I have a pretty loaded 2020 X5 M Sport, just hit 4500 miles after over a year. I do love it. I have a ton of options, and then did (as i always do) a lot of customization. I have it tuned to 425 hp, etc. Coded a lot of the items mentions above (start stop is turned off, starts in last drive mode, different start-up screens and cluster images, etc.). Seems all the above evaluations are spot on.

I was thinking of either trading for a new M50i (as my last big V8) or going with V6 Defender and keeping it for about 10 years. I usually only last about 1-1.5 years in any car. And then go either electric or some type of hybrid. I won't feel great about EV until we get to 400miles per charge...but that should happen soon.

X5 is one of my fav cars (out of 70) that I have had for a lot of reasons. The only complaints I have are minimal (1 tiny rattle in sunroof and parking sensor goes off over elevations) and it is a drivers car. The M Adaptive suspension is good, just got off the RF and now in all-season tires - much improved ride quality. Needed AS tires for Seattle, versus Los Angeles.

The Defender would be great for me as I have 3 Dobermans (all rescues) and want to spend more time away from the city. Hence me being here right now instead of the X5 forum. lol.

Luckily I'm in no hurry...so maybe once the shortages are over the Defender will have its issues more worked out. I will say - the right one comes along and it will be in my garage.

 

Almost already has. Rivian R1S will have an optional 400 mile battery. Last week I just gave in and watched a bunch of their videos. It's really a unique truck with a ton of capability and a very outdoor-lifestyle company. My wife ended up getting over the front headlights and ordered one to replace her F-Pace.

This is the closest, if not only, competition that LR should worry about against the Defender.

They're heavily backed by Ford and Amazon and they're going to sell just as fast as they can build.

 

For me, the Rivian is by far the most interesting Defender competitor to follow. I can't understand anything about cross-shopping X5s, Teslas, and Defenders. Rivian has yet to deliver a single vehicle -- I'm sure there will be stories of some spectacular fails when they do -- but I can't wait to see some reviews.

 

First delivery was 16 hours ago. An R1T (which I find sinfully ugly but my feelings are irrelevant).

These people have been waiting 3 years+ so you can understand that big goofy grin on his face.

https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/threads/%F0%9F%A5%87-first-ever-rivian-r1t-customer-delivery-is-complete-not-to-pictured-employee.2137/

 

So what’s behind door number three, Monty?

 

So what’s behind door number three, Monty?

 

It's design is not driven by optimizing its technological function needs -- so it looks purposeless in many areas. Similar to the Tesla's front end -- which appears is missing the radiator cooling opening -- well yes it is, of course. Then why does that flat area on the front end exist? Same thing happened with the first automobiles -- which looked like a carriage without the horse.

Some valid use will emerge for the front bumper's exposed area on a Tesla; and the optimum design structure and all the details of the 21st century electric vehicle will evolve into a standard or two or three. IF the electric vehicle is to become a competitive reality, this must be part of that process.

This optimization has not yet occurred and I am looking forward to seeing it fully underway -- should be interesting!

Enjoy !!

 

How much of it is dictated by EU pedestrian safety standards? This is proposed apparently

And these I think are some of the standards

 

I am waiting on my defender so wanted to hear your outputs and thoughts. Personally cant wait to get it

 

My wife has a 2022 X5 and loves it. I just got a 2022 Defender p300. These are very different SUV's. If you go for a test drive in both you will definitely know which one is right for you. They are that different. Go drive both. She doesn't like mine as she says its a truck, which is what I wanted. An X5 is a higher up car, a sports activity vehicle SAV. When I walk up to the Defender I feel an emotional excitement about how it looks and love the commanding calm smooth way it drive over anything. It has a tank like feel that is similar to a Chevy suburban without the bulk.