They didn't take any chances with another Bangle 'masterpiece' and played it safe with a very evolutionary re-design of the current X5. I think it looks much nicer than the Q7 on the outside. The shift lever is hideous, however.<ul><li><a href="http://www.worldcarfans.com/news.cfm/country/gcf/newsID/2060808.004/bmw/new-bmw-x5-unveiled-in-detail">New BMW X5</a></li></ul>

Hopefully this marks the end of that little design excursion. I'm so sick of Van Hoydonk and his designs...

overwrought and busy looking. The Q7 looks like a typical Audi: understated and uncluttered. Notice the Audi influences on the interior design though: the aluminum surrounds on the wood and the rail system in the cargo area.

This bimmer is overstyled, as are all of its siblings as of late, with somewhat feminine overtones. And rather than evolutionary, it seems to be recidivist as it morphs into a somewhat bloated X3. =&gt; "the Q7 rocks"&lt;=
By the way, the Bangle butt surprisingly appears on the new S550 - "a tip of the hat from Dr. Z."

We hired a x3 earlier in the year and what you mention was already in there. Interior was clean and bmw ergo was there - funny and here's me thinking that audi copied bmw of late...

On the rails in the boot they are standard on basic x3's and the q7 its an expensive extra !!!

Comparing the leather in our bmw 3 series leather sport seats to that in the sline / leather sport seats...

No comparison - the bmw beats the q7 big time.. I'd be really disappointed if I spent all that extra on leather on the sline sport seats - and find that cars that are half the price have better finish !!!

I was expecting the same "leather" standard as seen in the audi A8 - but unfortunately what I got wasnt even as good as the A6 - more A3 sort of feel to it !!!

The new X5 means only one thing to Audi they will be programming the Q7 very shortly the X5 will far exceed Q7 sales car is Sweet.

Agreed, the new design, imho, is very nice. Now just wait a yr for them to iron out the bugs and you would have a nice ride. Damn, I would buy it in second in the 2nd of yr of production. That's one sweet ride....

I'm rapidly outgrowing the allroad and as much as I don't want an SUV, I really need the 7 seats. I'd go for the Q7, but it's just so big, and my wife would be the primary driver, and let's just say, big is not good. I do like the new X5, but I think it will be pricey for what it is, and, I'm concerned about first year quality. Does anyone think this is a real issue? The new XC90 3.2 looks good on paper, but I have yet to drive it and I've got a hunch it will be nowhere near as satisfying as the BMW or Audi. Anyone drive all 3?