I used to own a 2002 BMW X5 - best SUV in the world! Fast, handles well, luxurious, reliable, and nice looking. I had the 3.0L inline-6, that engine is so incredibly smooth and powerful. It came with the lame 17" wheels so I bought the 19" staggered set with Michelin Diamaris tires and it handled very well. Don't get the Sport Suspension, much too stiff/harsh for long drives. All wheel drive works great in snow and sand. The Acura and the Lexus drive like crap compared to an X5 or a Cayenne - do you really want to drive the equivalent of a Camry SUV after getting out of the Boxster?
We drove this X5 all over the Western US (Cali, Nevada, Utah, etc) and it worked great. Very reliable, decent mileage. Problem areas are electric window controllers and electric door locks. I sold it when my boys got old enough to have their own cars so there was no need for a family hauler anymore.
Here is a pic of the X5 - and you can see the rear end of my old Boxster!
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