thebishman

I know that this is a new version of the Q7, but has anyone driven one; looked at one? I ask because I need a new SUV this autumn when I give the GLK to my son, and when I configured a loaded Q7 TDI Prestige, it stickered for $60K. That's a lot less than our loaded GL 320 cost last year, and seems to be a great value for the money.

Thoughts on the Q7 regardless of the engine?

Bish

lwain56

Audi's reliabilty over the years has improved dramatically and I expect since Porche's investment in Volkswagon this will continue. (porche's reliabilty figures are the best among lux car producers)

stickygreen

Q7 is a beautifully designed vehicle inside & out. Would have given it serious consideration if it was available when we ordered our GL.

However, I have seen some Audi repair bills in the past and they were absoutely offensive. Not saying the cars are unreliable, but an Audi service advisor friend told be that their repair costs when something broke would dwarf the cost of similar repairs on a BMW or MB.

Brocktoon

I don't think they are that great for some reason. If you don't need the seven seats anymore, then I would have a look at a Cayanne, or diesel X5 first. Although I'm sure it is a great car for someone, I find the exterior kind of plain, and the dash kind of fussy. To me, it's kinda soccer mom meets '80's Bang & Olfsen equipment.

Also, pricing in my market heavily favoured the GL at the time I looked, and I was also ignored in the showroom, so I have some bias. My family has had some seven VAG carrs in the past 20 years, and have had good luck with all of them, so I think it would be reliable, who knows.

Kaumajet

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzing!

Rdgdawg

Lurking here, but considering the GL320 against this, drove the CDI, blew the X5x-drive35d out of the water, interior, handling, acceleration, size...

...how's is the acceleration with the 320 Bluetec? I would assume with 395lbs torque to be much better than 9.1 sec 0-60.... if the GL can perform, will take this over Audi...

StevethePilot

I was wondering about the X5 diesel, myself. I can say this; with the GL320 CDI (which won't be very much different an experience than with the Bluetec), you mash your foot down and the car asks you, "Are you sure?" And you say, "Yep." The car says, "Really, really?" And you say, "Oh, for chrissakes, what are you waiting for? There's traffic coming!" And the car says, "Okayyyyy ..." And then the only noise you hear is your neck snapping and the car saying, "I tried to warn ya!"

IOW, it has killer turbo-lag, but that monsterous amount of torque will have you take off from the light like a rocket. Just remember it's not all there at the top end. For a more docile yet equally fun experience, smoothly put the throttle just past half way. This seems to allow a nice surge before the turbo kicks smoothly in and still gets you off the light awfully fast.

STP

Rdgdawg

LOL THX!!! That was my biggest concern, I really like this to replace our Sienna over R-series and saw several during drives to Chicago in the last week, very sporting... I'm in the market for a CLS and SL as well, so this seems to be a great all-around vehicle...

LEOSOPHIE

BMW twin turbo x5
265hp
425lb torque
26 MPG Highway
0-60 6.8 sec

Rdgdawg

Drove the Q7 back-to-back... better than the X5 across the board... numbers can sometimes lie, looking forward to GL320 test drive

LEOSOPHIE

Looking at the cars you are considering, why not the GL 550? Best of all your interests, I love mine and acceptable fuel mileage.

scottybdiving

I drove the X5 and posted my opinion in another topic. It is much sportier (stiffer) and quicker than the GL 320, but much less refined. There is no comparison with the finish, inside and out. The optional 3rd row seat is a not-so-funny joke. IMO, sporty is not a factor in a 7 passenger 5400 lb SUV. I'll take luxurious any day.

stickygreen

Believe it or not, the GL actually handles very well with ADS in "sport" mode. MUCH MUCH better than in "normal" or "comfort" or compared to a non ADS-equipped GL.

Rdgdawg

I would... but... what is your "acceptible fuel mileage"? ie... highway? I would like to get 23mpg as we do mostly highway miles....

And as stated, couldn't believe how fast those GL550s were blowing by me over the last week!!!

Rdgdawg

I would agree 100%!

StevethePilot

While the GL550 does surprisingly well for the engine it has, I'm routinely getting 24-27mpg on the GL in "highway" mode. Granted, this is not too heavily loaded (mostly four people, with the kids big enough to count now as "adults," and some baggage and maybe a few small dogs), and not towing anything. This engine, like most diesels, was born to be efficient on the highway. You're not going to rocket past someone on a high speed pass, but you're also not going to run out of accelerator pedal as soon as you'd think either.

STP

Rdgdawg

EXCELLENT!!! Just what I want to hear...

That's what the SL550 and E550 Coupe are for!!!

THANKS MUCH for the feedback!!!!

grover432

BMW doesn't have a direct competitor to the GL320. It's size and seating compare to the ML320. I've driven all 3 and I'd say that the GL320 is a great utility vehicle but would be much better without the turbo lag. For me, that is a deal breaker.

scottybdiving

It's all about perspective. You should have driven the naturually asperated diesels in the 80's and 90's. They made these seem like blown alcohol. I find it little more than a minor inconvenience. Certainly not enough to go gas.

1981 Toyota I-4 2.2L diesel
1983 F-250 6.9L NA diesel
1988 F-250 6.9L NA diesel
1993 F-250 7.3L NA diesel
1999 F-250 7.3 Powerstroke
1999 F-250 7.3L Powerstroke - Wife's
2000 F-350 7.3L Powerstroke
2002 Excursion 7.3L Powerstroke - Wife's
2007.5 C-3500 6.4L Duramax
2008 GL 320 - Wife's