[Alan l.]

I agree the seats in the X5M are one of the best. M seats in general fit me perfectly except for the carbon buckets on the M3/M4. I'm a thin guy and even then those seats feels way to snug for daily activities.

Its hard to argue that the X5M is the best choice for family duties. I've had 3 X5s and 2 of them were the M's. Loved them all because they just do everything so well. The only reason why i'm even considering the G99 is because i'm racking up miles on my car and i didn't want to get the same car (with less features) for another 4-5 years even though I love this platform. Second the electric only mode for the M5 is the perfect use case for my situation doing all the local kid runs. If bmw put the same drive train into the X5M offering electric only mode then that would be a really tough decision

[Booms]

Does anyone know if the rear windows go all the way down in the Touring?

[Moewron]

Originally Posted by Booms

Does anyone know if the rear windows go all the way down in the Touring?

When windows don't go all the way down its usually because they hit the wheel well. So to get around that in some cars, they split the door window and have a second part separate from the articulated window. So, almost certainly they do.

[arsenal55]

Originally Posted by matowi

Bud...

just go get an X5M. You'll get the performance and the size to fit your driving pleasures and your family's space requirements. With two young kids, the rear bench will be way too roomy anyway, the boot will swallow anything you want to throw at it, and the performance will leave most desires satisfied. It looks, drives and feels like a genuine M product. And, considering you already admit the option of an SUV, there hardly is a better choice out there

If you want a family-friendly option, and don't mind the added sitting height, it's hard to beat an SUV

Since you want a performance oriented car, you won't mind the slightly less cosseting (but by no means harsh or uncomfortable) suspension - it's all for the benefit of your constant smiles while driving a bit quicker

Since you're in the BMW forums, no Merc or Audi will satisfy (Cayenne Turbo might be a great option if you can stomach the badge-premium on the invoice)

Performance-wise you're most likely looking at very similar real life performance in most driving situations. Just think how hard you'd need to be pushing that G99 to leave the X5M in the dust

Plus, you limit your risk. The current X5 is a reliable, tested platform. And has no electric engines or batteries to worry about. Who knows what reliability surprises await those who go for G90/G99 from the early production lots. If you can wait a year or two, the G99 may become a more interesting option (expecting that most pressing issues will have been ironed out by then)

Thanks for the response man. Yeah, especially when the wife is the primary driver and hates the idea of an estate/wagon, an SUV is the easy solution. the X5M would come in a bit more expensive than an M5 touring. If we went the SUV route, we'd maybe go X5 PHEV, X7, or X5 M60 / X7 M60. Audi and Mercedes products aren't as good at this time, in my opinion.

[arsenal55]

Originally Posted by Alan l.

I agree the seats in the X5M are one of the best. M seats in general fit me perfectly except for the carbon buckets on the M3/M4. I'm a thin guy and even then those seats feels way to snug for daily activities.

Its hard to argue that the X5M is the best choice for family duties. I've had 3 X5s and 2 of them were the M's. Loved them all because they just do everything so well. The only reason why i'm even considering the G99 is because i'm racking up miles on my car and i didn't want to get the same car (with less features) for another 4-5 years even though I love this platform. Second the electric only mode for the M5 is the perfect use case for my situation doing all the local kid runs. If bmw put the same drive train into the X5M offering electric only mode then that would be a really tough decision

Yeah the drivetrain is both a blessing and a worry. The all-e mode is amazing for short commutes around town with the kids, and an easy enough charge at home. That said, longevity and reliability are a major concern.

TOUGH CHOICE! First world problem.

[Carac]

Originally Posted by danniexi

what are your priorities?


when it comes to interior space, i'm sure the G99 will be MORE than enough for a family of four (passenger space, rear space with two car seats, etc). however, judging by the specs of the touring, the trunk capacity of 500 liters IS lacking in my opinion

Just going to point out that's just the space that would be below a luggage cover, i.e. half the cargo area. The E63 wagon's reported cargo capacity is 35cubic feet compared to the GLE's 33, so Merc's wagon actually has more cargo capacity. I'm VERY curious what the ACTUAL cargo capacity of the G99, considering the dimensions below the cargo cover in the E63 is also ~500L I'd imagine it will is VERY close to 33-35cubic feet, counting the space from floor to ceiling and not just floor to cargo cover/top of rear seat.

[arsenal55]

Originally Posted by Carac

Just going to point out that's just the space that would be below a luggage cover, i.e. half the cargo area. The E63 wagon's reported cargo capacity is 35cubic feet compared to the GLE's 33, so Merc's wagon actually has more cargo capacity. I'm VERY curious what the ACTUAL cargo capacity of the G99, considering the dimensions below the cargo cover in the E63 is also ~500L I'd imagine it will is VERY close to 33-35cubic feet, counting the space from floor to ceiling and not just floor to cargo cover/top of rear seat.

Great point. Honestly, if the G99 is comparable to the X5, that's going to be a good sales point I can make towards the wife. Or put differently, if the G99 is ostensibly space-wise just an X5 but lower, I think it would be a fantastic family car. Any idea of where we can get this data?

[subterFUSE]

Looking at the pictures of the G99, I'm not even sure if my German shepherd can fit in the back. She would probably have to ride in the back seat instead of the cargo area.

[arsenal55]

A few reviews have commented about how big the boot is. One loaded it up with a bunch of luggage. Not saying it's a massive space, but if it's comparable to a mid-sized SUV, not bad.

[Crazy1323]

Originally Posted by subterFUSE

Looking at the pictures of the G99, I'm not even sure if my German shepherd can fit in the back. She would probably have to ride in the back seat instead of the cargo area.

You should be fine. My Newfoundland rides in the back of my rs6 and the M5 seems bigger.

[BlkGS]

I have been considering this myself. I have two toddlers and an X5.

The X5 is, in my opinion, too small to be a main family car for two toddlers. You're not gonna fit a fullsize stroller and diaper bag and other essentials in the back without stacking them high. I keep a folding double umbrella stroller in mine and it takes up half the floorspace easily.

But my wife has an expedition, so being the primary family hauler isn't a big issue for me.

My big concern is living with it vs an SUV. The lower roof line, having to drop down to put the kids in car seats, etc. when I've had loaner 3 series, it's been a pain to have to bend over to wrestle the toddlers into their seats. And while it's cool to have a wagon and it's unique and rare... The SUV is probably more practical?

I'm excited to see people start getting theirs so I can figure out how they actually are in the real world, lol.

[Autoaddict]

I had an E91 and we loved it. It was our first family hauler when our first kid was born and it worked perfectly. The utility of it is just fantastic. I, 100%, would get the M5 wagon. We currently have the G80 Comp of which we couldn’t get the wagon. But, if it was available, I would’ve have bought the wagon again even though my kids are older. (Side note, we were in London over the summer and I saw a techno violet M3 wagon and it looked amazing!)

I just love the utility of it when you open the back. Not a fan of SUV’s. Also, I’m pretty biased, I grew up with wagons. My parents had one, Malibu Classic wagon, and we loved that also.