X5 4.6is or wait for 4.8?

[adamr]

Hi -

I've read a couple posts about the 4.8 and I've seen the pictures.

To me, the 4.8 doesn't look a lot different than the 4.6 on the outside. Is there something I'm missing?

Can I still get good deals on the 2003 4.6is or are most dealers done selling them?

People are comparing the 4.8 to the Cayenne. Will it be priced like the Cayenne Turbo (>$80k)? Or similar pricing to the 4.6?

Thanks for your help.

[zyajzarc]

appearance on the outside is almost the same as the 4.6is. The 4.8is has the '04 facelift and some new wheels, aside from the engine change. You can get awesome deals on '03 4.6is's whether new or used. and finally, it should be priced around 71-72k. While being compared to the Turbo Cayenne, the Cayenne will be the faster of the two (by a couple of tenths of a second from 0-60), but it will also be the one that eats more from your pocket.

[MioCLK]

4.8is also comes with 6 speed automtaic and the new xDrive

[zyajzarc]

Originally posted by MioCLK
4.8is also comes with 6 speed automtaic and the new xDrive

Yea... that too

[mastafred]

i was tha LA auto show and they had the 4.8is there and let me tell u its worth waiting for it. I think its the nicest suz`its gonna have a 360 hp and it will sprint zero to 60 in 5.8 seconds which is amazing. the rims and the 4.8 are also nicer. i say wait for the 4.8 it comming out spring good luck

[zyajzarc]

i was at the LA auto show as well on Jan 2nd (opening day), and i saw the 4.8is as well. If you do happen to have the ~72k lying around waiting to be spent on one of the best SUVs around, then yes, it is a worthwhile decision to wait and purchase the 4.8is. BUT, if you are a more practical person, you can pick up a relativly unused 4.6is (or a new one) at a much reduced price compared to the 4.8is. With a little chip-tuning, intake/exhaust, you can probably pull around 360 horsepower from the 4.6is. So, in the end, it really depends on how comfortable you are in three subjects:
1. Finances
2. Aftermarket Tuning
3. Waiting for the 4.8is
With those three in mind, the decision can be made. In my opinion, I would agree with mastafred in getting the 4.8is.