SUV or Estate

kaishang · 11-30-2010, 03:54 PM

For anyone with kids or a frequent need to transport a lot of junk around: what is more useful, an estate like a 5-series touring or an SUV like an X3/X5?

Which is more fun to drive?

russtic · 11-30-2010, 03:58 PM

Very different beasts - test drive?

dxb335d · 11-30-2010, 04:13 PM

I had the same dilema!!!

I bought a EstUV!!

Em135eye · 11-30-2010, 04:48 PM

We have both - sort of.

E91 335d (Touring)
110 Land Rover Defender XS.

Both have plenty of space, one is pretty quick and handles well, the other is very good off road!

A decent 5 series (530d or above if diesel, 530i or above if petrol) would probably be more "fun" overall - and probably has the biggest boot.

rogerxp · 11-30-2010, 05:17 PM

I changed from an E90 to an X3 so some kind of experience but not regarding an estate.

The extra space is obviously a huge plus point. Just being able to launch virtually everything you need into the boot is great. No need to think in advance about what your wife is packing but suppose that's no different with an estate.

By all accounts an E91 drives virtually identically to an E90 so you should already have a good idea what that's like. I wouldn't personally put an X3 into the 'sporty' camp. Ours is an M Sport on 19s which firms everything up (too much in my opinion) but I tend to loose my bottle way before the car would; being high up makes you worry about tipping the damn thing over even though you'd have to be trying damn hard I'd imagine to do that. You can cover ground very quickly in an X3 but there's no hiding it's weight & height. I tend to drive it completely differently to my car so I wouldn't personally focus on the 'family wagon' being too sporty - in hindsight I'd go for comfort & economy.

Try an X3 but don't think there is too much between it and an E91.

willhollin · 11-30-2010, 05:21 PM

Sprinter van.

davyk31 · 12-01-2010, 02:49 AM

We have had an E91 as a family car, then an X3, then an E53 X5 and now an E70 X5. Before the E91 we had a couple of Honda CRVs.

The E91 only lasted about 6 months for family use then we got the X3 for wife and kids and the E91 became my daily driver. Depends a lot on what age the kids are, if you are lifting them in and out of car seats then the SUV route is so much easier as they are on a level so you are just really setting them in rather than leaning down into a car and lifting them back out. May sound a bit simple but really on a daily basis the SUV is so much easier.
Also boot space is an issue, E91 does noot have a big boot and once you start loading in buggies or bikes you can forget about anything else. With an SUV you don't even think about it, you know the boot will swallow it all.

Think my succession of cars really gives my reply, one car for a short time in between 5 SUVs. For us its the answer and driving experience with any decent SUV is not that much of a compromise. My new X5 has the adaptive drive option fitted, £2500 option that I would never spec if buying new but the car was used and its great, in normal mode its very comfortable and hit the sport button if you want to firm things up.

kaishang · 12-01-2010, 03:20 AM

Mmm, there is one newborn and if I have my way there will be another scheduled for about a year from now. I like to do driving holidays.

There seems to be so much baby stuff to go away for a few days: travel cot, pram, steraliser etc etc plus luggage for two people. It all fits inside an E90 saloon but it requires careful packing. I think long trips could all go out the window if another baby comes along.

If I go the estate route, I try a F11 5-series and really make sure there is a big increase in space over an E90 saloon. I did a text drive of an X5 in about 2006 and thought a 3-series, the 325i I eventually bought instead was a lot more fun to drive. So if an estate drives similar to a saloon I'd like that to work. OTOH maybe I should just accept I'll be in SUV land for the next 20 years...

Changing car is a little way off though. First I need to upsize the flat

rogerxp · 12-01-2010, 05:39 AM

Yeah, with one, you can easily get away with an estate. I just filled the boot (in my E90) and stuck the suitcases/bags onto the back seat, next to the little one, with the seatbelt round them to secure them. Also, put half the back seat down (I had split/fold seats) which made life easy.

With two I'd imagine you'd struggle. That said, plenty of people get by OK, it's just that I'm now spoilt with the space in the X3, you'd just need a little more planning that's all.

kaishang · 12-01-2010, 05:47 AM

Is an X3/any SUV actually bigger inside than an estate? I can see they are higher up off the ground but is the load volume actually different? I thought estates (esp 5-series) were actually longer=bigger load area than an SUV?

kowalski · 12-02-2010, 01:37 AM

Had hands on experience with both an X3 and an e91.

If the way they drive is a priority don;t even look at the X3 (the old one at least). As for space, I have 2 kids and a golden retriever and it's impossible to fit all they require in either the X3 or the e91. As soon as a buggy goes in there is really no space for the dog.

Since you don't have a dog though, I'd say the X3 gives the impression of a much larger load area primarily due to height. As long as you don't mind pulling up the cargo net in the e91 and having all your things showing, it;s a matter of personal preference. Otherwise, the X3 wins for space.

rogerxp · 12-02-2010, 04:17 AM

The load capacity of the old shape X3 is 480/1560 litres.
(just found)
New X3 - 550/1600 litres
X5 - 620/1750 litres
E91 - 460/1385 litres
New 5 Touring - 560/1670 litres
New 5 Saloon - 520/???? litres

Struggling to find the figures for the new X3, E91 & 5 Series...

...can only seem to be able to digitally download the price list; the brochure has to be posted which seems stupid. The figures aren't in the 'facts & figures' section either

.

the_rangdo · 12-02-2010, 04:28 AM

E91 460/1385

Bungle009 · 12-02-2010, 04:55 AM

F10 saloon 520 litres.

kaishang · 12-02-2010, 05:08 AM

Anyone know how much volume the F11 estate is?

rogerxp · 12-02-2010, 05:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rogerxp

New 5 Touring - 560/1670 litres

See above mate...

kaishang · 12-02-2010, 05:55 AM

Oops, thanks

Cafe.Racer · 12-02-2010, 06:29 AM

I've never had an SUV - but whenever I've looked at them compared to various "Sport Tourers" and Estates I've had, the extra height of the boot floor must be an issue with loading/unloading?

One of the biggest things with kids is the pushchair - if you can get it in the boot lengthwise it's significantly easier than across the boot.

Also, the volume of stuff associated with kids is best seen to be beleived - you're asking the right questions though. Definitely go big.

I would've thought F11 Touring, TBH.

wayne71 · 12-02-2010, 03:14 PM

Get an M5, with a roofbox

E902717 · 12-02-2010, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wayne71

Get an M5, with a roofbox

M5 estate

MB London · 12-02-2010, 03:29 PM

I would love an X5

F31-340i · 12-02-2010, 03:45 PM

I've had several X5s and currently have an E91.

I'm currently thinking of swapping it for a 7 seat X5 - principally for the extra seats & space.

X5s are surprisingly good to drive. Its not the same handling as a lower sitting 3/5 series of course - but a great drive nevertheless. Try one.

11-30-2010, 03:54 PM	#1
kaishang Colonel 54 Rep 2,197 Posts Drives: 2010 E90 330d Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: London iTrader: (0)	SUV or Estate For anyone with kids or a frequent need to transport a lot of junk around: what is more useful, an estate like a 5-series touring or an SUV like an X3/X5? Which is more fun to drive? Last edited by kaishang; 11-30-2010 at 04:10 PM..
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11-30-2010, 03:58 PM	#2
russtic Second Lieutenant 47 Rep 292 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Kent iTrader: (0)	Very different beasts - test drive?
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11-30-2010, 04:13 PM	#3
dxb335d The Tarmac Terrorist 949 Rep 29,345 Posts Drives: 997.2 GT3 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: ''Fandango Towers'' iTrader: (3) Garage List 2010 Porsche 997.2 GT3 [9.50] 2003 BMW E46 M3 [6.00] 2007 BMW E92 335D [5.50]	I had the same dilema!!! I bought a EstUV!! __________________ 997.2 GT3
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11-30-2010, 04:48 PM	#4
Em135eye Banned 175 Rep 4,302 Posts Drives: M135i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: South West iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW M135i 5 door [0.00]	We have both - sort of. E91 335d (Touring) 110 Land Rover Defender XS. Both have plenty of space, one is pretty quick and handles well, the other is very good off road! A decent 5 series (530d or above if diesel, 530i or above if petrol) would probably be more "fun" overall - and probably has the biggest boot.
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11-30-2010, 05:17 PM	#5
rogerxp Major General 165 Rep 5,950 Posts Drives: M3 Comp Pack / QQ+2 Tekna Join Date: May 2008 Location: Stockport, Cheshire iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 350Z GT Roadster [2.00] 2004 Honda S2000 [0.00] 2005 Nissan 350Z GT ... [0.00] 2006 E92 BMW 335i SE [9.00] 2003 Maserati 4200 [6.00] 2006 E90 330d M Sport [0.00]	I changed from an E90 to an X3 so some kind of experience but not regarding an estate. The extra space is obviously a huge plus point. Just being able to launch virtually everything you need into the boot is great. No need to think in advance about what your wife is packing but suppose that's no different with an estate. By all accounts an E91 drives virtually identically to an E90 so you should already have a good idea what that's like. I wouldn't personally put an X3 into the 'sporty' camp. Ours is an M Sport on 19s which firms everything up (too much in my opinion) but I tend to loose my bottle way before the car would; being high up makes you worry about tipping the damn thing over even though you'd have to be trying damn hard I'd imagine to do that. You can cover ground very quickly in an X3 but there's no hiding it's weight & height. I tend to drive it completely differently to my car so I wouldn't personally focus on the 'family wagon' being too sporty - in hindsight I'd go for comfort & economy. Try an X3 but don't think there is too much between it and an E91. __________________ Current -: MW E92 M3 Competition Pack / Qashqai+2 Tekna 1.6dci Gone -: 370Z GT Roadster; BMW X3 3.0d xdrive M Sport; E46 330i M Sport Coupe; Mazda RX8 231; Nissan 350Z GT Roadster; BMW E90 330d M Sport; BMW E92 335i SE; Maserati 4200; Nissan 350Z; Honda S2000; Astra Coupe Turbo; Ford Probe
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11-30-2010, 05:21 PM	#6
willhollin Major General 268 Rep 9,915 Posts Drives: VW T5 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Worcestershire iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 BMW E92 330d SE [10.00] 2010 Transporter T5 ... [0.00]	Sprinter van. __________________
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12-01-2010, 02:49 AM	#7
davyk31 Major General 1042 Rep 6,946 Posts Drives: Macan GTS :-) & F40 M135i Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Northern Ireland iTrader: (0)	We have had an E91 as a family car, then an X3, then an E53 X5 and now an E70 X5. Before the E91 we had a couple of Honda CRVs. The E91 only lasted about 6 months for family use then we got the X3 for wife and kids and the E91 became my daily driver. Depends a lot on what age the kids are, if you are lifting them in and out of car seats then the SUV route is so much easier as they are on a level so you are just really setting them in rather than leaning down into a car and lifting them back out. May sound a bit simple but really on a daily basis the SUV is so much easier. Also boot space is an issue, E91 does noot have a big boot and once you start loading in buggies or bikes you can forget about anything else. With an SUV you don't even think about it, you know the boot will swallow it all. Think my succession of cars really gives my reply, one car for a short time in between 5 SUVs. For us its the answer and driving experience with any decent SUV is not that much of a compromise. My new X5 has the adaptive drive option fitted, £2500 option that I would never spec if buying new but the car was used and its great, in normal mode its very comfortable and hit the sport button if you want to firm things up.
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12-01-2010, 03:20 AM	#8
kaishang Colonel 54 Rep 2,197 Posts Drives: 2010 E90 330d Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: London iTrader: (0)	Mmm, there is one newborn and if I have my way there will be another scheduled for about a year from now. I like to do driving holidays. There seems to be so much baby stuff to go away for a few days: travel cot, pram, steraliser etc etc plus luggage for two people. It all fits inside an E90 saloon but it requires careful packing. I think long trips could all go out the window if another baby comes along. If I go the estate route, I try a F11 5-series and really make sure there is a big increase in space over an E90 saloon. I did a text drive of an X5 in about 2006 and thought a 3-series, the 325i I eventually bought instead was a lot more fun to drive. So if an estate drives similar to a saloon I'd like that to work. OTOH maybe I should just accept I'll be in SUV land for the next 20 years... Changing car is a little way off though. First I need to upsize the flat
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12-01-2010, 05:39 AM	#9
rogerxp Major General 165 Rep 5,950 Posts Drives: M3 Comp Pack / QQ+2 Tekna Join Date: May 2008 Location: Stockport, Cheshire iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 350Z GT Roadster [2.00] 2004 Honda S2000 [0.00] 2005 Nissan 350Z GT ... [0.00] 2006 E92 BMW 335i SE [9.00] 2003 Maserati 4200 [6.00] 2006 E90 330d M Sport [0.00]	Yeah, with one, you can easily get away with an estate. I just filled the boot (in my E90) and stuck the suitcases/bags onto the back seat, next to the little one, with the seatbelt round them to secure them. Also, put half the back seat down (I had split/fold seats) which made life easy. With two I'd imagine you'd struggle. That said, plenty of people get by OK, it's just that I'm now spoilt with the space in the X3, you'd just need a little more planning that's all. __________________ Current -: MW E92 M3 Competition Pack / Qashqai+2 Tekna 1.6dci Gone -: 370Z GT Roadster; BMW X3 3.0d xdrive M Sport; E46 330i M Sport Coupe; Mazda RX8 231; Nissan 350Z GT Roadster; BMW E90 330d M Sport; BMW E92 335i SE; Maserati 4200; Nissan 350Z; Honda S2000; Astra Coupe Turbo; Ford Probe
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12-01-2010, 05:47 AM	#10
kaishang Colonel 54 Rep 2,197 Posts Drives: 2010 E90 330d Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: London iTrader: (0)	Is an X3/any SUV actually bigger inside than an estate? I can see they are higher up off the ground but is the load volume actually different? I thought estates (esp 5-series) were actually longer=bigger load area than an SUV?
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12-02-2010, 01:37 AM	#11
kowalski Enlisted Member 1 Rep 43 Posts Drives: BMW E91 320D Auto (2006) Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Cyprus iTrader: (0)	Had hands on experience with both an X3 and an e91. If the way they drive is a priority don;t even look at the X3 (the old one at least). As for space, I have 2 kids and a golden retriever and it's impossible to fit all they require in either the X3 or the e91. As soon as a buggy goes in there is really no space for the dog. Since you don't have a dog though, I'd say the X3 gives the impression of a much larger load area primarily due to height. As long as you don't mind pulling up the cargo net in the e91 and having all your things showing, it;s a matter of personal preference. Otherwise, the X3 wins for space.
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12-02-2010, 04:17 AM	#12
rogerxp Major General 165 Rep 5,950 Posts Drives: M3 Comp Pack / QQ+2 Tekna Join Date: May 2008 Location: Stockport, Cheshire iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 350Z GT Roadster [2.00] 2004 Honda S2000 [0.00] 2005 Nissan 350Z GT ... [0.00] 2006 E92 BMW 335i SE [9.00] 2003 Maserati 4200 [6.00] 2006 E90 330d M Sport [0.00]	The load capacity of the old shape X3 is 480/1560 litres. (just found) New X3 - 550/1600 litres X5 - 620/1750 litres E91 - 460/1385 litres New 5 Touring - 560/1670 litres New 5 Saloon - 520/???? litres Struggling to find the figures for the new X3, E91 & 5 Series... ...can only seem to be able to digitally download the price list; the brochure has to be posted which seems stupid. The figures aren't in the 'facts & figures' section either . __________________ Current -: MW E92 M3 Competition Pack / Qashqai+2 Tekna 1.6dci Gone -: 370Z GT Roadster; BMW X3 3.0d xdrive M Sport; E46 330i M Sport Coupe; Mazda RX8 231; Nissan 350Z GT Roadster; BMW E90 330d M Sport; BMW E92 335i SE; Maserati 4200; Nissan 350Z; Honda S2000; Astra Coupe Turbo; Ford Probe Last edited by rogerxp; 12-02-2010 at 05:07 AM..
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12-02-2010, 04:28 AM	#13
the_rangdo First Lieutenant 18 Rep 339 Posts Drives: 528i F11 (2015) Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Rochdale iTrader: (0)	E91 460/1385
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12-02-2010, 04:55 AM	#14
Bungle009 Lieutenant 10 Rep 579 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Alton iTrader: (0)	F10 saloon 520 litres.
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12-02-2010, 05:08 AM	#15
kaishang Colonel 54 Rep 2,197 Posts Drives: 2010 E90 330d Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: London iTrader: (0)	Anyone know how much volume the F11 estate is?
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12-02-2010, 05:55 AM	#17
kaishang Colonel 54 Rep 2,197 Posts Drives: 2010 E90 330d Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: London iTrader: (0)	Oops, thanks
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12-02-2010, 06:29 AM	#18
Cafe.Racer Captain 27 Rep 896 Posts Drives: 320d Touring Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Nottingham, UK iTrader: (1)	I've never had an SUV - but whenever I've looked at them compared to various "Sport Tourers" and Estates I've had, the extra height of the boot floor must be an issue with loading/unloading? One of the biggest things with kids is the pushchair - if you can get it in the boot lengthwise it's significantly easier than across the boot. Also, the volume of stuff associated with kids is best seen to be beleived - you're asking the right questions though. Definitely go big. I would've thought F11 Touring, TBH. __________________ Phil
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12-02-2010, 03:14 PM	#19
wayne71 First Lieutenant 15 Rep 382 Posts Drives: 335d Join Date: May 2009 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Get an M5, with a roofbox
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12-02-2010, 03:29 PM	#21
MB London Come as you are 136 Rep 1,404 Posts Drives: M4 SSll Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: London iTrader: (0)	I would love an X5
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12-02-2010, 03:45 PM	#22
F31-340i Colonel 156 Rep 2,475 Posts Drives: BMW 340i Touring Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: ... iTrader: (1)	I've had several X5s and currently have an E91. I'm currently thinking of swapping it for a 7 seat X5 - principally for the extra seats & space. X5s are surprisingly good to drive. Its not the same handling as a lower sitting 3/5 series of course - but a great drive nevertheless. Try one.
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