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Just wanted to thank everyone for their imput. I'm pretty much decided I will not be buying the M-Class. You're right, it looks night, but I think the buck stops there. They say the 2006 is much improved. I just don't like the feeling of putting down $60K on a roll of the die. I want a good track record. I'm looking closer at the Volvo XC90 which was an option I had not considered. They are keeping the lid on the X5 rebuild. The 2006 test drive did make me want to do just that! Problem is sometimes I just want the feel of "butta". My business requires me to treck 2 hours home sometimes. And after a 7 hour meeting I don't want to drive, I want to be driven. Next best thing to that is butta and the ability to see over the top of all cars ahead to figure out WHY THE TRAFFIC JAM!!! I finally spotted a blue GX470 on the road (which was the color I want) and boy did it l look sweet. You don't see too many (at all!) in that color.

Strindl, Thanks a bunch for your indepth response. I'm going to test drive the M500 before making my decision. I've been reading opinions and reviews on the net that concur with your experiences. The more I read and understand I draw the conclusion that Lexus is much like my BlackBerry. It's solid, reliable, great support, but rather uninspiring. The GX doesn't have all the bells and whistles the M-Class has, but the navigation system is far superior to the Mercedes as well as the service.

I'm in a quandry... I'm not certain which of the three vehicles I should purchase. I've test driven the Range Rover Sport and really did not understand all the hype. It is a terrific looking car, but the ride just isn't...isn't...well it just isn't butta' as we like to say, when compared to the GX or LX for that matter. I also don't care for the problems I'm hearing about any of the Range Rover series. AND! I don't care to be given a Ford in the interim when I bring my 60K+ vehicle in for servicing. I drove the X5. Again, not butta' but the fiestiness under the hood really makes you want to drive it. Very sport-like feel. I refuse to buy the X5 because they are completely redoing the body inside and out come 07'. My car would be old before it left the dealer lot. AND! I don't care to be given a Toyota when I bring my 60K+ vehicle in for servicing. So this brings the GX head to head with the new M-Class. Mercedes has some great options, actually too many, but we'll get into that later. They have more interior and exterior choices. Lexus really does need to offer more. Two color choices is a tad too conservative. The M-Class however, nickle and dimes you with every single little upgrade instead of just making them standard. I kid you not, their accessories/options range from $12 - $4,000 and there's at least 50 to choose from. This also makes it very difficult to get the car you want. You get what you get and don't throw a fit, as a 6 year old once told me. Well for $63k I'll throw a big fit! Has anyone owned the M-Class? How were you treated by the Mercedes dealership? How does it drive? Butta? Anyone owned the X5? I'm wondering what your experience was with BMW. Perhaps I could wait until the 07' is released in the fall. I wish the GX had the easy access key. Like BMW and Mercedes, you only need have it in your pocket or purse to unlock and start the car. Your thoughts are appreciated... Glad to be apart of the community and looking forward to building my post count.