I just don't understand the draw of SUVs. 99.8% of the people that own one will never see the grassy side of the curb, so why do they need a car that sits 6" higher and gets 6mpg less? Why not just buy a wagon and be done with it? The BMW (and Audi) wagons are hot, and if I was looking to put down that kind of money on a new car, they would be on my short list (and even higher on the list if they offered a 335 version). I don't even have a family/kids, but I would sport a wagon just for its extra convenience and utility. I mean, seriously, what does the average commuter get out of driving an X1 that you couldn't get out of a 1-series hatch? What about X3 vs 3-series wagon?

 

You actually thought those were pre-pro body panels?

 

this may sell, but the X3 sales are a joke these days

 

Personally, I'll take a car or wagon every time over an SUV. Heck, I like the idea of the six-passenger Mazda5 a LOT. I just wish it wasn't such a stark vehicle. Honda needs to bring the Stream over here...

My wife, however, prefers something taller. She drives an Accord right now but wants a CR-V (or FX35, RDX or RX350 or something similar) because she likes the slightly higher seating position and the better view it gives without really detracting from how it drives. She's not a fan of big SUVs, though.

 

Yes, I am aware that it is in camou, but the overall shape and proportions do not look appealing whatsoever. It has that Dodge Caliber, Jeep Compass feel to it. In short, car doesn't look promising, but we;ll see how it looks when the camou comes off. I'm sure the car will be a performer, but based on the looks alone so far, I'll pass.

 

That seems to be a common theme amongst women. I guess they get frustrated with not being able to see over things during their daily lives, so they want to compensate by sitting higher in their SUVs. One of my female friends (who happens to be 5'0" tall) bought her SUV for the exact same reason. I don't really know why it makes any difference, even with the higher seating position she doesn't look any farther ahead, so it really defeats the purpose.

 

Well, the higher seating position is also more comfortable. I've never driven a more compfortable long distance cruiser than our FXs. The higher seating position is just more natural than sitting closer to the floor. And, wagons are small. The 328i/A4 are pretty small vehicles, and the 528i/535i/E350/A6 are pretty damn expensive. I'd love a 535i or E350 wagon but won't spend $60+K for one. If you are looking for more utility than a sedan offers and do not want a minivan, an SUV is probably the best bet for a reasonable amount of $$$. Different strokes, I guess.

 

I agree. When I borrow my brothers Ridgeline I looove sitting up high. I feel as if everyone should get out of my way. I can see much better when pulling out of corners too.

Heres another example:

I'm travelling at 55mph behind a car in the far right lane on a 3-laned roadway. He jumps out of the right lane into the middle. I was maybe a FOOT away from plowing a man on a motorcycle pulling into a gas station. If I was in a truck/SUV I would have noticed a motorbike travelling ahead.

 

We all know what camo is. In this case it appears to be covering up even more ugly. Seriously, this is not a good shape... sort of a BMW version of a Jeep Patriot by the looks of it, it's quite car-like.

 

Is this why so many people driving trucks/suv/etc happen to be so agressive and dicks?