PUZZ1

Here's my situation. I currently lease an '02 Boxster S and an '03 Audi A4 3.0. My wife drives an '02 Audi allroad that we own outright.

I would love to dump the Boxster S and the A4 and consolidate into one car. The Boxster is just too expensive to be a garage queen.

Anyway, I've looked pretty closely at the Cayenne S, but have been recently taken by the EClass. I know that I'm on an MB board, but has anyone compared the two and gone with the MB or vice versa? Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.

bmms8

if your comparing the cayenne to the E class im sure most ppl will say your comparing apples to oranges. to me, an SUV doesnt really offer much more leg room than a sedan does. but if you want more space overall, go with the cayenne, they are awesome machines. i think you will be very dissapointed with the rear leg room on the E though. GL with your decision.

HELL ONA HARLEY

Your kidding right????

glojo

One of our neighbours has just purchased a Cayenne and the only thing he has not overtaken is a Petrol Station. Huge beast with a thirst to match. (and that's just the driver)

John

W210

E500 4matic will be a rational choice? Or how about a Cayenne Turbo?

We have a W211 E55 and just traded our A4 3.0 Avant for a 2004 allroad, the allroad is actually roomier in the back than the E55.

How are you enjoying your allroad?

PUZZ1

We love the allroad. I haven't been in the back seat of the E so I cant' comment on the lack of room but it has to be more than my A4. I would consider the A6, but been there done that and I don't like the new body style coming out this year as compared to the E-class.

Minglewood

I too am comparing these three vehicles. I've owned an allroad for the past 3 years and am contemplating getting another one versus getting an E500 wagon vs. a cayenne. Dealer gave me an E500 wagon for half a day. I've also spent some time in the Cayenne S.

I have enjoyed my allroad, and it's been good to me. Lease is up, but with a high residual, it makes better sense to go new. A little more sportier feel (meaning, you can feel the bumps more than you can in an E500).

The Cayenne S seems quick enough, but not as quick as the E500. Also, with higher center, doesn't ride as well as the E500.

The E500 is one heck of a wagon. Great suspension. Holds flat on turns and smoothes out less than stellar roads. I just wish it came with transmission paddles behind the steering wheel. I also wish it accurately indicated which gear you're in, meaning, that if it's downshifting on its own, the indicator ought to go down as well rather than continue to indicate the last highest gear you manually downshifted to. Also, "D" over to the left always starts with 5. It should know if you knock it left while in, say, 3, that you're in third gear (you've got to knock it left three times before you're in synch). As you probably can tell, control over the transmission is important to me. Back seat room seemed about the same as my allroad.

Tough decision, for me. I think I'll be here soon.

bmw2mb

the Cayenne drives like a sports car. the e500 is a great performer, but doesn't drive like a bmw or porsche.

RJC

Isn't there a new M class due out very soon? Could be an option for you.

BrabusE500

Although I agree that it is somewhat difficult to compare the Cayenne S and the E Class (for obvious reasons), I'll give you my two cents since my father drives a Cayenne S. Not to knock down the Cayenne, but my E500 is undoubtedly faster, smoother, better handling than the Cayenne. For some strange reason though, the Cayenne feels faster than my car (only subjective, though).......and the sound of the 4.5 in the Cayenne is outstanding............however, Porsche may not have all the kinks worked out yet.........our Cayenne has been in the shop for a total of 6 weeks (not insignificant considering we've only owned the car for 6 months)....the Cayenne does get more stares and compliments than my E500 (not even a comparison)....so I guess it depends on what you want.....if you're looking for a better driving experience, then there is really no comparison....but if you're looking to buy an SUV, the Cayenne may be the way to go......good luck!!!!!

Roam

I had to make the same decision between the E500 and the Cayenne S 2 months ago. I totally agree with the previous posts about comparing 2 different class of automobiles.

Needless to say I got the E500, and absolutely love it. I drive it everywhere and also it has become my commuter car. My 2001 aero Boxster has also become a very expensive gargage queen.

However, with the tax law of being able to tax deduct the full purchase price of a 6,000 lb vehicle, I am seriously considering the Cayenne S again.

Minglewood

I determine vehicle class by its perfomance, looks and utility, as I imagine do others. For me, the E500 and Cayenne S are in the same class.

Both are essentially wagons, albeit, the Cayenne is a wagon on stilts (more precisely, an allroad wagon on stilts). They both have unbelievable power, torque, transmissions, suspension and status. They have similar roominess in the cabin -- front seats, rear seats and cargo areas. Of course, only the E500 has a third seat. And the Cayenne can tow a house. These differences are important to some, not so to others.

So, although seemingly of different classes, perhaps they are not. That's why I, and others, are probably looking at both and trying to decide.

PUZZ1

Just to clarify and futher the apples to orange comparo, I'm actually considering an E-Class sedan, not the wagon.

W210

I agree, I'm not too keen on the looks of the new A6 or the new 5 series.

I haven't driven the Cayenne S but would probably go for the E500. Not really a big fan of the SUV handling.

Come to think of it, perhaps a test drive may not be a bad idea. I must confess, I do find the rear of the Cayenne rather unattractive.

If you do order the E500, make sure you add auto trunk closer to your list of options. Totally inexpensive and cool feature.

LorinserCClass

You will not be dissapointed in the E Class. I looked around for a bit too comparing various type of 55K++ autos. The E was supposed to be my car for when my c class was in the shop being modified or like a weekend car...but it has quickly turned into my daily driver. Such a nice car to drive around in.