Why do I hate.....
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Can't believe I have read all this.From observing three friends who have X5's,they certainly fall into X5 category.
I am sorry but cars do speak volumes.I thought it was quite refreshing to see Rick Stein driving a proper Land Rover,the Defender.
X5 is a lack of taste and a need for image.I prepare to be hung drawn and quartered
I am sorry but cars do speak volumes.I thought it was quite refreshing to see Rick Stein driving a proper Land Rover,the Defender.
X5 is a lack of taste and a need for image.I prepare to be hung drawn and quartered
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From: WOO HOO I'VE GOT A FAIRY TOKEN :-)
Originally Posted by Shoot Me
I thought I would register on ScoobyNet just to share a few views. I chose a suitable username to save the Linch-mob from having to think to hard about which side I'm on. So feel free to shoot.
If anyone 'seriously' wants to know why an apparently sane and able car enthusiast would choose an X5, then I'll happily answer any questions. I own a 4.8is X5 (my second one) and have owned SUV's of some sort for the past 9 years. I also own an M3 CSL, Mini Cooper S Works, Alpina Roadster and have a 997GT3RS on the way, I've raced 2 stroke karts, been a club racer for 10 years (Porsche and Alfa Romeo), and a capable track day driver for more than 20 years. I've covered many miles in various Imprezas so can appreciate their virtues, but prefer a rear-wheel drive chassis for my main source of fun.
I use my X5 as a family car, average around 19mpg and get between 21 and 27 mpg on longer trips. Worst fuel figure I've ever seen is around 14.5mpg when it's really caned. Performance wise it's around 13 seconds to 100mph and will sit quite happily at just under 160mph on an autobahn. I've owned lots of BMW saloons from 528i to M5 and still find the X5 as the most accomplished of them all. I had the option to replace my first 4.8is with the latest E60 M5, but chose to get another 4.8is because I fits the family car role better and I'd miss the awesome sound it makes and the far better steering system in the X5. I use mine off-road, we always have. Traveling to the Alps and taking single tracks and unmarked roads to explore the regions. Green-laning in the UK is less easy and usually unnecessary, given the number of roads available. The latest X5s are very accomplished off-roaders and are only limited by the choice of tyre fitted.
The 5-series is not a better vehicle, it appeals to a different type of driver, but feels very inert and characterless in comparison. There are many qualities that are in the X5s favour and I cannot see us buying another saloon car, and after 5 years of owning them I couldn't care less what some people 'think' their image is. It's ironic for a subaru impreza forum to throw stones when it comes to image..
If anyone 'seriously' wants to know why an apparently sane and able car enthusiast would choose an X5, then I'll happily answer any questions. I own a 4.8is X5 (my second one) and have owned SUV's of some sort for the past 9 years. I also own an M3 CSL, Mini Cooper S Works, Alpina Roadster and have a 997GT3RS on the way, I've raced 2 stroke karts, been a club racer for 10 years (Porsche and Alfa Romeo), and a capable track day driver for more than 20 years. I've covered many miles in various Imprezas so can appreciate their virtues, but prefer a rear-wheel drive chassis for my main source of fun.
I use my X5 as a family car, average around 19mpg and get between 21 and 27 mpg on longer trips. Worst fuel figure I've ever seen is around 14.5mpg when it's really caned. Performance wise it's around 13 seconds to 100mph and will sit quite happily at just under 160mph on an autobahn. I've owned lots of BMW saloons from 528i to M5 and still find the X5 as the most accomplished of them all. I had the option to replace my first 4.8is with the latest E60 M5, but chose to get another 4.8is because I fits the family car role better and I'd miss the awesome sound it makes and the far better steering system in the X5. I use mine off-road, we always have. Traveling to the Alps and taking single tracks and unmarked roads to explore the regions. Green-laning in the UK is less easy and usually unnecessary, given the number of roads available. The latest X5s are very accomplished off-roaders and are only limited by the choice of tyre fitted.
The 5-series is not a better vehicle, it appeals to a different type of driver, but feels very inert and characterless in comparison. There are many qualities that are in the X5s favour and I cannot see us buying another saloon car, and after 5 years of owning them I couldn't care less what some people 'think' their image is. It's ironic for a subaru impreza forum to throw stones when it comes to image..
Very good point, well made, but the Cayenne is still a far better car.
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From: Cambs, UK
Originally Posted by unclebuck
Classic post there from 'shoot me'.
Just the kind of ostentatious show off that fits the stereotype of the X5 owner perfectly.
Just the kind of ostentatious show off that fits the stereotype of the X5 owner perfectly.
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I am really surprised by some of the attitues expressed. I am very much in to my performance cars, but the more I have to drive on the ****ty rutted, potholed roads around Glasgow the more sense a 4x4 makes. The suspension cushioning etc would be blissful, and the stigma you guys seem to attach to the X5 doesnt seem to stretch to the West of Scotland.
I like them, especially in dark blue or black, 3.0d variety.
I like them, especially in dark blue or black, 3.0d variety.
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From: Cambs, UK
Originally Posted by shaunywrx
Very good point, well made, but the Cayenne is still a far better car.
You've watched Tiffs verdict haven't you?
http://m5ftp.leaseweb.com/Cayenne_4.8is.avi
(use the username - bmw, and password - m5)
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Originally Posted by unclebuck
Just the kind of ostentatious show off that fits the stereotype of the X5 owner perfectly.
I'll bet those things go like a rocket! 
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From: God's promised land
Originally Posted by Tiggs
"the owner still has to live with the fact that everywhere they go people nudge each other and say "look at that jumped up w*nker""
errr....no they dont. maybe the owners are lucky enough to live somewhere where people are a bit more open minded.
errr....no they dont. maybe the owners are lucky enough to live somewhere where people are a bit more open minded.
Similar minded i think is the phrase you're looking for, where status objects are not only desirable, they're essential. Although i'm sure they're "good" cars, they're just so unnecessary. In my mind, the majority of X5 owners DO look down on other road traffic. And drive like it too.
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From: www.tiovicente.com
Originally Posted by emicen
I am really surprised by some of the attitues expressed. I am very much in to my performance cars, but the more I have to drive on the ****ty rutted, potholed roads around Glasgow the more sense a 4x4 makes. The suspension cushioning etc would be blissful, and the stigma you guys seem to attach to the X5 doesnt seem to stretch to the West of Scotland.
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Originally Posted by TelBoy
Similar minded i think is the phrase you're looking for
Last edited by TopBanana; Feb 10, 2006 at 12:00 PM.
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From: Talk to the hand....
Originally Posted by TopBanana
You really need to ge a life if you can't handle so much as a whiff of someone else owning expensive cars.
We are talking *specifically* about X5 types on this thread.
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From: God's promised land
Originally Posted by TopBanana
There's a big difference between making the same choice as others, and right of other people to make the own choices
Exactly. What i'm suggesting is that a proportion of these vehicles have been bought to project the "right" image, not just on the road, but in the environs from which they come.
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From: Next door to the WiFi connection
Isnt the fact that we have such a wide range in choice in cars to pick from showing that its all down to personal taste of owning a car? otherwise we all may aswell buy one brand off car? Bunch of small minded people on this thread.
Erm, The Germans dont seem to have a problem with good roads, same goes for the french etc etc... Think we have the worse roads in Europe havent we?
Originally Posted by Flatcapdriver
You do realise that it's increasingly heavy vehicles that are causing the problem in the first place? Not an ideal solution.
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Originally Posted by TelBoy
What i'm suggesting is that a proportion of these vehicles have been bought to project the "right" image, not just on the road, but in the environs from which they come.
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From: www.tiovicente.com
Originally Posted by davegtt
Erm, The Germans dont seem to have a problem with good roads, same goes for the french etc etc... Think we have the worse roads in Europe havent we?
The French motorways are better, but then hardly any vehicles travel on them, particularly compared to the UK and although the surface is generally good they are a lot noisier than ours.
Whilst heavier cars contribute to the problem, they are not the only issue but to complain about potholes etc and then suggest that you are going to contribute to this by buying a soft roader, seems contradictory to me. Now I can understand the need for a soft roader in Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece or the South of France where many of the roads are simple dirt tracks with no tarmaccadam, but the argument is less convincing on our virtually entirely paved roads. Also, to suggest that the roads in the UK are the worst in Europe is incorrect - just go to any of the countries I've mentioned above and check out the dirt tracks masquerading as roads. Then visit the US, Oz, NZ and SA to see the same.
Road networks that are virtually entirely paved is exclusive to Northern Europe, excepting Finland and Sweden of course.
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From: Some country and western
Originally Posted by TelBoy
But that's precisely what we're discussing isn't it?? The need to have a huge, premium brand off road vehicle in Chiswick High Street. As i said, it's all so unnecessary.
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Originally Posted by TelBoy
But that's precisely what we're discussing isn't it?? The need to have a huge, premium brand off road vehicle in Chiswick High Street. As i said, it's all so unnecessary.
It may be unnecessary for you, but why is any concern of yours what car someone else buys? I honestly don't get it.
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From: God's promised land
Originally Posted by davyboy
But isn't a 300 bhp, 4WD, huge winged, poor mpg, impreza unnecessary?
The obvious retort of course. But my remarks were primarily directed at the sheer scale of these things, and the fact that their intended use bears no relation to what they're actually used for. That's the crux of it.
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From: WOO HOO I'VE GOT A FAIRY TOKEN :-)
Originally Posted by Shoot Me
You've watched Tiffs verdict haven't you?
http://m5ftp.leaseweb.com/Cayenne_4.8is.avi
(use the username - bmw, and password - m5)
http://m5ftp.leaseweb.com/Cayenne_4.8is.avi
(use the username - bmw, and password - m5)
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From: God's promised land
Originally Posted by TopBanana
How do you know? Their weekend retreat might not have a made-up drive? They might own a boat and need something to tow it with? They might just decide they like the driving position and feeling of security?
It may be unnecessary for you, but why is any concern of yours what car someone else buys? I honestly don't get it.
It may be unnecessary for you, but why is any concern of yours what car someone else buys? I honestly don't get it.
Because i, and many others like me, just feel that there is an air of sanctimony about these things. It creates an atmopshere on the road. A "them and us" mentality. If they can afford an X5, they can afford an smaller, inconspicuous shopping car. But that wouldn't have the right image.
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From: God's promised land
Originally Posted by Tiggs
"As i said, it's all so unnecessary"
what does that mean? If your wife asks to go out for dinner do you go somewhere nice or offer her bread and soup and tell her to not be so unnecesary!
what does that mean? If your wife asks to go out for dinner do you go somewhere nice or offer her bread and soup and tell her to not be so unnecesary!
I know what you're driving at, but at the end of the day, a meal is a meal, whether it's a sandwich or five courses at La Gavroche. Similarly, a car is a car, whether it's a Mini or an Aston Martin Vanquish. But i wouldn't have a five course meal in a greasy café, or order a packet of crisps at La Gavroche. X5's are in Chiswick High Street for one reason. Image.