SUV Shootout lets here it... 4.4i X5 vs Range Rover Sport vs Escalade

Beason · 04-23-06, 02:42

Parents are looking at the following

BMW X5 4.4i ~$61,000
Premium and Cold Weather Package
Heated Steering Wheel
DVD Navigation
Retractable Cargo Floor
Premium Sound
They don't want the sport package because of its harsh ride.

Range Rover Sport HSE ~$61,000
Cold Climate and Luxury Interior Package

2007 Cadillac Esclade ~$60,000
Cold Weather and Information Package with DVD Navi

The Esclade is the biggest of the in terms of engine and size but also will use the most gas.
Range Rover Sport has a very good and unique look while the X5 is everywhere on the road in the 3.0 format.
I was wondering what people's thought are of these SUVs? Recommendations, Pros and Cons of each please.

G35stilez · 04-23-06, 05:19

Beason: I voted for the X5 so let me justify.

Having just detailed/driven a 2006 3.0i, I will have to say that BMW has absolutely PERFECTED this vehicle. Being one that drives the vehicle for me (not for my image status), I do not mind having an "aged" vehicle. I care more about that EVERY kink has been worked out of the vehicle and you get the BEST of the BEST.

With the X5, it feels just like a car. It handles, corners, and accelerates like a 3-series. I thought the 3.0i was underpowered and that was my only complaint (minus a more aggressive wheel package). The 4.4i would be the vehicle of *MY* choice today if I were to buy an SUV. I've been in the Infiniti FX, Previous Gen Escalade, Previous Gen Range, and a few others...The BMW prevails.

Hope you find this useful.

gmblack3a · 04-23-06, 07:19

Like GSR said, I would take the X5 too. My brother has a 4.4i. It does have the sport package and handles better then alot of cars. It is very solid and has excellent brakes. When you can drive a SUV that has good brakes and handles its bound to save you ashe sooner or later.

Quickstrike · 04-23-06, 08:41

Have you looked at the VW Touareg V10 TDI's?

I would get one of those if you could find one.

Motor Trend ranked it 2nd place after the Porsche Cayenne Turbo. Of course, the Porsche is significantly more than the $60,000 price range you are looking at, but the Touareg isn't.

Just a fraction of a second slower than the BMW X5 4.8is, will give you better fuel economy and has huge towing capacity if the need ever arises.
The VW has all the latest technology and a better more luxurious interior than the BMW.

The new X5's are still running off the first platform they used, which is looking pretty outdated. I'm sure the new X5 platform being released shortly will offer more competition.

There has been a number of people on VWVortex that have said their Touareg's are also a lot more reliable than their X5's.

Way2SSlow · 04-25-06, 04:51

Out of the three choices, I'd probably pick the Caddy. I've driven a brand new super charged Rover Sport, and though it is nice and IMO the best looking of the bunch.....I WILL NEVER OWN A ROVER. TOO MANY PROBLEMS (not to mention the price of parts and service)!!!! The X5 to me is just a bit too small for an SUV. Yeah, yeah, it handles like car, BUT IT'S NOT A CAR!!! My major concern when looking at an SUV would be room. I'm 6'3 and I dont think that I could fit in the back of an X5 comfortably. I have driven a few of them, but never rode in the back. Haven't driven the new style Caddy, but we do a lot of work for a local GMC dealer and the late model Denalis (which should be similar to the Caddy)are very nice.

G35stilez · 04-25-06, 06:11

We are all over the board here, Beason!

Wade: I'm 6'2" and was rather comfortable in the back seat of the X5.

I hear you though...the Escalade is surely the roomiest of the three.

ZaneO · 04-25-06, 07:46

Can't really go wrong with any of them.

The Range is the most attractive and unique, in my eyes. It would be my choice unless I needed extra room...then I would jump on the Escalade.

rjstaaf · 04-25-06, 08:12

Ohh darn I guess I misinterpreted the topic, I thought we were playing a new game "SUV Shootout"

sQuashed · 04-25-06, 11:00

The Rover has taken over So Cal in terms of popularity. I presume its a "bandwagon" thing here. I personally would go for the BMW.

Diesel1 · 04-25-06, 12:27

I was under the impression the Rovers were more $$ then 60K. I also thought they drank gas like pigs. I assume they changed some things since I last read up on em. Out of the 3, tough call but I don't care for the new caddy design. Looks a lil too much like the Family Truckster from National Lampoons Vacation! LOL

I would opt for either the Rover or BMW.....I prefer the looks of the Rover a lil more but the X is still hot!

Wally · 04-25-06, 12:42

For what it's worth :

I took an 4.4 X5 and Range Sport over the Nurburgring last year and both performed well (within their limits of roadholding), altough both cars are more oriented for driving on paved surface, the Range is the origal 4x4 and outperforms the X5 when driving off-road. The differential system of the Range is superior compared to that of the X5.
On the other hand, the X5 is more suited to Highway driving because of it's better chassis when driving on highway's.
About the Escalade I don't know anything, so I can't give comment on that.
What I do now is that once one of those cars starts to slide, it's not the barrier you have to worrie about, but more the population of the nearest town that you are going to wipe away, LOL

Wally

CarWeenie · 04-25-06, 01:14

Quote:

VW Touareg V10 TDI's

Wow, V10!!!

Quote:

The Rover has taken over So Cal in terms of popularity.

Didn't realize that the freeways in So Cal are actually dirt road piled high with snow

I must say I am impressed with my fellow citizens. With gas price north of $3, these montrous suvs still have great appeals. Man, I must be too poor. On the credit card statement, I paid about $400 for my gas last year. IMO, that's $300 too much.