I got my wife a 4.8 X5 sport. Lease is up in a year.

I like: the tech (best in the industry), and the fact that with the hydraulic anti-roll option, the truck drives smaller than the the old X5 while being much larger.

I don't like: the handling/ride which is too harsh, nor the horrific milage as my wife putts around town - dry cleaner to gym to parents to my office etc.. all within a 10 mile radius.

I'm thinking its the "right" thing to explore more efficient SUVs (she's adamant about having an SUV). And a lighter curb weight would be a huge plus to me from a handling point of view - you feel sorry for the 315 meats on the X5 as you push it in a corner and they begin to howl.

So, what of a diesel or Hybrid Cayenne? I'm pretty convinced BMW's X5 diesel beats a Cayenne Diesel in most departments, especially if BMW introduces the more powerful tri turbo version. But the hybrid is a different story. There is no X5 hybrid (X6 not an option) and the Hybrid S cayenne is slotted to be 90% as fast as an S, but much more efficient.

Do you think the additional cost of a hybrid is justified? $4,000.00 over the course of 3 years buys a lot of gas! And a regular S is faster and lighter as well as cheaper...?

Curious what you're thoughts are.....

 

from my personal standpoint of 'currently' owning a Lexus hybrid, stay away!!! I think the diesel will fare much better. Look at the BMW X5d sales, with the 4500 eco credit off the top and then more negotiating, it is their top X5 seller. I have driven one and the power with torque is amazing! also a 1800 tax write-off if you purchase one to boot! If Porsche brings a diesel Cayenne, I would be first inline to get one!

 

Bad experience with the Lexus? I'm pretty sure the Porsche approach with the hybrid is different.

I drove an X5 35d before getting the 4.8. Around town it was great, but on the highway passing over 75mph its a diesel.. no revs, no hp?

BTW, Atlas Gray is amazing!!

Regards,
DRP

 

My mom has a Lexus hybrid SUV and loves it. I could care less for the funky CVT tranny in it. A few weeks ago I was invited to drive the new Cayenne diesel and S models. Owning a 03 Turbo, I was still disappointed with the '10 S. When I drove the diesel (nearly against my will), I came away very impressed. So much so, that I am willing to bet that the 0-30mph times are the same, if not faster, for the diesel over the Turbo. For the price premium over the V6, I would definitely go with the diesel over the V6 (would have never thought of owning a diesel much less a Porsche diesel). All that said, a fully loaded diesel is nearly as much as a nicely equipped S. Real tough decision there, though I would probably lean towards the S. That said, don't make a decision until you drive a Cayenne diesel. I seriously doubt it will leave you underwhelmed (like the V6 does).

 

We don't have a diesel to testdrive here in the U.S. (in fact I think Porsche NA has still not decided wether a diesel will be offered here). So you have special experience having driven the new diesel.

1 question about the power delivery....I have driven an X5 diesel which has excellent torque, great 0-30 as you mentioned, but at highway speeds the lack of any rpms when you floor the accelerator makes the X5 diesel feel sluggish even though its actually picking up speed - it just doesn't sound or feel like it is.... Did you get a chance to experience the new diesel Cayenne over 70 mph? Did you get this sensation of little power due to slow revving?

Thanks for any feedback.

DRP

 

I did not get the chance to drive it at those speeds. Perhaps just to 50 or so (was too busy paying attention to the surroundings as I was not in the mood to actually buy the truck). Was unaware that the US didn't get the diesel model, truly a loss for you guys. The torque is addictive on that thing.

 

im planing to lease the X5d.... but the new CSh is beautifull !!!!!!

does anyone have any idea of MPG for the CSh and Lexus? i know X5d is around 26 that is not bad at all !!!

thank you