 After years of traveling to Europe on business and having Mercs and BMWs as rental cars I finally bought one for my daily drive.  I absolutely love my X5.  I test drove the 4.8 and 3.0 and came to the conclusion the 4.8 was well worth the loss in gas mileage.  At 5'7 getting in and out is a bit difficult, the vehicle is exactly the wrong height for me, and the running boards get in the way more than they help.  The power and performance is fantastic, this vehicle corners better than my Acura TL.  The throttle response can be a little quirky at times.  Having the CD changer in the glove box takes up room and is a clunky location.  The plastic on the fold down tail gate scratches too easily.