I have a 2010 X5 w/15K miles on it that I am not impressed with. Don't like the ride, the engine (smoothness) etc. It's very "TRUCKIE" Looking at a 2010 Q5 Prestige w/Drive Select. White with Blk int. Will the drive select make a difference in comfort, road noise and bumpiness, and for spirited driving? or is it a waste? Would like an S-line but this deal is now!

 

Depends what you really want...

X5 haves more room, but it is heavy that gives "trucky" feel and poor mileage.

Q5 is lighter with better handling and mileage but it is smaller.

 

The drive select will give you a softer ride in comfort mode. When I made my purchase, I liked the standard suspension tuning and DS was not important to me - so I'd opt for the S-line instead.
You should test drive a Q5 with and without DS to help you make your decision - in the end you will be driving it and any advice we give is just an opinion.

 

We test drove the X3 and the X5 when we were shopping for a SUV a few months back. Although the Q5 is smoother than the X5 and X3, it is almost as stiff, so you will not gain much there. The ADS will give you a bit of a softer ride, but you will give up handling when you are in the comfort mode. Much like the X5. the Q5 drives almost like a sedan, but when you push it a bit, it reminds you that you driving a SUV. In my opinion, the BMW still handles better, but Audi's interior quality, exterior design and the price is what deal the deal for me. If you want something that handles well and have a comfortable ride, you really need a car with an active susupension.

 

No one can really tell you how a Q5 rides - everyone's butt is different. My butt says the Q5 ride is not harsh, and not soft, but somewhere in between. I find it quite comfortable. And I like the fact that even fully loaded, the suspension characteristics don't seem to change that much.

I don't think it drives like a truck at all - even when pushed. I've taken cloverleafs at speeds I would never take a suv with that I've taken with the Q5 - it handles that well.

In my butts opinion anyways.

Go out and drive one to see what you think - I'm sure you'll like it.

 

Have you test drive the new 2011 X5x-drive35i?(get sport activity package if you can.) V-6 3.0 liter and twin turbo engine.It get 300 horse power and 300 pound of torque with 8 speed transmission. I believe you will get 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. I test drove both cars many times and I still like the new BMW X5 better.I also like BMW offer 4 years free service on all their cars. I recommend for you for test drive the new X5 before making new decision.I am get my new X5 in two weeks. Goodluck.

 

Curious,

What is the price of that X5? I thought they were way more than Q5's?

Bob

 

Those two SUV when similarly equipped is not even in the same price range. The Q5 prestige is around $49500 and the X5 equipped with the same option goes for $62500.

 

Agree.
I had a 2007 BMW 335i Coupe. Had to make some lease end decision back in Sep 09. Drove both the X3 and X5, as well as ML350, GLK350. I was leaning towards the X5-35d Diesel - excellent engine, loads of torque and hp, great mpg! Although the typical diesel 'ping' at idle and low gears were a little annoying.

Although it is indeed a different class and price range, the lease payment wasn't too far off - only about $150 more a month due to a higher residual value, PLUS INCLUDES 4 years of scheduled maintenance/services. Audi Residual sucks!!

But I've not owned an Audi before and kinda wanted a fresher interior view - as they all look about the same model to model within the same mfg.

Reviews on iDrive wasn't impressive. There were talk of the new and improved iDrive for 2010 but they couldn't confirm for my 2010 delivery of the Diesel.

Bottom line - if you have that extra to spend for a better luxury SUV, I'd rather take the X-5 in either the Diesel or 2011 3.0li Turbo. And move up a class as well! Both engines are great on power and very fuel efficient.
I'd stay away from the ML, GLK and X3(until the new X3 comes out with 35i engine).

As an aside, I test drove the new 2011 535 sedan recently - EXCELLENT CAR in ALL aspects! Definitely my next vehicle come lease end 2012 - unless we see a more impressive A6 with better Audi reliability and service.

 

Peronally, I wouldn not touch that BMW 6 cyl twin turbo engine with a 10 foot pole, too many bad fuel pump problems.