Value is an opinion and there are no wrong opinions. I think the steering feel of a CX-90 is better than the X5. But the B58 motor and 8sp ZF transmission completely destroys the Mazda. I am an analog guage and control guy. Based on our experience with the new iDrive8 LCI platform of the 2024 X5 when I buy the M340i it will either be a new LCI or a used pre LCI 2023.Given that an X5 comparably equipped to top of line CX-70 is over $15,000 more (around $62,000 vs. around $77,000) it damn well better not involve any “settling”! And yet it does involve settling for the extra money-inferior space, inferior safety performance, and BMW has this obsession with getting rid of almost all physical controls in the interior. And what is that stupid little nub instead of a shifter?!?! Fortunately, Mazda hasn’t given in to that stupidity. The beloved BMW of old is long gone! Fail!
It took my wife less than 30s to feel the difference between the BMW and all the Japanese brands. Her words were "it is my favorite; it feels like more car. Of course, it is the most expensive one we have driven." I am not settling for anything with the X5. I am getting a more pleasant to drive, more functional interior volume and better overall vehicle, but am paying more money for it. She is a woman not affraid to put the hammer down. Wait till I show her launch control.