£40k SUV - a Cayenne or X5 - and which varient?
Discussion
Hi all,
This forum has been helpful previously so I m back for more advice.
I'm looking to get out of my 520d and into an SUV as the main family car. I've currently narrowed it down to a Porsche Cayenne or a BMW X5, but I'm open to sensible alternatives.
Reasoning is mostly due to a car history full of German cars. Before the 520d I had a 718 Cayman, which I absolutely loved, so the idea of a Cayenne definitely appeals. Prior to that just commuter cars like A6, E Class, an earlier 5 series etc. Feels like there's a lot more choice with the X5, and they seem easier to spec well, so I assume you get more for your money hence the dilemma.
Hard requirements are pretty simple:
CarPlay
5 doors / large hatch boot (non-negotiable from the wife)
I would also consider a performance estate, but I'm not sure what realistically fits the budget.
Budget started at £35k, but after some man maths and Autotrader browsing it s creeping up towards £45k if the right car justifies it.
I test drove a 2019 X5 30d yesterday with all the packs. It was perfectly competent, especially in Sport, but I didn t fall in love with it. Would a 40i or 40/50d feel noticeably more engaging, or is that just wishful thinking? Is there a clear PH favourite among the X5 engines?
I've seen a number of 2018/19 base Cayennes, but haven t test driven one yet I d probably only travel to see one if I was serious about buying. Is the base 3.0 sufficient in the real world, or should I really be targeting a 2.9 S? And are there any genuine must-have options on the Cayenne?
Finally, if I'm missing something obvious from another brand in this space, feel free to tell me.
Thanks in advance.
This forum has been helpful previously so I m back for more advice.
I'm looking to get out of my 520d and into an SUV as the main family car. I've currently narrowed it down to a Porsche Cayenne or a BMW X5, but I'm open to sensible alternatives.
Reasoning is mostly due to a car history full of German cars. Before the 520d I had a 718 Cayman, which I absolutely loved, so the idea of a Cayenne definitely appeals. Prior to that just commuter cars like A6, E Class, an earlier 5 series etc. Feels like there's a lot more choice with the X5, and they seem easier to spec well, so I assume you get more for your money hence the dilemma.
Hard requirements are pretty simple:
CarPlay
5 doors / large hatch boot (non-negotiable from the wife)
I would also consider a performance estate, but I'm not sure what realistically fits the budget.
Budget started at £35k, but after some man maths and Autotrader browsing it s creeping up towards £45k if the right car justifies it.
I test drove a 2019 X5 30d yesterday with all the packs. It was perfectly competent, especially in Sport, but I didn t fall in love with it. Would a 40i or 40/50d feel noticeably more engaging, or is that just wishful thinking? Is there a clear PH favourite among the X5 engines?
I've seen a number of 2018/19 base Cayennes, but haven t test driven one yet I d probably only travel to see one if I was serious about buying. Is the base 3.0 sufficient in the real world, or should I really be targeting a 2.9 S? And are there any genuine must-have options on the Cayenne?
Finally, if I'm missing something obvious from another brand in this space, feel free to tell me.
Thanks in advance.
Edited by SgtSlay3r on Wednesday 31st December 08:40
SgtSlay3r said:
I test drove a 2019 X5 30d yesterday with all the packs. It was perfectly competent, especially in Sport, but I didn t fall in love with it. Would a 40i or 40/50d feel noticeably more engaging, or is that just wishful thinking? Is there a clear PH favourite among the X5 engines?
I've got a 2024 X5 40d and I'm really happy with it. It isn't massively exciting to drive because of it's size and weight, but the engine is torquey and it drives really well though. I used to have a 2004 X5 4.8iS with the petrol 4.8 V8, so a lovely engine, but that wasn't exciting to drive either though.
I would like to try a X5M, to see if that nails the exciting/engagement brief to be honest.
I’d definitely consider a fairly fast estate like the 540i or E53. The Merc is where my money would go.
In terms of SUV bang for buck a JLR SVR product can be good value especially the F-pace. I found my V6 Cayenne underpowered even in hybrid form, and with temperamental electrics. If you don’t need a huge SUV the X3M or better the Stelvio QF would be my pick.
In terms of SUV bang for buck a JLR SVR product can be good value especially the F-pace. I found my V6 Cayenne underpowered even in hybrid form, and with temperamental electrics. If you don’t need a huge SUV the X3M or better the Stelvio QF would be my pick.
@EDC - what did I rule out and why?
I've not ruled out anything but mostly have and been happy with the German cars i've owned previously and would like to make a decision fairly quickly so thought i'd narrow it down for this thread at first. Felt if i'm going down the SUV route with 3 of us then i'd try maximise the boot space without compramising too much on look/feel/interior quality.
@cerb4.5lee - thanks for that. I think theres a big gap where i could get an older X5 M or cant afford a more modern one. Just noticed my local BMW dealer has a X3M that I might go see.
@biggbn Thats my thinking and i wasn't sure if even the extra purchase price would be worth it longer term in residuals of the Porsche. Again, I haven't driven one and ideally would test both the 2.9 and the 3 to compare.
@fflump - I'm also very open to a fast estate and after the test drive in the X5 thats where my head is starting to go. It was my first time driving a SUV and it felt much tankier than I expected. Pre COVID I had a 2017 E43 I think recommended by ZX10R NIN at the time
I've not ruled out anything but mostly have and been happy with the German cars i've owned previously and would like to make a decision fairly quickly so thought i'd narrow it down for this thread at first. Felt if i'm going down the SUV route with 3 of us then i'd try maximise the boot space without compramising too much on look/feel/interior quality.
@cerb4.5lee - thanks for that. I think theres a big gap where i could get an older X5 M or cant afford a more modern one. Just noticed my local BMW dealer has a X3M that I might go see.
@biggbn Thats my thinking and i wasn't sure if even the extra purchase price would be worth it longer term in residuals of the Porsche. Again, I haven't driven one and ideally would test both the 2.9 and the 3 to compare.
@fflump - I'm also very open to a fast estate and after the test drive in the X5 thats where my head is starting to go. It was my first time driving a SUV and it felt much tankier than I expected. Pre COVID I had a 2017 E43 I think recommended by ZX10R NIN at the time
ChrisNic said:
Have a look at an E63 estate, £40-£45k brings up a number of options.
Admittedly fuel economy isn t great ~20 mpg but a large diesel SUV won t be phenomenal either.
The X5 40d will do 45mpg(and even a bit more) on the longer runs, so not bad when you consider it's size and weight for me. My old X5 4.8iS wouldn't ever do more than 20mpg in comparison, and I was only getting 12mpg out of it on my commute as well! Admittedly fuel economy isn t great ~20 mpg but a large diesel SUV won t be phenomenal either.
I had a Cayenne 2.9S demo for a week when I had an issue with the 911.
Wife has a 40d X5 that is well overdue replacement and this was a potential option.
Have to say I was disappointed with the interior quality for a £110k car, it creaked and groaned, and the door trims vibrated in time with the speakers.
It drove well. Excellent handling/steering/ride. Engine sounded great with the sports exhaust. It was quick when revved out, but maybe felt a bit flat in normal driving at lower revs.
Biggest crime for me was, it averaged 18mpg over the week of her normal usage, which just isn t an option for us as a daily driver. For comparison X5 is typically 33-35 in same circumstances.
Her previous was a Q7 282tdi Black edition, 20 plate. That 3.0tdi has horrendous throttle lag and should be avoided.
A new Range Rover Sport seems to be about the only thing still left in the running, and I am so reluctant to make that move given the reliability issues.
X5 s are an excellent compromise for this type of car, we have found it difficult to replace. Whilst not exciting as such they are massively competent in every area. Not many of them are well specified though, most are pretty basic, they need about £25-30k of options to have adaptive cruise, self steer, pano roof. decent hifi, etc.
Wife has a 40d X5 that is well overdue replacement and this was a potential option.
Have to say I was disappointed with the interior quality for a £110k car, it creaked and groaned, and the door trims vibrated in time with the speakers.
It drove well. Excellent handling/steering/ride. Engine sounded great with the sports exhaust. It was quick when revved out, but maybe felt a bit flat in normal driving at lower revs.
Biggest crime for me was, it averaged 18mpg over the week of her normal usage, which just isn t an option for us as a daily driver. For comparison X5 is typically 33-35 in same circumstances.
Her previous was a Q7 282tdi Black edition, 20 plate. That 3.0tdi has horrendous throttle lag and should be avoided.
A new Range Rover Sport seems to be about the only thing still left in the running, and I am so reluctant to make that move given the reliability issues.
X5 s are an excellent compromise for this type of car, we have found it difficult to replace. Whilst not exciting as such they are massively competent in every area. Not many of them are well specified though, most are pretty basic, they need about £25-30k of options to have adaptive cruise, self steer, pano roof. decent hifi, etc.
Edited by Stupot123 on Wednesday 31st December 11:24
Stupot123 said:
X5 s are an excellent compromise for this type of car, we have found it difficult to replace. Whilst not exciting as such they are massively component in every area. Not many of them are well specified though, most are pretty basic, they need about £25-30k of options to have adaptive cruise, self steer, pano roof. decent hifi, etc.
They do vary massively on spec as you say. We fell pretty lucky with ours in that regard though(but obviously you still have to pay the money though of course). It has the pan roof and 22's/HK/HUD. Plus the self steer/360 camera/soft close doors/cooled and massage seats, 7 seats and electric tow bar/rear climate and heated rear seats etc.
I test drove one that didn't even have HK or HUD for example in comparison.
I've got a 2020 Macan Turbo. Lots of kit including carbon ceramic brakes but wouldn't say they're a must have. Heated seats and steering wheel are nice at the mo though! They tend to be well specced. Not exciting as such but for an SUV it drives/handles better than most. Only around 24mpg though and doesn't have loads of room inside. Suits my own use case for it though.
If you want to save some money then maybe think about a 2016/17 Cayenne V8 Diesel. 35ish mpg. Spec can be all over the place so watch that. Good cars though. Quite reliable and should lose less in depreciation than something newer. This shape is looking a bit old now though, especially th rear lights.
Although you don't say, I wouldn't ever buy an SUV to impress. They just don't unless you're spending serious money on a G or an Octa and even then you'll have lots of negativity. They're a tool. 4 wheel drice can be useful, as can compliant suspension for poorly surfaced roads, a high up driving position, slightly better safety than an equivalently priced saloon or estate (although not always), can be useful for towing, decent room for kids, luggage, dogs etc. Sounds obvious but estates tend to make better dog carriers for larger dogs - they can jump in and out more easily. Having to lift a dog in and out isn't fun especially if they're muddy. Two of ours are 55+kg rotties so not sure I actually could lift them into an SUV!
Good luck with the search. That's part/most of the fun!
If you want to save some money then maybe think about a 2016/17 Cayenne V8 Diesel. 35ish mpg. Spec can be all over the place so watch that. Good cars though. Quite reliable and should lose less in depreciation than something newer. This shape is looking a bit old now though, especially th rear lights.
Although you don't say, I wouldn't ever buy an SUV to impress. They just don't unless you're spending serious money on a G or an Octa and even then you'll have lots of negativity. They're a tool. 4 wheel drice can be useful, as can compliant suspension for poorly surfaced roads, a high up driving position, slightly better safety than an equivalently priced saloon or estate (although not always), can be useful for towing, decent room for kids, luggage, dogs etc. Sounds obvious but estates tend to make better dog carriers for larger dogs - they can jump in and out more easily. Having to lift a dog in and out isn't fun especially if they're muddy. Two of ours are 55+kg rotties so not sure I actually could lift them into an SUV!
Good luck with the search. That's part/most of the fun!
crisp packet said:
I've got a 2020 Macan Turbo. Lots of kit including carbon ceramic brakes but wouldn't say they're a must have. Heated seats and steering wheel are nice at the mo though! They tend to be well specced. Not exciting as such but for an SUV it drives/handles better than most. Only around 24mpg though and doesn't have loads of room inside. Suits my own use case for it though.
If you want to save some money then maybe think about a 2016/17 Cayenne V8 Diesel. 35ish mpg. Spec can be all over the place so watch that. Good cars though. Quite reliable and should lose less in depreciation than something newer. This shape is looking a bit old now though, especially th rear lights.
Although you don't say, I wouldn't ever buy an SUV to impress. They just don't unless you're spending serious money on a G or an Octa and even then you'll have lots of negativity. They're a tool. 4 wheel drice can be useful, as can compliant suspension for poorly surfaced roads, a high up driving position, slightly better safety than an equivalently priced saloon or estate (although not always), can be useful for towing, decent room for kids, luggage, dogs etc. Sounds obvious but estates tend to make better dog carriers for larger dogs - they can jump in and out more easily. Having to lift a dog in and out isn't fun especially if they're muddy. Two of ours are 55+kg rotties so not sure I actually could lift them into an SUV!
Good luck with the search. That's part/most of the fun!
Good shout on 'older' Cayenne. My perfect Cayenne would be one of the very last 4.8 GTS models. If you want to save some money then maybe think about a 2016/17 Cayenne V8 Diesel. 35ish mpg. Spec can be all over the place so watch that. Good cars though. Quite reliable and should lose less in depreciation than something newer. This shape is looking a bit old now though, especially th rear lights.
Although you don't say, I wouldn't ever buy an SUV to impress. They just don't unless you're spending serious money on a G or an Octa and even then you'll have lots of negativity. They're a tool. 4 wheel drice can be useful, as can compliant suspension for poorly surfaced roads, a high up driving position, slightly better safety than an equivalently priced saloon or estate (although not always), can be useful for towing, decent room for kids, luggage, dogs etc. Sounds obvious but estates tend to make better dog carriers for larger dogs - they can jump in and out more easily. Having to lift a dog in and out isn't fun especially if they're muddy. Two of ours are 55+kg rotties so not sure I actually could lift them into an SUV!
Good luck with the search. That's part/most of the fun!
Cayenne wise I'd be looking for the best 4.2tdi I could find:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202509226...
They're about the best steer but if you're looking for some engagement then a fast estate may be the pick.
GV80, as an SUV they're great not engaging but a good SUV with a decent amount of warranty:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202512088...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202511047...
E400d great cars genuinely quick & a nice place to be:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202512088...
53:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202512098...
TDI S6 Avant:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202512138...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202512138...
V8d SQ7:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202512098...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202512118...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202511147...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202509226...
They're about the best steer but if you're looking for some engagement then a fast estate may be the pick.
GV80, as an SUV they're great not engaging but a good SUV with a decent amount of warranty:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202512088...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202511047...
E400d great cars genuinely quick & a nice place to be:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202512088...
53:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202512098...
TDI S6 Avant:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202512138...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202512138...
V8d SQ7:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202512098...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202512118...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202511147...
I’ve got an X5 and have driven a Cayenne Turbo and F Pace SVR. Cayenne drives the best, the SVR is laugh out loud brilliant… but economy etc will be terrible, whereas the X5 is middle ground and pretty good all round but most come with runflats which are crap for tyre noise and ride, and yeah they’re incredibly spec dependent.
With a specific 35-40k SUV budget look at the knackered Cayenne you can have, or the slightly newer X5 for the same money, or as above a far newer Sorrento/Santa Fe/GV80 - the GV80 is just lovely inside and comes fully kitted out with what the Germans would charge 20k extra for. Won’t drive as well as a Porsche, but it’s an SUV - they’re mostly pretty crap.
If I wasn’t tied to BIK friendly cars I’d be going for a 2019-ish E63 estate with the optional driving assistant at that money I think.
With a specific 35-40k SUV budget look at the knackered Cayenne you can have, or the slightly newer X5 for the same money, or as above a far newer Sorrento/Santa Fe/GV80 - the GV80 is just lovely inside and comes fully kitted out with what the Germans would charge 20k extra for. Won’t drive as well as a Porsche, but it’s an SUV - they’re mostly pretty crap.
If I wasn’t tied to BIK friendly cars I’d be going for a 2019-ish E63 estate with the optional driving assistant at that money I think.
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