BMW 5 Series or SUV BMW X3
Discussion
I've got both in the family. Until my recent separation, the X3 was the family motor and now belongs to the ex. But it was/is a superb family load lugger. As above, lots of space and ride height gives a bit more comfort for those that enjoy the view or feel they need a commanding driving position. We had the 20d which gives reasonable performance and an overall consumption just over 40mpg which is none to bad for its weight and lack of aerodynamics. So far, nothing's gone wrong with it and it's a 2011 car with 59k miles. We've had it for 18months and done nearly 20k miles.
Once I separated, I bought myself a 2011 F11 530d Touring. I'd probably have also entertained the 520d had any decent specced ones come up, but the one I found was optioned to the hilt and the presence of the 30d six cylinder was the icing on the cake. Of the two cars, it's by far and away the drivers car (even though the X3 is good fun in spite of its size and proportions) and the car I would prefer to spend Long journeys in. My daughter loves it in the back, although in all honesty it's perhaps not as roomy with car seat as the rear bench of the X3. But that could also be an optical Illusion. Rear boot space is great in the Touring and I don't feel like I could ever have more.
Personally speaking, I love the 5er and it's the car to choose if you like driving. Even on passive SE suspension, the ride is very good. It wafts along nicely but can be taken by the scruff of the neck and threaded down a country road in a most entertaining way. It's quiet, comfortable (I do have Comfort Seats though), refined and yet focussed in a way the X3 couldn't be IMO.
It's horses for courses. Reality is that they are both very capable cars and it will really come down to personal preference in the end. I'm lucky to have run both in parallel.
Once I separated, I bought myself a 2011 F11 530d Touring. I'd probably have also entertained the 520d had any decent specced ones come up, but the one I found was optioned to the hilt and the presence of the 30d six cylinder was the icing on the cake. Of the two cars, it's by far and away the drivers car (even though the X3 is good fun in spite of its size and proportions) and the car I would prefer to spend Long journeys in. My daughter loves it in the back, although in all honesty it's perhaps not as roomy with car seat as the rear bench of the X3. But that could also be an optical Illusion. Rear boot space is great in the Touring and I don't feel like I could ever have more.
Personally speaking, I love the 5er and it's the car to choose if you like driving. Even on passive SE suspension, the ride is very good. It wafts along nicely but can be taken by the scruff of the neck and threaded down a country road in a most entertaining way. It's quiet, comfortable (I do have Comfort Seats though), refined and yet focussed in a way the X3 couldn't be IMO.
It's horses for courses. Reality is that they are both very capable cars and it will really come down to personal preference in the end. I'm lucky to have run both in parallel.
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