X5d vs E350 Wagon?

[MrGroup]

Hello X_ drivers. I am looking at a new car for the wife. We are looking to start a family soon. I have been strongly considering the X5d as the future "family mobile". Never really thought of SAVs as my thing but I love the combination of BMW styling and efficiency that comes with the X5d. Recently though, a friend mentioned the E350 wagon to me and the more I think about it the two cars are very close in terms of specs and what they are designed to do. In fact, the published MPG are actually better than the X5d which was surprising. I think the Merc may have as much or even more cargo space than the X5. Price with similar options is nearly the same as well. I actually like wagons and if the 5-series wagon was still available in the US I wouldn't even be asking this question. Any thoughts? Has anyone out there driven both or have any experience with the E350 wagon? I hate to go away from BMW but the E-wagon seems like a reasonable contender.

[serge1]

Don't forget safety when thinking about family.
You will be much better off in X5 than in station wagon when hit from the side.

I generally don't like SUVs for their lumbering feel, but since had to get one, went with X5d, due to it being among the best SUVs handling-wise.

[MrGroup]

Good point. Thanks.