the previous x3 was fully loaded so there may have been something extra in it I just didn't appreciate at the time? or maybe this was an issue specific to the '19 model?
When this lease ends I will probably need to go up to an x5 anyway but unlike last time I may look around to see what else is out there.
I don't know a thing about the Benz. But I drive a BMW 528 and I would recommend against getting the Bimmer SUV.
The new ones are designed to go the first 100K miles without any major problems, but after that warranty runs out....you will get punished with repair bills. A friend was telling me that a simple gizmo replace job on my old 528 costs about $100. On his new model, they have to PULL THE ENGINE to replace this gizmo. The $100 job is now over $1500.
I would not mix performance handling with any SUV. In my humble opinion -- check out the Lexus RX or NX.
Both have great cars. There is a difference in the driving feel
either will be fine for 3 or 4 years, but I've heard nothing but bad things about BMW long term reliability.
If you want to be king of the neighborhood, go with a mercedes G class. Style, reliability, and kick ass off road. Also twice the price of the other SUVs you're looking at. Next year, they are rumored to be bringing back the G550 squared, a beast off road luxury vehicle. The '17-'18 class had portal axles, a minimum ground clearance of 18ish inches, and 400some horsepower...and a quarter mil pricetag. You'll know I've hit the lottery when you see me driving one.
But I've been driving my brother's Tesla Model S these past couple weeks and it's incredible. Besides the acceleration and the way it hugs the road around bends at high speeds, the thing that I like best is that you don't need to use the brakes nearly as much as you do with gasoline powered cars. Stopped at a light, you don't need to keep foot on brake, and going down a hill you don't have to tap the brakes as much (or at all, depending on the decline), because there is this natural resistance that keeps you from speeding forward when your foot is off accelerator.
So besides saving money on gas, you save on brake pads over the life of the car. I could never afford the Model S, but I will look into the Model 3 next time around. It doesn't do zero to sixty in 2 seconds flat like the S, but I'm sure it's got plenty enough of power.
but I have an older X5 and a 97 4Runner. To me, its the best of both worlds. I also have a good mechanic. The BMW drives like a dream although it has more maintenance, not necessary on the engine and drive train, but on the extras. The high end seats are like sitting in a hug. I like the the feel and the command one has in the X5. The 4Runner just goes anywhere I ask it to, reliably and surely. I have 400k combined miles on them and haven't had too much of any major issue other than the usual maintenance on the engines and power trains. The x5 is the 6-cylinder, which is an amazing engine that is tried and true.
if you are not looking for a larger suv.........and it sounds like you are not, i would suggest the glc, x3, q5, and the xc60. all
will carry the stuff you need and seat five when you need it. i’m assuming you are looking for a german or european vehicle.
if sportiness is your thing, look
at the amg glc and the x3 m. Both are fun. Also the sq5.
i’d suggest reading the car and driver write ups, or checking out doug demuro who gives great reviews online.
i own a volvo xc90 and a v90cc latest gens both. im partial to the styling interior and love the station wagon as its
practical but handles like a car.
Unless you have an Irish wolfhound or Great dane, the Q5/X3/GLC
would be the models to look at. If leasing, go with X3. If buying, maybe think about an used Macan as well.
Strictly X3 vs GLC, both are very popular and not that much different unless you are looking at the M competition or the AMG S trims. Mercs are usually more comfortable but feel like a boat, Bimmers are sportier and also much stiffer. Personally I think the GLC SUV is a little dated in looks, the coupe version notwithstanding, while the X3 is still relatively fresh and good-looking.
X3 M40i may just represent the best compromise if it's a car for both you and your wife.
But from a cars perspective I currently own a Mercedes and have owned a BMW... loved driving my BMW so much better. The ultimate driving machine for a reason.
But from a cars perspective I currently own a Mercedes and have owned a BMW... loved driving my BMW so much better. The ultimate driving machine for a reason.
How old was your BMW?
That Ultimate Driving Machine tagline I feel was very true with respect to luxury sedans/coupes in the '80s, '90s, and early '00s.
Now, it feels like a lot of compromised feel to appease more buyers while still offering all the #s needed to illustrate they perform well.
Meanwhile MB AMG has stayed the course and is about as sporty feeling or more than a BMW M car.
I changed out two sensors that went bad and did routine maintenance. Sold it with 215K miles on it. I have had a 2013 C250 since then (2015), it has 120K on it. I've done nothing but routine maintenance since I got it.
But from a cars perspective I currently own a Mercedes and have owned a BMW... loved driving my BMW so much better. The ultimate driving machine for a reason.
How old was your BMW?
That Ultimate Driving Machine tagline I feel was very true with respect to luxury sedans/coupes in the '80s, '90s, and early '00s.
Now, it feels like a lot of compromised feel to appease more buyers while still offering all the #s needed to illustrate they perform well.
Meanwhile MB AMG has stayed the course and is about as sporty feeling or more than a BMW M car.
It was a 2008 5 series and it drove amazing. However when buying a new car and test driving I still thought the 5 series drove better than my current Mercedes, but I thought the Mercedes had better interior so I decided to take that instead. Honestly I liked BMW better because the driving to me is huge. Not that Mercedes doesn't drive well, just not as good IMO.
are both very nice. if you need pure size the gls may be better.
I do believe the x5 is superior to the gle -to me the x3 and the fox
are washes.
Depends on what you will do with it. Is it for kids? the g wagon one of the absolute best suvs u can get - clearance is great
If for kids and want to be able to off road check out the sprinter vans / I know it’s a van / but it’s a beast
I’d go Mercedes
I would not buy, new or CPO, either brand. Gun to my head I had to buy one I would go I-6 BMW either X3 or X5.
Maintenance is high, the V8's, dont seem to hold up very well. I know more about the BMV V8's personally. I was looking to buy a 550i and was scared away. A buddy of mine had a CLS 500 or 550 cannot remember exactly but it had the V8. Constantly in the shop. Extended warranties are expensive.
If you are buying and want German do no discount the Volkswagen Atlas. Also the Q5's from Audi seem to hold up ok. My mother has on with a 2.0L and she has had no problems what so ever with it. Im a big guy at 63-250 and when I drive it I am comfortable and there is plenty of room in the back and a good amount of storage.
My advise if you go German lease instead of buy. If you buy avoid V8s, especially from BMW and Audi.
Visually, I don't like the Benz GL series as much bc it basically looks like a high-end VW. I'd take the X-series BMWs in that regard, kidney grill notwithstanding.
That said, the Benz trim levels are probably a bit higher end and the interior is a bit more swanky and you'll pay for it, no doubt.
Really depends on what you're using the vehicle for on a daily basis.
I just bought a Dodge Charger Widebody Scat Pack to replace my Dodge Durango RT (a GREAT SUV, btw - absolutely loved that truck but had no use for a 3rd row anymore) b/c my kids are out of the house - in college - and I wanted something that is crazy fun to drive.
It all depends on the function and your personal style. And imo, the Benz gravitates to an older user, while the BMW is geared towards a slightly younger audience - just my opinion.
If leasing BMW will get you the best price. For similarly priced cars BMW will get you in about 150-200$ cheaper a month. Their SUV's are made in South Carolina now, so keep that in mind.
Love the look and prestige of Benz, but never find them comfortable or ergonomic. AMG models and motors are hard to beat, but I still go bmw.
Not an Acura fan, as I'm not into upgraded Hondas with trim packages that are less than optimal and the new body style doesn't sit. They sing boring to me.
I also like the Jaguar F-Pace. The new interior is sharp and simple with a huge touchscreen and an extremely smooth layout.
Still, you have to drive, do your research, take dealer and seller names, and leverage it all when you've whittled it all down to your last two. Use basic buying techniques - end of month, seasonal, previous year lot holds in November/December, etc. And have FUN doing it.
I have aLeah’s thoughts Mercedes interior was cheap and full of plastic and fake metal. I bought a used x5 m sport fully loaded and i think the interior is far more comfortable than any Mercedes I’ve ever been in. But I am biased :)
I never liked Mercedes but that’s just personal preference. I think Audi is the best luxury brand pound for pound if money is a factor.
But, I have never ever once regretted buying my x5 with the msport package. I love that car.
Not an Acura fan, as I'm not into upgraded Hondas with trim packages that are less than optimal and the new body style doesn't sit. They sing boring to me.
I also like the Jaguar F-Pace. The new interior is sharp and simple with a huge touchscreen and an extremely smooth layout.
Still, you have to drive, do your research, take dealer and seller names, and leverage it all when you've whittled it all down to your last two. Use basic buying techniques - end of month, seasonal, previous year lot holds in November/December, etc. And have FUN doing it.
Agree with everything you said. My only issue with the Jag F-pace is its tight inside. Feels much smaller than the X5 when your sitting in the driver seat.
If I were you I would get a certified pre-owned X5 with the 100k warranty. The only reason I left my Audi for the X5 was the upgraded seats in the X5 that are extremely comfortable. I drove from CT to FL straight in that car, 5am to 11:30 pm and couldn’t have been more pleased./comfortable during that trip. if I still had the Audi I would have had to stop and spend the night, that I know for sure.
Not an Acura fan, as I'm not into upgraded Hondas with trim packages that are less than optimal and the new body style doesn't sit. They sing boring to me.
I also like the Jaguar F-Pace. The new interior is sharp and simple with a huge touchscreen and an extremely smooth layout.
Still, you have to drive, do your research, take dealer and seller names, and leverage it all when you've whittled it all down to your last two. Use basic buying techniques - end of month, seasonal, previous year lot holds in November/December, etc. And have FUN doing it.
Agree with everything you said. My only issue with the Jag F-pace is its tight inside. Feels much smaller than the X5 when your sitting in the driver seat.
If I were you I would get a certified pre-owned X5 with the 100k warranty. The only reason I left my Audi for the X5 was the upgraded seats in the X5 that are extremely comfortable. I drove from CT to FL straight in that car, 5am to 11:30 pm and couldn’t have been more pleased./comfortable during that trip. if I still had the Audi I would have had to stop and spend the night, that I know for sure.
"Ultimate driving machine" (BMW)....
or "The Finest Engineered Car in the World" (MB)?
It is a simple choice really ....
Depends on what you will do with it. Is it for kids? the g wagon one of the absolute best suvs u can get - clearance is great
If for kids and want to be able to off road check out the sprinter vans / I know it’s a van / but it’s a beast
I’d go Mercedes
Im totally confused......
Quote:
- sorry chopper if it wasn’t your brand of humor
Depends on what you will do with it. Is it for kids? the g wagon one of the absolute best suvs u can get - clearance is great
If for kids and want to be able to off road check out the sprinter vans / I know it’s a van / but it’s a beast
I’d go Mercedes
Im totally confused......
Experts in communication usually know that context is a thing.
I like the interior fit and finish of the Mercedes GL much more than the BMW X. I've been in both. The GL is really, really nice.
We can't keep the GLS's or GLE's in stock. BMW is discounting the X5's and X3's in order to move them by offering significant manufacture incentives. MB does not need to do that right now. The three row X7 and GLS are not very comparable. The X7 is much sportier and the GLS is significantly larger and more comfortable.
Drive them both and you will likely have a favorite.
Thanks again, lots of good info.
One follow-up - someone told me Fall is the best time to buy. Any truth to that?
Thanks again, lots of good info.
One follow-up - someone told me Fall is the best time to buy. Any truth to that?
In past years Summer/Fall was good because automakers needed to clear out inventory to make room for next year’s models. However, with Covid the manufacturers did scale back production a bit. I would not just look at German SUV’s. One of my bosses is in a similar situation (just him and his wife except when grandkids visit). He recently leased his second Lexus RX after liking the previous one they had. He also had a MB GLC recently as a loaner car while recall work was being done on his E series and seemed to like it.
I have the Benz 300 old man's car. fabulous performance
over hyped
often needs to be repaired
too expensive to repair
more expensive to insure
However, to each his own... Good luck with whatever your choice is.
I'm coming to the end of a lease on a 2019 x3 and the seats are maddeningly uncomfortable on any drive > 30m. I leased a 2016 x3 prior to this one and it wasn't an issue (also not an issue in the other bmw I had leased prior to that one). Both x3s were msport package, and I don't remember there being any specific option on the seats I passed on, though the previous x3 was fully loaded so there may have been something extra in it I just didn't appreciate at the time? or maybe this was an issue specific to the '19 model?
When this lease ends I will probably need to go up to an x5 anyway but unlike last time I may look around to see what else is out there.
The new ones are designed to go the first 100K miles without any major problems, but after that warranty runs out....you will get punished with repair bills. A friend was telling me that a simple gizmo replace job on my old 528 costs about $100. On his new model, they have to PULL THE ENGINE to replace this gizmo. The $100 job is now over $1500.
I would not mix performance handling with any SUV. In my humble opinion -- check out the Lexus RX or NX.
With Mercedes its more of a luxury feel drive. Less feeling of the road, more of sitting in a living room chair.
It depends which you like better IMO
If you want to be king of the neighborhood, go with a mercedes G class. Style, reliability, and kick ass off road. Also twice the price of the other SUVs you're looking at. Next year, they are rumored to be bringing back the G550 squared, a beast off road luxury vehicle. The '17-'18 class had portal axles, a minimum ground clearance of 18ish inches, and 400some horsepower...and a quarter mil pricetag. You'll know I've hit the lottery when you see me driving one.
So besides saving money on gas, you save on brake pads over the life of the car. I could never afford the Model S, but I will look into the Model 3 next time around. It doesn't do zero to sixty in 2 seconds flat like the S, but I'm sure it's got plenty enough of power.
will carry the stuff you need and seat five when you need it. i’m assuming you are looking for a german or european vehicle.
if sportiness is your thing, look
at the amg glc and the x3 m. Both are fun. Also the sq5.
i’d suggest reading the car and driver write ups, or checking out doug demuro who gives great reviews online.
i own a volvo xc90 and a v90cc latest gens both. im partial to the styling interior and love the station wagon as its
practical but handles like a car.
Strictly X3 vs GLC, both are very popular and not that much different unless you are looking at the M competition or the AMG S trims. Mercs are usually more comfortable but feel like a boat, Bimmers are sportier and also much stiffer. Personally I think the GLC SUV is a little dated in looks, the coupe version notwithstanding, while the X3 is still relatively fresh and good-looking.
X3 M40i may just represent the best compromise if it's a car for both you and your wife.
How old was your BMW?
That Ultimate Driving Machine tagline I feel was very true with respect to luxury sedans/coupes in the '80s, '90s, and early '00s.
Now, it feels like a lot of compromised feel to appease more buyers while still offering all the #s needed to illustrate they perform well.
Meanwhile MB AMG has stayed the course and is about as sporty feeling or more than a BMW M car.
I've had extraordinary reliability with MB.
meh
Quote:
But from a cars perspective I currently own a Mercedes and have owned a BMW... loved driving my BMW so much better. The ultimate driving machine for a reason.
How old was your BMW?
That Ultimate Driving Machine tagline I feel was very true with respect to luxury sedans/coupes in the '80s, '90s, and early '00s.
Now, it feels like a lot of compromised feel to appease more buyers while still offering all the #s needed to illustrate they perform well.
Meanwhile MB AMG has stayed the course and is about as sporty feeling or more than a BMW M car.
It was a 2008 5 series and it drove amazing. However when buying a new car and test driving I still thought the 5 series drove better than my current Mercedes, but I thought the Mercedes had better interior so I decided to take that instead. Honestly I liked BMW better because the driving to me is huge. Not that Mercedes doesn't drive well, just not as good IMO.