In my opinion the X5 4.6 or new 4.8 is a cool truck but it is a bit played out now, The Range Rover is summed up in one word, "classy", My choice would be a Cayenne Turbo with a couple of mods, just my$.02

 

Josh has a handle on this. I am shocked that none of the cayenne owners are chiming in, or perhaps they aren't reading this section. The rovers are problematic. Period. Say what you want about good ones or bad or who designs it now or the new electronics vendor, just look at the reliability figures and the number of recalls. Furthermore, how can anyone say with a straight face that they handle well. They drive like couches connected to the road by gravity. The only thing the Brits got right is the WWII Spitfire. As for off-roading, only a build from scratch rock climber or an H1 can get you stuck where no one else can rescue you. So how much off roading do you really (want to) do?
The Cayenne is a dream. It defies physics in that it handles better than most "sports cars" and comes pretty close to a boxster S on an autocross (just ask anyone who has been to the Posche Driving Experience). The braking is quite remarkable, which if you want to tow, is as important as overall weight. As for the price, a loaded "S" is less than $60,000 even with the adjustable ride height option. No one really needs the turbo power, come on, but if you want to spend it, well OK.
As a daily driver, nothing comes close. If you want to pull, it can tow 7,700 #. That is 700 more than an H2. If you want to haul a bunch of luggage and Zippy's family zoo, than nothing big is going to handle well and you should get a land yacht. That said, the Cayenne is the perfect combo of size, price, speed, handling, towing (and braking when towing), and style. It says to me about the driver- they are well read, resourceful, appreciate engineering, and a solid vehicle. The other SUV are all posers as they aren't really off roaders (and the Cayenne will keep up with ANY of them), rarely practical as a daily driver, and aren't agile. So let's hear from the Cayenne drivers.

 

I own both and can assure you each excels in its category; RR as the top luxury SUV and Cayenne Turbo as the top performance SUV. The decision comes down to your bias towards luxury or performance.

 

Get the Turbo -- you'll love it.

 

As a Lexus owner shopping for a SUV, this is a great topic...

I REALLY like the look and initial appeal of the RR, but everyone I've spoken with that has had one (as recent as 2003 MY) has said the same... terrible quality.

Here's what JD Power says: (Note Porsche's position)

 

I think those people are jacking you:

Four Wheeler Magazine 2004 Four Wheeler of the Year

The Summary, winner FWOTY, two years in a row.

Final Verdict
While some of the vehicles were very strong in certain aspects of our test, the Lexus GX 470 consistently performed well in all categories of our testing. It was also the best on the trail and this helped it to gather the most points to make it our choice for Four Wheeler of the Year.

Check It Out If:
You are looking for a well-balanced SUV that is capable on the trail.

Avoid It If:
You don't want to put up with infidels who refuse to believe that it's as effective as it really is.


The Short Version
Winnah, and still champeen! It's understated, subtle, comfortable and very effective. What more could you want?

 

Not a choice, but, I would go with a BMW X5 4.8is. I know it sounds crazy, but, my gf x5 4.4 sport handles better than the Cayenne imo, maybe because the Bimmer is 1000 lbs lighter!! I like how the bimmer looks much better and it is sure to hit 60 by 5.6-5.9 seconds and handle great. Price will be sub $70k so it is a bargain compared to the Pepper.

As far as the RR, you drive one yet? Horrible, handles like ****, feels slow as hell, made me car sick. Nuff said.

Lou

 

Cayenne tt with Techart Aero kit is the best lookin SUV IMO!

 

Yeah, I think that looks really good!! But, lots of $$$$. Can probably buy an X5 4.8 and a $40k car for that money!


Lou

 

The knock on quality for "Land Rover" is attributable to their older vehicles and not the new Range Rover. I have had a 2003 and 2004 Range Rover and both were excellent. Where I have used a BMW 7 Series or M-B S-Class, we now use our RR. The quality is superior to the many Bimmers or Mercs we have owned.

The quality on the Cayenne Turbo is also excellent. Only problems have been relatively minor first model year glitches.

As I said before, IMO the choice is luxury or performance. The RR with the luxury interior is beautiful. The Cayenne Turbo (w/GIAC ECU) is an absolute blast. The choice is yours!

 

I had this dilemma last year as well.

Coming from the lowr Land Rover Freelander, which was a horrible car---i was driving 70mph on the highway and the car stalled on me. Apparently the dealer said it had a faulty cam sensor. That is completely unacceptable, I could of died. I do agree that I have heard that Range Rovers tend to have alot of problems, but these new body style Rovers are alot different and are not in the shop alot

THe BMW X5 is a very nice car. It drives like a 3 series in my opinion. Its the type of SUV, sorry SAV, that makes u feel like ur in a sedan but still have enough cargo room to have a few weekend bags. The problem that I have is that its too common of a car to fit OffRoaders requirements. It is a BMW so u do have some sort of luxury appeal, but they are a dime a dozen. The Range rover has alot more luxury appeal, but once again, theres always a fear that its gonna break down on you

I do admit that Cadillacs are a dime a dozen, but there are so many things you can do to trick one out. Its 55G out the dealer---that comes with everything but a navigation unit (1.5G) and a sunroof (1G). So if you want everything your gonna be paying under 60G. You can get some marginally nice rims that make the car look different for aroudn 5G and you have a wonderful car that can be a company car and a everyday cruiser for 65-67G. In addition, its the most comfortable car you can ever buy.


Just my $0.02

 

The Gemballa Cayenne, as advertised on the back page of the last couple GT Purely Porsche magazines, looks great. Most importantly are the available power upgrade packages up to 750 HP. Has anyone chipped their suspension yet?