Is an X3 in the cards for you? The 2.8 is the 6 cyl (for now) and it's slightly larger than a 3 but not as large as an X5. And, according to the automotive press, it has good handling and performance ... and can be optioned to 5'er levels at a moderate price. Since the X3 resale value is strong, working into a lease may be favorable.

 

Sorry for answering this, even though it wasn't directed to me, but I would totally get an X3 if ONLY it was not so awful up front! They keep intentionally making X3 only 5/8th as good looking as it could - and SHOULD!!! - be, to supposedly lure more people into the X5/X6.

 

IMHO...Anything but the M35 option..... :thumbsdown:

 

Thanks for the replies everyone. So it seems that everyone is liking the new F30? I went to see it and I did like the back seat space, it was much better than before. From the drivers seat it does feel cramped but Im coming from the E60 for the last 6 years. I would look at a CPO car but I am leasing this with my business. I looked at the X3 but it seems like something my wife would drive. Thats probably my last issue to get over. The downgrade from the 5 to the 3 as my wife also had a 328i previously. Will the 335i be manly enough ? lol..

Anyone have options outside of BMW? Audi possibly?

 

Audi A6 is the BMW 5 series equivalent. Mercedes E class is also nice.

If you end up with an Audi, make sure you lease it, so all repairs and maintenance is free, once the lease is over, dump it faster than your daily garbage. LOL

 

audi A6 is really nice....the new A7 is f*cking amazing! too bad it only comes in the V6 option....that thing could really use the 4.2 V8 like back in the previous models....smh

audi is kinda the arch enemy tho...mostly bc MB cant compete w/ the driving experience of a BMW but audi continaully aims to be on par...

 

I don't understand the Infiniti M35/37 bashing. Performance and interior wise its right on par with the 5 series. And its definately A LOT more reliable than bmw, mercedes or audi!

Have you checked out the new Lexus GS350? It looks awesome.

 

+1 The NEW Lexus GS is beautiful, and has an amazing interior

 

I did see the lexus. The front end looks a little transformer to me. How is the engine performance? Didnt they keep the same engine from previous models?

 

Like someone said about Lexus.. it is a dressed up Toyota... nothing wrong with that but be ready for that.. it drives as if it is on marshmallows..
I have had Audis for 10 years before I got the BMW.. I had the A6 with 2.7T engine and that was a blast to drive... the new Audis are not so nice to drive anymore.. The 3.0T is nice but it is a supercharged engine and relatively new.. I went to buy an Audi and after driving the new ones.. I stuck to my old one till I drive the 535.. and I was reformed..