X5 4.6i

[maserati3200gt]

Does anyone own this model ?
If so guys / ladies what is your experience of such a vehicle ?

Apart from the obvious fuel costs. Are they a good long term family car for example ?

Thanks for the info.

[DoctorD]

I owned one for 2 years prior to replacing it with a 4.8is (I owned a 3.0i Sport before my 4.6is). There's a lot to like; it looks the dog's danglies, it feels much more special than a regular sport X5, the engine's a bespoke item built by Alpina, bigger brakes provide proper stopping power, wider tyres finally stops understeer. Some negatives are; the gearbox is programmed to be less smooth and more aggresive than other X5s, the performance whilst quicker than a 4.4i is more noticeable higher up the rev range. Fuel economy wise I used to average around 17mpg (never worse than 14.5 mpg when caned), whereas the 4.8is gets around 2-3 mpg better.

Some people will suggest your mad to consider owning a big powerful SUV, what't the point? But drive a less powerful one back to back and the reasons will be obvious.

[maserati3200gt]

Thanks DoctorD - Much appreciate your comments