Just picked up the CX-9 this afternoon.
Here's a short impression coming from BMW 340i RWD M Sport.
Everything is as expected from my research and a long list below.
Overall we love the car. It feels more luxury for what it costs and compared to its competitors. I drove friend's Honda Pilot, MDX, QX70 and other family cars like Sienna. Rentals like Yukon XL and other American family trucks. I think the CX-9 has great value and best blend of everything. Modern dashboard design and luxury material in good price. A big family hauler with usable 3rd row seat that doesn't drive like a tank or a boat. Sharp looking exterior and interior. Good reliability history.
Let me know what you guys think.
Here's a short impression coming from BMW 340i RWD M Sport.
Everything is as expected from my research and a long list below.
- Drives well for its size.
- 310lb-ft torque moves the car like a sedan off the line.
- Steering not as direct / doesn't feel as good as the BMW. (and people had been complaining the BMW F30 steering.)
- Heated steering wheel heated up quick. Doesn't heat up the whole steering. Heated seat take longer to heat the back of my butt.
- The cameras are bad. My 340i had the low res camera system from 2012. But the CX9 is another level bad but still useable. Front camera is worst of all. The new gen camera system from BMW x3, X5 or 5/7 series is best in class.
- Still figuring a way to adjust the seat and mirrors for both myself and my wife to find a sweet spot for the side mirrors. Why isn't there memory mirrors when the thing is all powered?
- My head doesn't bump the hatch. I'm 5'8".
- The Signature leather is soft and nice but I think they could use better skilled stitching workers/machines.
- My first drive I used both Google maps on my phone and the built-in NAV with avoid toll setting in NJ. They gave me different routes with Google had faster route. I don't have great confident in the built-in NAV. I find myself trust Google maps a lot more.
- Didn't have the cable with me to test out Android Auto.
- I like the safety features like blind spot, lane departure, etc.
- Suspension is nice. not too firm or too soft.
- Auto folding mirror is niceeeee to have. I ALWAYS fold my mirrors on the BMW and I had to push a button manually.
- Comes with Falken tires. I'm aware of the vibration issue that some people are having but I think mine is smooth.
- Bought the OEM crossbar from ebay with the 15% coupon. Gonna put a cargo box on it for trips.
- Bought the Aluminum Pedal covers from Amazon. Going to put them on soon.
- 2nd row seats has shorter seats than my 340i. There are less thigh support. (comment from wife)
- Wife loved the built-in rear sun shade. ($500 option on the BMW)
Overall we love the car. It feels more luxury for what it costs and compared to its competitors. I drove friend's Honda Pilot, MDX, QX70 and other family cars like Sienna. Rentals like Yukon XL and other American family trucks. I think the CX-9 has great value and best blend of everything. Modern dashboard design and luxury material in good price. A big family hauler with usable 3rd row seat that doesn't drive like a tank or a boat. Sharp looking exterior and interior. Good reliability history.
Let me know what you guys think.
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