LENELSA

Looking at MB ML350, BMW X5 & Lincoln MBX.
Cayenne is to much $$$$. X5 can get pricey depending on options.
I was pretty impressed with the MBX at the LA Auto Show (need to test drive)

Any input would be helpful.

Thanks

newyorker

I had 2007 X5 4.8i for few years and I traded in for 2010 E-class.

X5 is bumpy ride. It is like 911. My wife did not like X5 because of that. X5 has terrible tail gate noise, rattles, and high pressure fuel pump issue. It is great handling SUV if the road in your area is smooth like silk. But like where I live, NYC, with all those pot holes and bumpy surface, I think X5 is worst choice.
For my wife, she wanted lexus feeling but sure footed like german. So we ended up with Mercedes. The ML by the way is a nice SUV but, looks too cheap inside. So we ended up with E350 4matic. The ride is very smooth like lexus. If I am you, I would buy her lexus RX350 and save money. That's just my thought.
It is not a great SUV, but it is all better than average in all which makes great for lady.

texas911

How about an Acura MDX?

LENELSA

My wife was driving a Lexus GX470 for 3 years and loved everything about it except she HATED the brakes.
She does'nt like the MDX.
I'm hoping she likes the Lincoln MKX.

GHills

ford flex with ecoboost

Dave's911

Have you considered Audi? I haven't driven one, but was impressed with the Q5 when I saw it at the LA Auto Show.

texas911

The Lexus GX is a new model, if she liked the previous GX she'll probably like the new one more. Or is does she want to try something different?

LENELSA

To be honest, I think the new GX looks to much like a 4-Runner.
Very low headroom in the Audi Q's.

JW911

Take a closer look at the Cayenne. My wife loves hers and so do I. The V6 has 300hp, more than enough for the average spouse. And the V6 price is right there with the others you mention.

keithwatson

I just traded my C2S in and bought my wife a new X5 5.0. To me it is one of the sportiest SUVs on the market. It has more than ample power and handles like a car. I live in the mountains of WV with terrible roads and neither she nor I notice the bumpy ride--and she just got out of a Landcruiser. I would strongly consider the X5 but you are right they are pricey with options (mine was pretty loaded at around 70K)

gravedgr

Hated the old Cayennes, love the new ones. V6 is a good buy, IMHO.
MDX is very Japanese - tons of wizardry, lots of WTF (looks)
RX is traditional Lexus, but I really dislike the looks of the new one
X5 is a looker and a driver, but pricey with options and more sport than luxury

Q5 was the winner for us when we were shopping, but did not pull the trigger
Range Rover Sport was 2nd place, but pricey and known for having issues

We were shopping a mid-sized SUV earlier in the year, but decided to hold off and get another 911 instead. Didn't make sense to have two full size vehicles when all we need is one - leaving me with a play car.


To explain the Japanese comment, I give you...

TerpsRED

Not the flashiest of vehicles, but for the price and capabilities the Honda Pilot is a winner. I've had one now since 2004 and it is rock solid. Does great in pretty deep snow, and rides very smooth. The newer models have a lot of nice features built in now from the factory like tow kits, pop up tailgate glass, etc.

Alstoy

I have a ML350. The price-range is similar to the Porsche. I would have liked to get the Porsche, but my wife likes the ML.

CBejbl

New Jeep Grand Cherokee?

henrysko

I'll second the Grand Cherokee. I've done a lot of research and their Overland model looks like a good value with lots of great reviews.

Good luck on your search.