Just in case you guys don't know, the X5 is made in South Carolina. That's close enough to American for me...

I agree with you guys that the bigger SUV's are probably safer (Excursion, Suburban, Tahoe, Expedition, etc), but they are too big for my wife to feel comfortable driving on a daily basis.

I drive an Excursion and she hate to drive it. You have to love that!

I've got an idea...

Let her choose. Go test drive all of your choices on one sunny Saturday and let her make the call. You appear to be "allowing" an inordinate amount of female involvement in the decision here but, as we all know, it is too late for you to take the reins back away from her.

Why does she want an SUV over a minivan? You say she is a soccer mom, and there is no better soccer mom vehicle than a Chrysler T&C, Honda Odyssey, or Toyota Sienna...

Child/infant safety is much more a factor of choice/style of childseat used and proper installation of it. Everybody knows you stick the kids in the back and use the correct style of seat for their age and size. Frontal crush zones and legroom intrusion statistics don't make a rip about child safety. Also variable-speed airbags are a significant concern for frontseat riding youths (Mercedes does these).

If, bless her heart, she is "better" than a minivan and MUST have an SUV, then you have lost that battle...

I agree that the Envoy/Trailblazer is one HECK of a good package in the size range you have mentioned. The X5 gets consistently high crash ratings and passable reliability numbers (be sure to buy one with plenty of remaining warranty).

I've driven all of the above, and like the feel of the ML's (I actually prefer the 6 cyl over the V8 when the money is figured in). The MDX drives great and has the Honda "look and feel" inside (which is a bit of a turnoff for me, but is quality hardware).

The Jeep products do not rank with the Envoy/TB in my book. The 4-runner is a good unit but is dated. The Sequoia has proven to be reliable but has a cheesy interior for a topline Toyota. The Landcruiser/LX is overpriced and a gas hog - otherwise a fine choice.

My soccer mom ditched her Vette for a Sable when #1 son came along. Baby #2 resulted in a change to a Chrysler T&C, which was probably the ultimate mom machine. The SUV bug hit and went straight for a Yukon XL with TV's, big fat tires, chrome wheels, and billet hardware (why women go for these confuses me). She is now happy with her 14mpg battlewagon.

I lean towards minivans for moms. Safe, economical, flexible, roomy, and the suckers drive great. My company keeps one for business travel and it stays in my driveway most of the time. I probably drive it 30% of the time (hauls boat parts great).

Exactly. As I said in an earlier post, I drive an Excursion. Don't get me wrong, I feel my daughter is very safe in that center back seat with a few tons of steel around her. No arguments there.
However, I've also driven the MDX and the X5. If something happened in front of me, I'd have a FAR better chance of avoiding it in either the BMW or Acura than I would in my Excursion. They handle better, and stop shorter.
I don't know about you guys, but I'd rather not be in the accident in the first place. :D

she chose the mercedes. they are made in alabama. maybe that explains some things about it. i just got back from picking it up. thanks for the responses.

In the size range you are looking at you need to drive the Volvo XC90. If safety and performance is what you want, get the AWD twin turbo. You will have a tough time getting a deal on one but it is without a doubt the safest vehicle of the mid size SUV's (look at crash test results) and you will love the performance. The storage room is also about twice as much as the others you are looking at. It may not be your cup of tee but worth a look.

there were no volvos available in a 200 mile radius. we did drive an all-wheel drive s60 that was nice, but the quality inside wasn't as nice as the bmw or the MB. she wanted the MB from the start. she deserves to get what she wants. i was trying to look at alternatives, but she didn't bite.

mike, i put all my favorite old school rap cd's in the benz so i can go rollin wit my hoes. word.

I think she will be happy with it.
Good power. Good handling. Quality feel (they are prone to developing rattles, but they aren't hard to find and correct).