Brad4963

Hello all, I'm considering selling my 09 Cayenne turbo for a G55. I've only driven one 05 G wagon. I'm considering a 09-11 G55. It has nice creature comforts and new wheels. Hoping the newer would be a little more comfortable? It would be my daily driver, just around town, some highway.

No racing/ track / or offroad. I really like the utility, aggressive look. larger wheels and side pipes are cool too.

I like the comfort of my Cayenne, but it really doesn't excite me much - maybe boring?. If I have to have a suv, I would like for it to be more cool.
I keep reading that the G55 is rough riding, not as nice as the Cayenne. I would forgo some comfort for cool.
I'm just looking for some viewpoints from those that drive the G55

ChrisD63

We will be trading our 09 G55 for either an X5M or 2013 Cayenne GTS. If you like your cayenne's ride comfort, you will hate driving the g wagon. It truly is a very rough ride. You are right about it being cool, it's very cool.. But it becomes a pain IMO to drive as a daily driver after a while. Many people will disagree with me but that's just my opinion. We also ran into a bunch of problems with our car over the years but most people don't seem to have problems with the Gs. Hope that helped.

twist-a-grip

I have driven the G55 numerous times, but never had one to live with on a daily basis. It's obnoxious and loud and straight badass. However, it creaks and clanks and my GMC diesel pick-up can out-corner it any day of the week. But, the ear to ear smile that the G generates for me is second only to certain red italian cars. Furthermore, from what I've read on here, that generation (MY 09-11) is pretty problem free (which wasn't always the case for prior MYs - the reason I bought a Cayenne Turbo S in 2009).

That being said, my Cayenne was the best overall car I've owned - crazy fast, handles unbelievably, more than enough utility, and certainly more luxury features than the G.

If it was G or Cayenne for DD, IMO, not even close - Cayenne. As an extra fun car, not even close - G. There are some G fanboys on here that would disagree with me, but I suspect 95% of us on here realize the G is a statement car, and not the best everyday car. Few are willing to live with it for its presence and badassness 7 days a week, but most have one to feel that badassness once or twice a week.

Brad4963

Thanks Guys, This is exactly what I wanted to know. I hoped for better reviews, but I need to know. It would not be my only car. I put about 7K/yr on my cayenne now. I have a very nice Ford Lariat F350, that I often need to drive. And also do want to Add a 911 Turbo , when cash allows. I am kind of looking for Bad *** - thats a good discription. I know my Cayenne is a nicer choice, and its a very good car. Just doesn't excite me much. I bought it new, and really never has put a smile on my face like my 911's have. I hope to hear from others. Thanks

ChrisD63

Have you checked out the new cayenne GTS? I test drove it this past weekend and was really surprised. It's definitely an aggressive/sporty SUV. I think you should check it out. Many people say that the cayenne turbo is less aggressive than the GTS although it is a little bit slower. If you're a Porsche guy I think this may suit you better than the G.

Brad4963

I should probably look at it, I've heard the exhaust and exhaust symposium (sp) are really great. I just have never loved my Cayenne enough to spend $100K again , But never had much interests in the other options until I thought about the G55. I will look at it. Thanks

G-Man550

I have a 2009 G550 and it is a daily driver with 59K on it half city half highway. I have had many trucks from yukons to Rovers and the G550 is by far my favorite. Never drove a Cayenne but was never a big fan. I was not a G Head before I got it and had no loyalty to it other than loved the look and wanted something different.
Just orders the G63 and can't wait!!

Brad4963

G man, do you think the G550 rides better than the G55. I've read that you can simply put the G550 Shocks on the G55 to improve the ride, Which honestly does not sound like a great idea to me, But I've always liked to keep thinks stock.
I also suspect there is a very slim resale market for the G55, if I was to buy one.

pagepro

The G55 is passes as a DD car. If the car excites you, like it does for me, go get it. But to compare it to a Cayenne, there's not much to say, except the Cayenne win's hand down on virtually all aspects of performance and ride quality and comfort. Its like a 99 points to Cayenne and 1 point to the G55.

But that 1 point is what makes all G owners proud, happy and keeps a smile on their faces every time we drive it.

Brad4963

all good feedback. I did not expect as much support for the Cayenne. I Have sometimes thought the Cayenne is a bit like a MB S class. Nice, does not excite me much. Which is why I thought the G55 would be more interesting. I'm in Kansas City, I probably need to Fly up to chicago and test drive a couple. I have not checked, but is there local G clubs/ organizitions? That would be helpful.

drew138

This is a valid question. The G is a personal statement. I drive my '10 G55 as a daily driver and I enjoy driving it every single time. I tend to drive the car pretty aggressively and although its a little squishy on turns; you quickly get the feel for its behavior. I've never taken it off road (sadly) but it is no doubt very capable. I'm certain the Cayene, X5M, RRSC are all more creature comfort than the G55. But it's clear that the G55 has more soul and personality than some other more luxurious SUVs. One story I've heard repeatedly is that a lot of people buy and return / sell the g wagon due to the fact that its a harsher experience that some might expect with a 120k+ SUV. I'd say proceed with caution, set low expectations, and be prepared for a wonderfully rewarding truck that loves to be driven. It's a timeless classic.

BlackSL

A bad boy comes with bad character (ride, squeaks, rattle) and that's what u get with the G wagon. It's BAD ***, whereas the new cayenne literally has a bad *** (looks).

How about a new G550, exhaust and some wider front fenders for an aggressive look?. The new G's are much better value for money with new interior and console. Also a lot more comfortable.

I've driven/ owned a lot of SUV and the new G wagon is one effing awesome bad *** vehicle!

G-Man550

I never drove a G55 but hear it is stuffer than the 550. I also heard the 63 is smoother than the 55. I wouldn't start changing any suspension either. If you want the extra power go with the 55 or 63. I just ordered one and can't wait.

Brad4963

Thanks everyone, I'm going have to find a way to drive a couple. I think I would like it. I do know my cayenne is really nice. I waffle, but need to find one to drive. and decide.

G63DCC

I've had a 500, a 55k and now the 63. The 63 is impressively smooth, no rattles at all. My 55k was very stiff by comparison. Having said that, the 63 is still a stiff ride when compared to any other SUVs. I have a short round trip to and from my office, so it is a great DD for me and I can get a whole week or more out of a single tank of gas, lol.

As long as MB keeps making them, I'll keep buying them. The latest interior upgrades were way overdue and truly impressive.

Definitely drive before you buy!

Ted Baldwin

.....I've continuously owned some G55 or the other since 2003. The NA 2003-2004 G55's are the stiffest. I switched my 2003 G55 shocks to G500 shocks and the ride was less stuff but I think, too soft for the power and character of the car. The post 2005 G55's are intermediate in stiffness between the 2003-2004 G55's and MBUSA G500/G550's from all years. I think the post 2005 G55's have it just right. I think there is a limitless bit of piling on when conversations about G55 stiffness comes up. The car needs to be appropriately stiff for the character and power of the car. I don't think the post 2005 G55's are too stiff at all. I almost daily drive my G55 and it's not even any stiffer my Gallardo. Just thought you should here a different perspective.

Ted

luke22:36

I have no problems with the ride of my '11 G55, but then again, all my rides are modded 4 wheel drives. I have friends that had a Cayenne. They liked it, until problem after problem started coming out. They dumped it after a few years.

Does anybody know where the Brabus/Bilstein shocks fall in terms of ride comfort and handling as compared to the factory G500 and G55 shocks?