av2

Have any of you cross shopped the X5 when purchasing the Cayenne S? I did, and find the Cayenne to be better built. It has better value even though it's more expensive than the X5.

RJT

Me too.....And welcome to Rennlist av2!
I simply don't like the styling of the BMW, the MBZ ML, Range Rover etc. I guess I've been a Porsche Addict way too many years to buy anything else now even if I wanted to! I've had my S a week now and I love it. Sometimes though it attracts too much attention. "WHAT THE HELL IS THAT THANG"? "BOY, I NEVER SEEN NUTTIN LIKE AT BEFOR". That's just at the gas station, it's even worse at red lights.
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mudman2

I agreed 100%, the Pepper is in an new league not occupied by the XL or ML

Like the C32 as well, nice motor

Good luck with the Pepper

AW

Same here. I compared the Cayenne S with 4.4. I picked the Cayenne mostly for the better driving feel, tiptronic buttons on the steering wheel and better tow capacity.

AW

Psycho

I must disagree. The fit and finish on the Cayennes I saw last Saturday was sub-par, with broken sunglass holders, broken glovebox buttons, and generally flimsy switches. The X5 has far higher quality materials, at least on the interior. Drive-wise the Cayenne is the superior vehicle, though, if you can stand the brakes screaming at you.

mudman2

sounds like to many vandals like you worked over the demos, or your on something.. Were there small creatures coming out of the leather as well ?

Psycho

Unfortunately these were not demos, but vehicles with less than 20 miles on the clock. Whoever assembled these may have been on something, though (fine German beer?).

RJT

Psycho....Are you sure you weren't looking at Hyundais? I'm amazed at the fit and finish quality of my S. And as far as the brakes go, other than alot of dust, they haven't made a sound!

Psycho

I have heard that from many owners, which does give me some hope for finding a well-built Cayenne. Unless they send all the crappy ones here to New Mexico...

George from MD

They are both of equal build quality IMO. The Cayenne is better in some areas, the X in others. Before I spent 60 large I would check them all out (icluding RR, Toureag etc.)

mudman2

perhaps its the sun

DC from Cape Cod

I am comparing both as well. The new 4.5 (?) will be out in 2-3 months and will have around 325 HP and even more torque. It will also have a 6 speed tranny and a new AWD system.

It should be an interesting comparison.

Has anyone had problems (especially if you are tall) with hitting your right knee on the grab handle/console?

RJT

DC.... I'm 6-4 and have not even come close to hitting the grab handle with my knee! Plenty of headroom too. I like to drive in the "straight arms out legs not bent" position, almost like the 993. The Cayenne is extremely comfortable so far.
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George from MD

That's true DC- I would wait for it and then compare.

I also understand the 4.6 will be cancelled and that the "4.5" will see a mild facelift, revision of the phone to allow Bluetooth technology, revision of the NAV system and some minor interior improvements.

But I think the total makeover is being held until 2006.

Our 4.4 is a fine vehicle, we've owned it since April of 2001 and had only one failure (an AC relay that drained the battery), one minor adjustment (to the rear hatch for rattling) and two recalls (key memory and brake line).

It tows the Porsche beautifully. While I'll consider the Cayenne (and others) next time around chances are I'll stick with the BMW.

BTW a full size (17 inch) spare tire (as well as the wood on the dash) is standard equipment. The spare is stowed under the load floor and not on the back bumper.

LSM

Hey guys, just want to say, I am not here to flame just to give my opinion. The x5 4.4 sport is a better sav than the Cayenne S. It looks much better, Is typically $10k cheaper and holds its value just as good if not better. I have driven both extensively, The speed, acceleration feel equal as the Cayenne is a much heavier vehicle. The difference I notice is in handiling, the X5 handles much better, corners better and brakes better. I need to go no further than the Comparo of the Cayenne turbo to the x5 4.6 (which has the same sport package as the 4.4)Sure the turbo destroyed it in all the performance tests but, the 4.6is outhandled and outbraked the much more expensive turbo. The review did not like the cayenne's heavy weight, floaty steering, and bad handling. Also, let's be honest, most Cayenne S sticker around $65k which is right in X5 4.6is territory which is faster than the Cayenne S. Throw in the fact that the revamped X5 will have a 6 speed auto tranny, 330hp, 340ft/lb, have performance similar to the current 4.6 and be priced $10k cheaper than most Cayenne S's, I don't know but, in my eyes there is no comparison. Again, not trying to flame I have owned many Porsche's and consider myself an entusiast(even though I can't spell it) The Cayenne S is a great truck but, for my money I am getting the X5 all day. Take care

-Lou