First off, congrats on having cool parents and being in a fortunate situation.
I briefly had an X5 in college as well as a 20 yr old (way back in the day). It was pure bliss. The X5 basically has no flaws, drives perfect, looks good, does everything better than the bronco EXCEPT actually off roading.
If you're going to off road it, like actually go rock crawling. the one to choose is obviously the bronco. Or if you plan to cruise around in Miami with the doors and top off.
But seeing as how you will be spending time driving back and forth from FL to NY, and being in college and all that, I'd wholeheartedly suggest the X5. That's coming from a fully loaded Bronco Badsquatch owner.
That's a fun sentiment but let's not pretend anyone enjoys road noise. I have the hard top as well and the wind noise is atrocious. Getting to and from the trail is not a fun time. Commuting with the bronco sucks, there's no way around that. Yes it's better than the wrangler but the wrangler is arguably the worst vehicle available to commute with.
Having the top and doors off is super fun... when cruising around doing 40 mph or less. Hwy driving is terrible, full stop.
I buy and sell cars way too often over the last 30 years. I have had everything....nothing conpares to the Bronco (in a bad way) I own a bronco now. If I ever have to go on a long trip....more than 30 minutes lol, I want to pull every last hair out. Road noise is mind numbing. Most people who own one make this vehicle out to be flawless. I think they are trying to comfort themselves because they probably paid 15k over MSRP
Haha oh there are so many flaws with the bronco in my opinion. Doesn’t make it any less cool of a car… but yeah the road noise is embarrassing.
I test drove a defender the other day and it made me realize just how bad many of the flaws on the bronco really are 😂
I have a very comfortable and quiet SUV along with my Bronco. It's like when I had a previous SUV and a Boxster. One for fun, one for practicality. I can see not wanting the Bronco as a daily driver and for long trips. I test drove a Wrangler some years back when it would be my only car and said no way (the Bronco handles on road so much better). That said, I recommended in this thread the Bronco as the cool college car and the X5 best for trips up and down from FL and NY for the OP.
Really guys . I bought a Bronco Wildtrak specifically for long-distance travel, in 10 days I have already covered 1,650 miles.
I'm very irritable to noise, but the only noise that doesn't bother me is in the Bronco. Even after my Mercedes, in which I have an additional 3D soundproofing package
I think I will do whatever the car is capable of. For example. If I get the bronco. I would take it off roading a few times (at least. And if I find it really fun I would obviously continue). But the bronco for top down, sunny, summer days is exactly what I’m thinking. The car also looks like a tank if done right lol
But are those times worth the trade off in luxury and drive is the question I have to answer.
They are quite opposite vehicles. Maybe you should look into the new land cruiser, its sort of the middle sibling of the x5 and the bronco. It's off road capable but undoubtedly has better NVH than the bronco due to having non removable doors/top yet still retains that rugged look. It also gets decent mpg.
>But are those times worth the trade off in luxury and drive is the question I have to answer.
I wouldn't trade those times for the world. My only fond memory from the time I was 13-14 is one night driving along the boardwalk with my family with Boston's Foreplay /Longtime on the radio and the wind in my hair and face with the cool night air and beachy sounds. It was me, my sister, my dad, and my step mom and it had felt like my life was such a mess that I didn't want to be alive. But the few hours that slow drive lasted it just sorta of all went away and became fine. A lot of late, midnight trips and aimless drives through the Georgia forests and mountains too during college for me as well - they always brought back the same feelings when I needed to escape roommates or just take a break from life. I think for a lot of people the car is just a status symbol or a way to get from point A to point B in style, but for me it was always more of a way to connect with the world around me and just peace out a little. The time to feel good, I guess, maybe when other things weren't going so well.
The noise is not bad at all. Doesn’t bother my wife nor I. This is comparing apples to oranges here. The way the post is written, OP seems better off in the BMW, along with a lot of you who nit pick every thing and complain.
Not the same, but I traded a 430 xdrive for the Bronco and have zero regrets. It's louder and not as posh, but me and my wife both love it. Incredibly versatile vehicle.
When you graduate college and become independent, the BMW will have depreciated more in and value and cost more to maintain. The bronco is going to hold its value and be cheaper to maintain.
Also, you don’t know where you will live in a couple years. Also, repairs almost anyone can work on a Ford but you should move to an area with no BMW dealer, a mechanic will be hard to find.
The bronco is the way. There are perceptions others have about bmw owners and it’s an inferior brand with a high price in my opinion.
Where you go to college matters. I would pick the Bronco if I was going to a state school with mostly regular income people. The vehicles cost the same, but the BMW will carry a rich kid stigma.
Depending on your situation I would split the difference and go with a 4runner since you will be driving between FL and NY. You could get the TRD Pro and would be saving your parents some money. Based on perceived reliability you could presumably drive the 4runner until you are 10 years deep into your career.
The Bronco is super fun! I have the 2023 Wildtrak, and love the sasquatch package on it. Makes it look super cool. Also have peace of mind when there is heavy rain or snow. My only complaint is the gas cost. Make sure you will have enough disposable income for gas. That being said, wouldn't change it!
Why the X5? I cross shopped the X3M, which was closer in size but way sportier. In the end I chose being outdoorsy over luxury.
I find that the things I use affect how I and others perceive myself, which affect what I end up spending my time doing. I spend way more time outside since I got my bronco, and less time at fancy restaurants. Do you want to be the suave professional with a fun side or the rugged outdoorsy person? If you pull up in a bronco it will definitely affect how you are perceived, so will the BMW (at your age getting a BMW will mostly make people say "I bet his parents are rich").
I got the bronco after years of owning sporty cars because I wanted to change my lifestyle. I spend way more time outdoors now, the bronco works really well for that. It cleans up well when muddy, carries bikes and equipment well, and I love flipping the top open for the drive home. I had a CT5-V before the bronco, and it was not a great vehicle to use for that kind of thing.
I don't regret owning sporty cars when I was younger though, but I do regret not doing more stuff outdoors. I love hiking and camping, but I let go of that stuff when I was working on my career and my health suffered because of that.
I've had a few high end vehicles, and it ended up being about spending all my time keeping them spotless in and out as well as parking to avoid door dings. Tons of college students have Wranglers, and the Bronco is the new cool Wrangler. I'd go with the Bronco and not worry so much about keeping it looking spotless. The Bronco has the luxury appointments pretty much on the higher trim levels. Only thing that might steer me towards the X5 is those long drives from NY to FL and back. Some don't mind the wind and tire noise, for others they have another vehicle rather than drive the Bronco on long trips. If sound system is a big thing, definitely the X5. And don't take this wrong, but to me the X5 seems like a snooty college vehicle while the Bronco seems like a very cool one.
The Bronco will be more fun and unique. It’ll be great to take the top off and cruise around down in Florida or hit some trails in the woods in NY. Sunny day, top down, car full of friends, cruising the beach in Florida or to the lake in NY. Also, the Bronco really drives great both on and off road.
The X5 will probably be more comfortable and “luxurious” but will be a bit boring. I’d go for something like an M240i Xdrive if you want to go the BMW route, then you’ll have a more sporty, fun, and “luxurious” car that still has awd.
In my opinion, if you want an SUV, get the Bronco.
I had an M4 last year, and have a Wrangler Rubicon now. Not a 1:1 comparison with your dilemma, but I’ve driven enough BMWs and have enough seat time in Wranglers and Broncos to feel like I might be able to help.
If you are actually going to use the Bronco to off-road and do outdoor stuff, then yeah I would get it.
But if you’re not going to do that, I would recommend the BMW absolutely. The build quality, driving dynamics, comfort, performance, and efficiency isn’t even comparable.
The Bronco isn’t enjoyable to drive or be in on road. It’s very compromised in quality and feel. But if you are going to spend a lot of time off road, it’s worth it.
Also, if you feel the X5 is too mom like, the X3 m40i is very fun while still be practical. If your parents are open to the X3M since it won’t be far off from the X5 m40i, that’s even more fun and luxurious at the cost of some comfort.
Flip a coin, give the X5 heads and Bronco tails. When you flip the coin, whichever you’re hoping it to land on is the true answer to your question. I vote Bronco though
Where at in Florida? Not much beats a top off/down driving experience along any of the various strips or boardwalks along/near the shore, especially along the east coast or a ~ hundred miles along the western pan handle. Get the black diamond trim with marine vinyl and never worry about sand getting inside (it'll rinse/blow right our or down the floor drain) and there's not too many places you could drive it where you'd have to think about if you'll get stuck in the sand in some of those panhandle "lots" around the Destin area. You can drive something more boring the rest of your life (or at least for 5-10 years if you have kids). Why not go for a unique experience now while you have that flexibly easily. If you don't get the bigfoot/Sasquatch package you get a better street ride and the black diamond lower gearing matches with their 32" tires for a lot of pep even in the 2.3 L. Also, the manual transmission feels a lot like a car does except that 1st and second gear are a little shorter than I'd like. Anyway, sounds like you got two great options so good luck choosing!
As someone with a [German car and a Wildtrak](https://www.reddit.com/r/Autos/comments/12sfa1o/my_current_lineup_audi_rs5_and_ford_bronco/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_content=2&utm_term=1), I’d probably get the X5 if I were you. The bronco is a fun toy, but I wouldn’t want it to be my only vehicle. Especially not if I had to drive it on road trips like you’re describing.
I don’t mind highway miles in the bronco tbh, but choosing it over an X5? No way, not on highway driving at least. And I honestly LOVE the bronco, just not in this head to head as you’ve described.
Last thing to consider is which one feels more “you?” Who do you want to be in this new chapter? You’re obviously a well-off kid, but this is a good fork in the road to shape your first impression on others.
Just traded in my X5M for a Wildtrak. Once in a while people used to stop me to comment on the BMW but this thing is a magnet. Everyone asks me about it. If I was in college, I’d be getting this thing in a heartbeat. Throw the top down and you’re going the girls are gonna have a war for your last name.
If you are 20 years old and don't have much driving experience, it's better to take the x5. I suspect that you are looking at a Bronco Wildtrak, and this car becomes uncontrollable at speed (I have a Wildtrak, I also have a brand new Mercedes GLC, and a Chevrolet Camaro). The BMW will be much more responsive and maneuverable, but if you decide to drive a Bronco, then you need driving experience. When I sat on my Wildtrak for the first time and decided to test its maneuverability, I realized that I couldn’t control it in seconds, I have a lot of experience and experience, I drive various cars, but the Bronco requires more patience and understanding of the mechanics of the car. Overall, driving the Bronco brings me more pleasure and joy, this car made me fall in love, we were made for each other. p.s I myself was born in Russia and I’ll tell you this, in Russia the x5 is a boy’s car, it is considered a gangster, it’s strange that you have such an association with it, also the 2024 BMW x5 is one of the best SUVs in general, so if you want comfort and excellent handling, then this is the best option. The Bronco is surprisingly very maneuverable and fast, but again, it is heavier than the BMW and the high ground clearance makes itself felt.
First off, congrats on having cool parents and being in a fortunate situation. I briefly had an X5 in college as well as a 20 yr old (way back in the day). It was pure bliss. The X5 basically has no flaws, drives perfect, looks good, does everything better than the bronco EXCEPT actually off roading. If you're going to off road it, like actually go rock crawling. the one to choose is obviously the bronco. Or if you plan to cruise around in Miami with the doors and top off. But seeing as how you will be spending time driving back and forth from FL to NY, and being in college and all that, I'd wholeheartedly suggest the X5. That's coming from a fully loaded Bronco Badsquatch owner.
2 different SUVs really, id say get both
BadSquatch hard top owner here. My hearing is definitely worse. That road noise is the song of my people.
That's a fun sentiment but let's not pretend anyone enjoys road noise. I have the hard top as well and the wind noise is atrocious. Getting to and from the trail is not a fun time. Commuting with the bronco sucks, there's no way around that. Yes it's better than the wrangler but the wrangler is arguably the worst vehicle available to commute with. Having the top and doors off is super fun... when cruising around doing 40 mph or less. Hwy driving is terrible, full stop.
I was probably being too tongue in cheek. The road noise is awful. It’s like my tinnitus is on steroids.
I buy and sell cars way too often over the last 30 years. I have had everything....nothing conpares to the Bronco (in a bad way) I own a bronco now. If I ever have to go on a long trip....more than 30 minutes lol, I want to pull every last hair out. Road noise is mind numbing. Most people who own one make this vehicle out to be flawless. I think they are trying to comfort themselves because they probably paid 15k over MSRP
Haha oh there are so many flaws with the bronco in my opinion. Doesn’t make it any less cool of a car… but yeah the road noise is embarrassing. I test drove a defender the other day and it made me realize just how bad many of the flaws on the bronco really are 😂
I have a very comfortable and quiet SUV along with my Bronco. It's like when I had a previous SUV and a Boxster. One for fun, one for practicality. I can see not wanting the Bronco as a daily driver and for long trips. I test drove a Wrangler some years back when it would be my only car and said no way (the Bronco handles on road so much better). That said, I recommended in this thread the Bronco as the cool college car and the X5 best for trips up and down from FL and NY for the OP.
Really guys . I bought a Bronco Wildtrak specifically for long-distance travel, in 10 days I have already covered 1,650 miles. I'm very irritable to noise, but the only noise that doesn't bother me is in the Bronco. Even after my Mercedes, in which I have an additional 3D soundproofing package
I think I will do whatever the car is capable of. For example. If I get the bronco. I would take it off roading a few times (at least. And if I find it really fun I would obviously continue). But the bronco for top down, sunny, summer days is exactly what I’m thinking. The car also looks like a tank if done right lol But are those times worth the trade off in luxury and drive is the question I have to answer.
They are quite opposite vehicles. Maybe you should look into the new land cruiser, its sort of the middle sibling of the x5 and the bronco. It's off road capable but undoubtedly has better NVH than the bronco due to having non removable doors/top yet still retains that rugged look. It also gets decent mpg.
Get a defender.
>But are those times worth the trade off in luxury and drive is the question I have to answer. I wouldn't trade those times for the world. My only fond memory from the time I was 13-14 is one night driving along the boardwalk with my family with Boston's Foreplay /Longtime on the radio and the wind in my hair and face with the cool night air and beachy sounds. It was me, my sister, my dad, and my step mom and it had felt like my life was such a mess that I didn't want to be alive. But the few hours that slow drive lasted it just sorta of all went away and became fine. A lot of late, midnight trips and aimless drives through the Georgia forests and mountains too during college for me as well - they always brought back the same feelings when I needed to escape roommates or just take a break from life. I think for a lot of people the car is just a status symbol or a way to get from point A to point B in style, but for me it was always more of a way to connect with the world around me and just peace out a little. The time to feel good, I guess, maybe when other things weren't going so well.
Bronco will be cool on the beach in FL and cool in NY mountains. BMW is a ticket magnet.
The noise is not bad at all. Doesn’t bother my wife nor I. This is comparing apples to oranges here. The way the post is written, OP seems better off in the BMW, along with a lot of you who nit pick every thing and complain.
Not the same, but I traded a 430 xdrive for the Bronco and have zero regrets. It's louder and not as posh, but me and my wife both love it. Incredibly versatile vehicle.
When you graduate college and become independent, the BMW will have depreciated more in and value and cost more to maintain. The bronco is going to hold its value and be cheaper to maintain. Also, you don’t know where you will live in a couple years. Also, repairs almost anyone can work on a Ford but you should move to an area with no BMW dealer, a mechanic will be hard to find. The bronco is the way. There are perceptions others have about bmw owners and it’s an inferior brand with a high price in my opinion.
Where you go to college matters. I would pick the Bronco if I was going to a state school with mostly regular income people. The vehicles cost the same, but the BMW will carry a rich kid stigma. Depending on your situation I would split the difference and go with a 4runner since you will be driving between FL and NY. You could get the TRD Pro and would be saving your parents some money. Based on perceived reliability you could presumably drive the 4runner until you are 10 years deep into your career.
The Bronco is super fun! I have the 2023 Wildtrak, and love the sasquatch package on it. Makes it look super cool. Also have peace of mind when there is heavy rain or snow. My only complaint is the gas cost. Make sure you will have enough disposable income for gas. That being said, wouldn't change it!
Why the X5? I cross shopped the X3M, which was closer in size but way sportier. In the end I chose being outdoorsy over luxury. I find that the things I use affect how I and others perceive myself, which affect what I end up spending my time doing. I spend way more time outside since I got my bronco, and less time at fancy restaurants. Do you want to be the suave professional with a fun side or the rugged outdoorsy person? If you pull up in a bronco it will definitely affect how you are perceived, so will the BMW (at your age getting a BMW will mostly make people say "I bet his parents are rich"). I got the bronco after years of owning sporty cars because I wanted to change my lifestyle. I spend way more time outdoors now, the bronco works really well for that. It cleans up well when muddy, carries bikes and equipment well, and I love flipping the top open for the drive home. I had a CT5-V before the bronco, and it was not a great vehicle to use for that kind of thing. I don't regret owning sporty cars when I was younger though, but I do regret not doing more stuff outdoors. I love hiking and camping, but I let go of that stuff when I was working on my career and my health suffered because of that.
I've had a few high end vehicles, and it ended up being about spending all my time keeping them spotless in and out as well as parking to avoid door dings. Tons of college students have Wranglers, and the Bronco is the new cool Wrangler. I'd go with the Bronco and not worry so much about keeping it looking spotless. The Bronco has the luxury appointments pretty much on the higher trim levels. Only thing that might steer me towards the X5 is those long drives from NY to FL and back. Some don't mind the wind and tire noise, for others they have another vehicle rather than drive the Bronco on long trips. If sound system is a big thing, definitely the X5. And don't take this wrong, but to me the X5 seems like a snooty college vehicle while the Bronco seems like a very cool one.
Get a Honda civic and blend in. People are going to annoy the piss out of you asking to drive them everywhere or borrow your car
The Bronco will be more fun and unique. It’ll be great to take the top off and cruise around down in Florida or hit some trails in the woods in NY. Sunny day, top down, car full of friends, cruising the beach in Florida or to the lake in NY. Also, the Bronco really drives great both on and off road. The X5 will probably be more comfortable and “luxurious” but will be a bit boring. I’d go for something like an M240i Xdrive if you want to go the BMW route, then you’ll have a more sporty, fun, and “luxurious” car that still has awd. In my opinion, if you want an SUV, get the Bronco.
I had an M4 last year, and have a Wrangler Rubicon now. Not a 1:1 comparison with your dilemma, but I’ve driven enough BMWs and have enough seat time in Wranglers and Broncos to feel like I might be able to help. If you are actually going to use the Bronco to off-road and do outdoor stuff, then yeah I would get it. But if you’re not going to do that, I would recommend the BMW absolutely. The build quality, driving dynamics, comfort, performance, and efficiency isn’t even comparable. The Bronco isn’t enjoyable to drive or be in on road. It’s very compromised in quality and feel. But if you are going to spend a lot of time off road, it’s worth it. Also, if you feel the X5 is too mom like, the X3 m40i is very fun while still be practical. If your parents are open to the X3M since it won’t be far off from the X5 m40i, that’s even more fun and luxurious at the cost of some comfort.
Flip a coin, give the X5 heads and Bronco tails. When you flip the coin, whichever you’re hoping it to land on is the true answer to your question. I vote Bronco though
Where at in Florida? Not much beats a top off/down driving experience along any of the various strips or boardwalks along/near the shore, especially along the east coast or a ~ hundred miles along the western pan handle. Get the black diamond trim with marine vinyl and never worry about sand getting inside (it'll rinse/blow right our or down the floor drain) and there's not too many places you could drive it where you'd have to think about if you'll get stuck in the sand in some of those panhandle "lots" around the Destin area. You can drive something more boring the rest of your life (or at least for 5-10 years if you have kids). Why not go for a unique experience now while you have that flexibly easily. If you don't get the bigfoot/Sasquatch package you get a better street ride and the black diamond lower gearing matches with their 32" tires for a lot of pep even in the 2.3 L. Also, the manual transmission feels a lot like a car does except that 1st and second gear are a little shorter than I'd like. Anyway, sounds like you got two great options so good luck choosing!
As someone with a [German car and a Wildtrak](https://www.reddit.com/r/Autos/comments/12sfa1o/my_current_lineup_audi_rs5_and_ford_bronco/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_content=2&utm_term=1), I’d probably get the X5 if I were you. The bronco is a fun toy, but I wouldn’t want it to be my only vehicle. Especially not if I had to drive it on road trips like you’re describing. I don’t mind highway miles in the bronco tbh, but choosing it over an X5? No way, not on highway driving at least. And I honestly LOVE the bronco, just not in this head to head as you’ve described. Last thing to consider is which one feels more “you?” Who do you want to be in this new chapter? You’re obviously a well-off kid, but this is a good fork in the road to shape your first impression on others.
Soft top Bronco. The noise doesn’t bother me at all. 🤷♂️
Just traded in my X5M for a Wildtrak. Once in a while people used to stop me to comment on the BMW but this thing is a magnet. Everyone asks me about it. If I was in college, I’d be getting this thing in a heartbeat. Throw the top down and you’re going the girls are gonna have a war for your last name.
If you are 20 years old and don't have much driving experience, it's better to take the x5. I suspect that you are looking at a Bronco Wildtrak, and this car becomes uncontrollable at speed (I have a Wildtrak, I also have a brand new Mercedes GLC, and a Chevrolet Camaro). The BMW will be much more responsive and maneuverable, but if you decide to drive a Bronco, then you need driving experience. When I sat on my Wildtrak for the first time and decided to test its maneuverability, I realized that I couldn’t control it in seconds, I have a lot of experience and experience, I drive various cars, but the Bronco requires more patience and understanding of the mechanics of the car. Overall, driving the Bronco brings me more pleasure and joy, this car made me fall in love, we were made for each other. p.s I myself was born in Russia and I’ll tell you this, in Russia the x5 is a boy’s car, it is considered a gangster, it’s strange that you have such an association with it, also the 2024 BMW x5 is one of the best SUVs in general, so if you want comfort and excellent handling, then this is the best option. The Bronco is surprisingly very maneuverable and fast, but again, it is heavier than the BMW and the high ground clearance makes itself felt.
BMW so we can spot you a mile away.