X5d Test Drive/Comparison

[DBV1]

My wife has a GLC and we are considering trading it in and we test drove several cars yesterday. We test drove 2018 X5d (as we love diesels and this is probably BMW last diesel in the US market)., 2019 X3, 2018 Q5 and Porsche Macan.

We thought the Macan and the X3 were the most fun to drive. Q5 was also good, as was the X5d, but since it is bigger, it was also obviously heavier and not as nimble. X5d was still a solid drive and obviously is a step up size wise from the other SUV's, so really not a fair drive comparison.

Technology by far was the best in the X3. BMW has the best HUD and tech, the Q5 we had drove did not have HUD, so not sure how Audi's compares. The Macan does not have HUD as an option and although the X5d was good, it was a generation older HUD than the X3. Infotainment and other tech options better on the X3, with Q5 second, X5d 3rd and Macan last (not saying it is bad, but not Porche's thing). I always hear Audi has great tech, but not sure why some reviewers don't think BMW's is better, as it seems like it to me.

Macan was the most expensive, when you add comparable options and did not come close to our trade in value for our GLC that BMW and Audi dealerships did. Too bad, as would probably get a Macan for something different.

Unless something changes with Macan price or GLC trade in value will probably go BMW or possibly Q5. Will drive them one more time. Just can't decide between the X5d or 19 X3. Thought we would really like the Q5, but it was just ok.

[alphaod]

If the Macan size fits your needs, statistically speaking Porsche is the most reliable. I have many friends and some family that own a few [Macans] and they are all very nice to drive. I know the platform is shared among Volkswagen and Audi, but build quality is much better.

Yes they are expensive but it is what it is. In terms of tech roll out Audi tech is first, Porsche gets stuff later than Audi (Bentley is even worse). I would never cross shop Q5 with X5 though. I have driven the new X3, rear seating position is better than the old X5 in my opinion when I have made my driver seat more comfortable.

The Audi HUD is fine, I think the BMW one is best among the three. If you want a diesel get the X5. Have you looked at the Cayenne diesel? That is something I would crossshop with the X5.