X5M vs Cayenne S, even comparable?

[rondocap]

So in my search for an x5m, I have also been looking at the Porsche Cayenne S.

Now obviously I know that the x5m is usually compared to the Cayenne Turbo, but pricewise in the used market the Cayenne S is much closer than the turbo - which is still considerably more expensive.

Is the cayenne S even near the league of the BMW? It's got less power, but it also is much lighter so I figured that at least it would feel a little bit better in the handling department.

Anyone ever cross shop these two? Any ideas?

[P1]

I drove the Cayenne S for a solid day when I was thinking about the X5, and I preferred the X5 35i M Sport. Just could not get comfortable in the Porsche.

[Toneaero]

I was looking between these two models as well. The cayenne S was slightly newer but the same price as a 2010 x5m. I decided to go with performance so I chose the X5M. The cayenne turbo would have been nice but I wasnt ready to add another $15k-20k for that model.

[X5 Copa]

Just getting registered. Sorry to intrude.

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by P1et

I drove the Cayenne S for a solid day when I was thinking about the X5, and I preferred the X5 35i M Sport. Just could not get comfortable in the Porsche.

That's how I felt about the Range Rover Sport. I just could not get into it.

[1HOT BMR]

Originally Posted by rondocap

Anyone ever cross shop these two? Any ideas?

I did consider the 2013 Cayenne GTS: I own an X5d and I have about an hour flying time on an X5M so I'm no expert. Also the Cayenne GTS I drove was "only" $100K and it was missing the active suspension option which made it lean on the curves. It also had the light steering at parking speeds option which felt like a 60's American car with power steering.

The X5 is definitely a better car and a MUCH better value. Porsches are so overpriced with absurd pricing for all options but even for those options that come standard with the other 99% of cars. I'm surprised they don't charge extra for including the steering wheel, any steering wheel

Here is what I thought of my test drive and plenty of people disagree with my assessment.

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...t=#post7290090

[mightyx5]

x5m is better

[mrpcar]

I own both. Both have it's merits, I would say if you don't want to spend as much money then Cayenne S is a pretty good choice, doesn't drive like a SUV at all, very responsive throttle and steering input handles equally well to the M.
Here are the things I like the Cayenne S better, transmission smoother and shifts faster. The Porsche stability management PSM works much better than BMW's traction control. On the BMW when you loose traction the engine power is greatly reduced for an eternity, whereas the Porsche PSM only intervene for a fraction of a second which is undetectable to the driver. Same system is used on the 911, I rarely ever feel there is a reduction of power only hint that the system is working is a quick flash of the PSM light on the gague cluster.

The M's brake feels more secure and stops better than the Cayenne S.

MPG is almost identical to the M.

[rondocap]

mrpcar, are you comparing it to the 2006 Cayenne S, or a 2011+? I'd imagine it is a pretty big difference.

[JNoSol]

If an X5M and Cayenne S are at the same price, I would pick the X5M. That's almost a no-brainer decision, the X5M is exclusive/powerful/good looking (the Cayenne S are all over the road). However, it would be harder to choose between a X5M and a new Cayenne GTS.

The X5 looks manlier than the round Cayenne, so the Cayenne isn't for everyone. I personally don't like the roundness of the Cayenne, but I wouldn't kick and scream too much driving a GTS. The GTS is pretty solid, nice styling, brakes, engine, and handling.

[rondocap]

No doubt that the X5M is a much better performer than the Cayenne S. How about in reliability wise? I know both are kind of new, but I have not seen too many issues with either.

[mrpcar]

Our 2006 is more reliable than the X5M less problems. There were the ignition coil and coolant pipe issues but all covered under warranty and never need to fix again. Unlike the BMW's direct injector problems that they don't have a solution for.

[JNoSol]

Originally Posted by rondocap

No doubt that the X5M is a much better performer than the Cayenne S. How about in reliability wise? I know both are kind of new, but I have not seen too many issues with either.

Don't let anyone tell you that there are more reliable German cars than BMW. All of them have their demons, some worst than others. Just always have warranty and you shouldn't have to lose sleep at night, God knows how much repairs cost on a Cayenne S or X5M w/o warranty.

[MonacoJoe]

Originally Posted by mrpcar

Our 2006 is more reliable than the X5M less problems. There were the ignition coil and coolant pipe issues but all covered under warranty and never need to fix again. Unlike the BMW's direct injector problems that they don't have a solution for.

what problems have you had w/your '12 x5m???

i have heard very little from anyone

[rondocap]

I drove an 11' cayenne S today, and while it feels great- the x5m is definitely on an entire different level performance wise, and the m feels more special.

If the cayenne was significantly cheaper, it'd be ok - but at a close price you guys are right, x5m all the way.