I'm an IT guy, but I guess I'm old school. I don't care for latest mobile gadgetry in my TV, in my phone, or in my car. I never cared for real wood, leather stitching, LED lighting -- all those "must-haves" of a premium SUV. While I do appreciate them all (more or less) when offered at no extra cost, I refuse to pay a dime extra to get them, especially when bundled with other "luxury must-haves" I care even less for. It's why MDX, year after year, wins me over. I took a brake for 3 years and got RX, and after 6 months I was done and ready to move on. It's a dull driving, "high quality" appliance, no matter how many spindles Lexus adds to it. Even if it offers a 3rd row in the next generation. I was ready to give Q7 a chance, even with much dated tech, but it surprised me (less usable interior space, less leg room in second row, harder to get into 3rd row, harsher ride, tiny storage compartment). X5 was a close call, but with 3rd baby on the way, the 3rd row is no longer an extra, it's a must have, and X5's expensive add-on was not justifiable for a permanent use.
Too bad Volvo XC90 did not arrive sooner. I was very interested in at least giving it a chance before jumping into another MDX. But I'm also skeptical about twin turbo 4-banger and want it to proof itself in US. I figured 3 years is enough time to let the 1st gen pioneers do the testing. I truly hope it succeeds. When 4 years ago Infinity announced JX35, I was waiting with excitement... and CVT on wheels came out. If only they made it drive like FX.