SUV Ideas - BMW X5M or Maserati Levante GranSport V6s??

[jv021]

I am contemplating changing my BMW 640i GC for one of the above in the near(ish) future as the Mrs and kids aren't too fond of it (I love it btw).

Mrs likes driving cars that have an elevated driving position and aren't as claustrophobic as the 640i.

I have shortlisted the 2 above, and I would be looking at something that is of 2016/17 vintage or newer.

The car won't be doing a huge amount of miles so diesels are out.

I want a good amount of performance and decent handling (for a SUV) and something this is going to be reliable.

I have shortlisted to the F15 BMW X5M or a Maserati Levante GranSport V6s, examples below:

https://www.maserati.com/gb/en/shopping-tools/sear...

https://www.chariotsspecialistcars.com/vehicle-det...

Light coloured interior is a must have.

Is there anything else worth considering and feedback from anyone who has owned either of them?

Thanks!

[davek_964]

Not considered a Cayenne?

Mine is ancient, and knackered - but I still think it's a damn impressive car. It drives far better than it should for a car of its size - and if I stick the suspension on sport and switch to manual gear change, it's surprisingly fun down a twisty road.

When I bought it (10 years ago now!) I thought it would be the most boring car I've ever owned, and once it had done what I needed it for, it would be sold 6 months later. Somehow - it's still here!

[Pablo16v]

Neither of those two seem appealing to me but if I was spending that kind of cash on a SUV with a bit of performance I'd probably be looking at a F-Pace SVR or Stelvio QF. A pal has a Stelvio QF, which replaced a Range Rover Sport, and he is completely in love with it.

[jv021]

Thanks davek and pablo,

Cayenne was on the list but not really appealing to me plus the horror stories of the transfer cases going wrong put me off - not sure how real that issue is, but it seems to be common enough on the prior generation Cayennes (958's I think)

Stelvio QF was on the list, but I think that is a little too small and I cannot seem to find any with a light interior.

F-Pace SVR - may need to re-look at those, what are they like reliabilitywise?

[RD-1]

Grand Cherokee SRT with Laguna leather.

Reliability is so overrated

[J1990]

X5M of that generation just feels a little dated to me, but obviously that's quite subjective. I struggle to find them remotely exciting didn't particularly like the handling on them when pushing a little (Similar to the XC90 T8 in terms of handling).

The Levante is a lovely option but at that budget and class of car I'd be looking at one of the below:


F-Pace SVR (I wish I'd been been able to stretch to one of these to combine our family car (Tucson) and fun car (F-Type) in to a marriage of the two)
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304076...

Stelvio Quadrifoglio
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302174...

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd say the GLE 63 AMG could be another option worth considering, the 5.5TT is a bombastic drivetrain:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304126...

Out of your two options the Levante would get the nod for me, they're great SUV's:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303245...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302254...

[vanman1936]

Stelvio QF is really rather special and quite rare.

Had one for 6m and as quick as a 997 TT in the real world (in a straight line at least).

Loved it.

They are insanely easy to nick though…..I found out the hard way.

[jv021]

Thank you for the suggestions! I think adding the F-Pace SVR to the list might be a good idea!

ZX10R - with the GLE I quite like the current shape and that's miles out of budget so I cannot justify the prior version. Also the Levante at Maranello is one on the list too!

[lemonslap]

I had this decision to make last year with £50k to spend and shortlisted the following:

BMW X5M F85
Alfa Stevio QF
Jeep Cherokee SRT
Merc ML63 or GLE63
Porsche Cayenne GTS (turbo was out of reach)

We decided on the BMW X5M as it feels proper special, handling is spectacular for such a vehicle and it’s incredibly practical with its spilt tailgate which is great for my kids to sit on and change muddy boots. I would of loved the Alfa but it was just too small for our needs, Jeep has 6k mile or 6 month service intervals so finding a good one is difficult, Merc were discounted because I had a E class previously and the Porsche was deemed too flashy by Mrs Lemonslap.

Be careful if you choose the X5M you have linked to, if it’s running 21” wheels it has the wrong tyres fitted and it will bork the transfer box. Has to have BMW * rated Michelin super sports as I found out the hard way…

[lemonslap]

Picture of ours, I know it won’t be to everyones taste:

[ZX10R NIN]

jv021 said:

Thank you for the suggestions! I think adding the F-Pace SVR to the list might be a good idea!

ZX10R - with the GLE I quite like the current shape and that's miles out of budget so I cannot justify the prior version. Also the Levante at Maranello is one on the list too!

Fair enough, that Levante at Marenello is a great option.

[bunchofkeys]

I had the F85 X5M, wonderful SUV, but lacks charisma.


Once everything has settled down with the house move, i'm looking forward to owning a F-Pace SVR.
That 5.0l V8 is just sublime.

[Kayess5]

I was in a similar situation as I was looking at a Levante, Stelvio and a Lexus RX L (I know, polar opposites). Then drove a Macan S and it just blew everything else out of the water. Both the Macan and Cayenne are 5 seats but the Macan is much faster and more engaging (IMHO). My suggestion: Test drive a Macan S or Turbo, you’ll love them. The transfer cases now have a 7 year extended warranty from Porsche so depending on what year you go with, you could still have a few years of peace.

[sunnyb13]

Looks lovely that X5m

[jv021]

Phone calls made to start building a deal... lets see what happens

Thanks for all the feedback!

[jv021]

just to close this thread off - purchase made, expected to get the new car anytime soon!

i went with the Levante from Maranello!

[ABMA]

Congratulations.
The post only closes when the picture of the new cat is posted 😬

‘PH rule number 35’

[ZX10R NIN]

jv021 said:

just to close this thread off - purchase made, expected to get the new car anytime soon!

i went with the Levante from Maranello!

Great choice that's a very nice car.

[jv021]

In compliance with rule 35...