Evlengr

The X3 is defintely a better comparison, and faster. I would say 5.5 0-60 in an suv is pretty respectable. I have an X3 and we plan on getting an S4 soon (hence me being on the board). I drove an X5 M class and the new X3 will spank it in handling and has almost if not the same amount of room...yet $50k less.

Not sure what poster above is talking about when saying no engines, but a 3.5 turbo in a little suv. It is FAST.

questionlp

If I were in the market for a small SUV, which I'd rather get an Avant or Touring first, I would also opt for the X3 35i. I'm just a little bit disappointed, though not surprised, at the loss of the manual transmission option.

The only thing that I cringe at is the price of a well-optioned X3 35i, as it hits the $50K mark. On the plus side, that would be cheaper than an similarly optioned 335xi Touring if it were sold here.

kwikwi

I was probably confused with the X1, did not know that the N55 was available...So if it is available, the X3 is a very interesting contender!

JackyNYC

X3 with the n55 turbo is pretty amazing. I have not yet to drive it. However I would steer away from it because of the HPFP.

bbmaster

I think BMW does not have a lot of experience in turbocharging their cars.

phil47

Agreed! I own both a 2011 S4 and a 2005 X5 (4.4 sport). My wife assumed I would sell my X5 to buy the S4 but I couldn't do it...I love that X5 too much. Great vehicle which has it's own areas of competency relative to the S4 (deep snow, light offroad, better heated seats and actually has a heated steering wheel, great xdrive system, higher seating position, more interior space and cargo capacity, etc.).

Here's a suggestion, prices are VERY affordable for used, low mileage X5s...why not get both? I would recommend a 2005/2006 e53 4.4 sport as the "sweet spot" of performance, options, quality and price.