THESE ARE THE big diesels, the guns at the top of the luxury SUV game, both leaving little change from a million rand once all specced to perfection. And what great cars they are in terms of looks, as showcases for engine and safety technology, and indeed for sheer motoring opulence. How would one begin to choose?
Mid-size SUV bodies are large, adding to the premium status. The X5 is more understated, with harder lines and more sporty intent. The recent mid-life facelift has done little to change the familiar, purposeful silhouette. The second-generation Touareg, also just released, appears larger next to the pared-away metal of the BMW, with rounder curves, a larger rear end and deep side panels which emphasise the higher shoulder line and smaller glass house. The V8 Touareg’s standard bi-xenon headlights and L-pattern taillights are striking jewels that help mark the car’s Volkswagen DNA. The X5, particularly in this understated charcoal blue, merges with the car park, even if on its own it cuts a bold figure.
On top, inside
Interiors again echo the premium positioning with the best materials, superb fit and finish, the rich aroma of leather-clad surfaces and loads of space. The BMW is arguably the more dated looking, despite all the high-tech items including the head-up display (R24 800 option), with the curving upper dash portion all too familiar, the iDrive screen smaller (though with excellent resolution) and the switchgear and ergonomic links between actions now well established. It is uncluttered in a very appealing way, combining most setting play into the iDrive system. The Active Cruise Control system on this model (R17 200) works a treat, keeping a set following distance in traffic, while the optional satnav system (R21 300) is superb. It all feels super solid, strong, built to last, though the enduring dark tones in our test car are all a little sombre too. More extrovert trim speccing will sort that out right away, with lighter leather and brighter dash inserts a quick fix for lifting the tone. Rear legroom is excellent, boot space large and mostly useable, though the rear seats seem a fraction thin – more utilitarian than the luxury, cosseting front pews.
The more chrome, blingy, wood-toned Touareg interior, with its varied texture and colour palette, is certainly upmarket, though perhaps overly American. Specification on this car is very high, including an auto opening tailgate, electric seats with memory function, park distance control and a neat keyless entry system. Button interaction is excellent, the optional 8-inch RNS-850 touchscreen satnav interface (R28 290) and allied switchgear a pleasure to use and mostly instantly familiar – Audi stalks, Golf-like satellite steering controls. It’s easy to get familiar, and comfortable. Seats are opulent in the best tradition, rear legroom generous (the bench is on sliders), the standard toy count hugely impressive in this upper level flagship. Build quality might not be quite on par: a switch cluster working the retractable towbar (R8 090 option) and electric rear seat stowing functions pushed out of position after a few actuations, and the plastic on the driver’s side door card was showing more scuff signs more than it should, this on a car with less than 5000km on the odo.
All fired up
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Oooo
....I love the styling and comfort of the Bmw but the Vw seems best option...
Even if u a millionaire still won't help with the cost of living
VW cheaper to run
The VW will be cheaper to run, and has marginal better off-road performance, but I think both these cars are for European winter roads not for African off-road.
But I suppose the BMW has more prestige than the Volkswagen
Too funny
Most of the people who drive these 'SUVs' dont leave Sandton, let alone take them off-road
Paying a 1mm rand to buy a big, petrol/diesel guzzling heavy vehicle that doesn't fit in parking spots is a bit of a head scratcher.
Maybe you could print up a bunch of shirts that say 'I am #1' and save yourself some money...
Laughing at you and your insecurities...
BMW vs VW in SUV Battle
I am sure each of the cars has their own strengths. I drive a VW but recognise that BMW has the "badge." But in today's world where all major comapnies have equal access to technology, references to "badge" don't mean that much anymore. Cars of equivalent power and comfort can be compared and it could happen that the lesse badge is actually on par or even better. But we should not fight about cars as if they are countries or really our companies. let's enjoy them
hahaha you BMW fanatics are
hahaha you BMW fanatics are just as like the Hilux crowd.
Get over yourselves. I owned a 2007 v6 tdi Touareg and it was the best car I ever owned.
Im willing to bet all these BMW comments are from people who own old 90's models or have run to the nearest BMW dealer as soon as they get there 3rd paycheck or car allowance and buy on maximum residual.
Its the egotism that makes me sick.
No doubt BMW's are fine cars, so is VW, each to there own.
BMW V VW TOUAREG
OWNED BOTH BMW BETTER DRIVE ON ROAD TOUAREG BETTER OFF TOUAREG MY CHOICE BETTER ALLROUNDER
No comparrison
Yeah wel, no fine... Neither are good buys. People who do buy these, and there are plenty of them, need something to inflate their egos. Both vehicles are no-good off the road. Bling vehicles for the Sandton crowd to compensate for their bad roads...
You test staff are wasting the readers time! GOYA!! Do your homework and get test vehicles that actually matter! Not the stuff from your closest dealers around the corner!
(GOYA = Get Off Your Arses)
Rather a Cayenne or Lexus LX
Well the BMW is a fine 4x4 but is too critical. The Touareg lacks class and charisma and its style is too brand and common. I would not spend this amount in aTouareg, for God sake!! For this price I rather a Porsche cayenne or Lexus LX. They are both more prestigious, and classy.
Cayenne
I honestly can't think why someone would buy either of these cars... They are pricey, but definitely not classy. I'd much rather buy a Porsche Cayenne!
BM v VW
I am a big BMW and VW fan .
For the VW fanatics - If you have not driven a BMW , shut-up , because you do not know what you are talking about !
Bad comparison!
Bmw X5 versus Porsche Cayenne, Merc ML or GR or Volvo XC is ok but Bmw X5 versus a VW touareg, for God sake... open your eyes staff test!!!! Is the same to compare a leopard with a hen!!!!!!!!!!!!
A CAR IS A CAR A BANG IS ABANG
BMW is a well known Bavarian marque hailed all over the world with competent attractive and reliable cars mainly for executives and people who like and know about cars. VW is an ordinary marque that make poor cars for the masses and people who do not understand about cars and wish a simple mean of transportation.
comparisona
both cars ar mass produced. the bmw thinks it isnt.
the vw knows it is.
the bmw is for execs who dont want to leave the tarmac, the vw knows it can leave the tarmac and have a good time.
which ever one you buy, you will get ripped off with pricing and extra.
i will take the vw thanks.its my choice and will be cheaper to run and will give you less problems.
mass produce
SO, BMW's are not mass produced? Yet you BMW people always refer to BMW outselling all? Hugh?
You also claim Cayenne is mass produced - off the same line?
really?
You must be the first publication out of more than 10 I have read who chose the BMW, in this engine spec. The V8 is MUCH faster, go read some real road tests - you also do not mention the BMW's 0-100? Why?
BMW old brand VW the new trend setters
A man with intellect brains buying power and true love for a beautiful car with settle for the magnificent VW production talking. About a vw being mass produce? Y is there a need for mass producing anything? The need for that is because of the high demand of it so you as one man against a club of 1000's buying the mass produce cars shouldn't have a loud say rather measure you pocket and see y it beats the benchmark of the over priced car with less to offer just saying the peoples car is not wat it was 13 years ago its improved so much so that bmw has made way for the brilliant car
A BMW IS A BMW A VW A MERE VW!
Buddy, I m going to explain you VW brain washed: A BMW is a fine marque of executive cars with fine reputation all over the world!!!!!
A VW is people´s transportation that make mass production common cars for all mortals!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Got the message Buddy?????????????
VW kick ass`
This Touareg out performs,out classes and out prices the X5 on all levels buddy!
Do not compare a BMW with a VW!!
Please do not compare a fine premium marque such sa BMW with a acommon mass production VW!!! Is the same to compare a rat with a horse!
Do not compare a BMW with a VW.
Yes you are right a BMW is a rat compared to a full bread horse. Unfortunately in South Africa if you put a BMW badge on a brig everybody oooo and aaah. I am afraid BMW is busy staying behind. They better wake up.
BMW is a maker of pots and pans
FKING, you cannot fool me. The BMW is clearly not the better vehicle, it could not even beat a humble Polo. Topcar is not even a reputable motoring publication, and you once again choose to spew forth your viscious bile about the crappy BMW's.
Compare BMW with VW
Well, you choice of words is perfect. Compare BMW with VW. Time to wake up old chap. BMW fanaticism is sooo yesterday
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