[MKSixer]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

So I guess I'll repeat.... you've CLEARLY never driven an X7m50i with DHP if you think it's marginally better than a sienna. Maybe take one for a drive before you start concluding that things are irrational simply because you don't understand.

Hell... take a 40i for a drive... even that is a significantly better drive than any minivan.

As far as the image - I don't think it's the "i've settled for family life" that's the issue - because as you said, an SUV says the same thing. Rather, minivan to me screams, "i've settled for a mundane life where I pick bland convenience over style and excitement and passion". This also has nothing to do with what attractive upper-middle class white women have to say - since you're generalizing there I'm assuming you're making that reference because you're conveying that they don't know the first thing about cars. This happens to be an automotive forum and generally speaking people here know more about cars than the average individual, and in turn are generally less influenced by some broader, misinformed thinking.

All this being said, there's a relative line that gets drawn somewhere. Someone driving a 2 seater may say they hate 2+2 coupes. Someone driving a 2+2 coupe may say they hate 4 door sedans. Someone driving a sedan may say they hate SUVs. You get the idea.

I choose to draw my line between SUV & Minivan. I enjoy the comfort and space the SUV offers along with the looks, while still maintaining a relatively engaging drive (depending on the SUV of course). A minivan removes any driver engagement and style and swings 100% in favor of convenience.

I understand minivans.... but I don't like them. You on the other hand seem to simply not understand.

This.

When I was a rep and about to order my first company vehicle, my then-wife suggested getting a mini-van. I just glared at her as she beat a quick retreat. Comparing a mini-van to ANY BMW SUV is sophistry at best and downright idiotic at worst.