[335dFan]

Dumb questions time:

1. I can't remember...has the diesel engine for the X5 changed since the 2011 model, so that it now has a newer iteration of the 3.0l engine? Assuming the newer models do have slightly different plumbing that the 2011 models, does anyone have any data yet on the emissions system and its long-term effects?

2. Regardless of the answer to #1, what kind of mpg are owners experiencing with the X5D on the highway?

[Got_Diesel]

Yes they did change the engine when they restyled the X5. It's no longer a sequential turbo setup but a single variable vane turbo. It doesn't makes as much power but is a bit more efficient.

check fuelly to see what people are getting real world. I imagine it to be mid 20's.

[joe_planet]

My 2011 gets 22-23 avg mpg. I drive 75% hwy

[335dFan]

Thanks fellas. Been considering what to buy next. Was hoping for about 24 mpg around town and 30 or so on highway trips. Fuelly.com is kinda all over the map, but you can get an idea. On balance, it is lower than what I thought might be, even for the newer models.

[Got_Diesel]

Originally Posted by 335dFan

Thanks fellas. Been considering what to buy next. Was hoping for about 24 mpg around town and 30 or so on highway trips. Fuelly.com is kinda all over the map, but you can get an idea. On balance, it is lower than what I thought might be, even for the newer models.

My Q5 TDI averages 27 combined....

All highway, 31-33.

[335dFan]

Originally Posted by Got_Diesel

My Q5 TDI averages 27 combined....

All highway, 31-33.

The Q5 TDI is a possibility. One of my wagon or SUV criteria is that I could lay down in the back and sleep if the back seats were flat, even if at a slight angle or drawing my legs up a bit. As I shrink into my golden years, I'm about 5'9" tall now.

I like the Q5. How's that vehicle doing so far maintenance-wise and expenses and long term prospects?

[joe_planet]

You might be able to get 24/30 out a straight exhaust x5, but i'm not sure. I'll be doing something like that soon, withing a month or two as the product isn't even out yet. The Q5 is smaller and lighter, so naturally it would have much better fuel economy figures.

[BB_cuda]

Good point Joe. Q5 is on the A4 platform whereas X5 is a dedicated SUV type chassis/build.

[Got_Diesel]

Originally Posted by 335dFan

The Q5 TDI is a possibility. One of my wagon or SUV criteria is that I could lay down in the back and sleep if the back seats were flat, even if at a slight angle or drawing my legs up a bit. As I shrink into my golden years, I'm about 5'9" tall now.

I like the Q5. How's that vehicle doing so far maintenance-wise and expenses and long term prospects?

14k miles on mine and no issues, I've had a 2009 3.2 and a 2012 2.0t and now very happy with the TDI. No issues with any of them, excellent build quality. A very formidable vehicle.

Originally Posted by BB_cuda

Good point Joe. Q5 is on the A4 platform whereas X5 is a dedicated SUV type chassis/build.

Actually I believe the Q5 is built off a modified A5 platform. Let me google now

So the MLB Platform was developed by Audi and first introduced on in 2007 on the Audi A5 then, chronologically, on the Audi A4, Audi Q5, Audi A8, Audi A7, Audi A6, Porsche Macan and the second generation Audi Q7 (MLB 2). As of 2015, only Audi and Porsche are using the MLB platform.

[BB_cuda]

Thanks Got_Diesel. My point was it's built on a car platform vs truck like platform (though some SUV chassis are unibody as well).