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Whats interesting is I now have a V6 plug in hybrid CVT Chrysler Pacifica, and I resisted this hybrid model each time we got a Pacifica (this is our third one) because I hate the way Toyota/Lexus hybrids feel and sound because of their CVT, but this hybrid Pacifica is a delight. You would never know it was a CVT unless you were just sustained WOT...so its something in how the Toyota eCVT works. I was in a friends Lexus RX hybrid the other day and it sounds awful.
Is the Pacifica still built on the former Mercedes 164 platform?
Or did they finally upgrade?
Looks like the top TX is not as bulletproof as I would've liked:
"But if you want the most powerful (and what will likely be the most expensive) TX on offer, the 550h+ is it. It does feel the quickest in a straight line, but the big difference is that CVT. Because there are no gears, the V6 never quiets down when you're accelerating. It constantly rumbles its way through the firewall, and after just a few minutes we were bemoaning the constant interruption in the 550h+'s cabin and resorted to putting in EV mode for most of our drive."
I test drove the TX when looking at the MY24 GLS 580. The TX's ride comfort just wasn't there. It felt like a Toyota. I loved my 2003 Highlander, but I was looking for a smoother air suspension this time around and the TX doesn't offer that. Maybe in the future?
I test drove the TX when looking at the MY24 GLS 580. The TX's ride comfort just wasn't there. It felt like a Toyota. I loved my 2003 Highlander, but I was looking for a smoother air suspension this time around and the TX doesn't offer that. Maybe in the future?
Wouldn't the GX or LX be more suitable to cross-shop against a GLS? I haven't looked at dimensions/specs but TX is the smallest of those three.
The GX and LX are heavier due to Body on Frame design I think! Last I checked, TX third row was shorter than GLS third row only by barely over an 1" (still very respectable).
2020 GLS450 / 2024 Ford Bronco / (former) W212 4-matic 350 sport package
If you can live with the space and someshat long in the tooth design, then I would vote for the Q7 over the GLS. Don't get me wrong, ours has been great and we like it a lot, but I personally think the Q7 is a better built vehicle and drives much better. Having personal experience of several VW’s and two MB’s since 2017, and being surrounded by the sea of X5’s where I live, of the 3 main german manufacturers, I think MB has slipped to dead last. As one neighbor who is German says, MB is the Buick of Germany. He drives only BMW, and his wife only would drive the Q7 (3 back to back) until recently shifting over to the new X5. Honestly I don’t know personally too many people who seem to pick the GLS when shopping the 3, which is something we kind of like, ours is pretty rare in our area..
I bought my wife the Sq7 every option on it she drove it for 2k mile and made me trade it in for the GLS 580. The SQ7 drove better and was WAY faster but the GLS is better size wise and tech. I am an audi guy personally I drive an RSQ8 and an R8 but I will say the GLS is a good ride. The wife loves it so happy wife happy life I guess
I bought my wife the Sq7 every option on it she drove it for 2k mile and made me trade it in for the GLS 580. The SQ7 drove better and was WAY faster but the GLS is better size wise and tech. I am an audi guy personally I drive an RSQ8 and an R8 but I will say the GLS is a good ride. The wife loves it so happy wife happy life I guess
Assuming you have performance tires on your 22" wheels, does your location require you to switch them out for winter?
Assuming you have performance tires on your 22" wheels, does your location require you to switch them out for winter?
I live in Florida so we don't have winter. the SQ7 had 22" and the RSQ8 has 23". I think the GLS has 22" there was an option for 23" but I didn't want to go for them on that.
I bought my wife the Sq7 every option on it she drove it for 2k mile and made me trade it in for the GLS 580. The SQ7 drove better and was WAY faster but the GLS is better size wise and tech. I am an audi guy personally I drive an RSQ8 and an R8 but I will say the GLS is a good ride. The wife loves it so happy wife happy life I guess
I assume it was the pre-facelift Sq7 that was traded in?
Just wanted to thank everyone for your comments and suggestions. We ended up ordering the GLS580 last year and took delivery couple weeks ago. So far, the entire family is loving the new car. It rides extremely smoothly and has all the amenities any one could want in a vehicle.
I wish I had seen this thread last year when I began my search, although I'm not sure that it would've changed anything. I've been going back and forth between the SQ7/8 and GLS 580 for months. I've been focused on the GLS as of late because of the tech (MBUX is excellent) and the ability to add rear entertainment because I have a little one. It's an SUV whereas the SQ7 is definitely a crossover and drives more like a car. Having driven quite a few SQ7/8s, I will say that the Audis are more fun to drive, but also less responsive. I can't say anything positive about the Audi transmissions. And if I compare them (2020 SQ7s) to older GLE63s (2016), the Merc was downright violent (in the best way possible). The 2020+ MBUX is superior to the 2020+ Audi MMI. Audi's 100% touchscreen isn't that responsive and can't compare in any way to the MBUX AR nav. However, if someone places a premium on tunability, the engine in the Audi is superior given its ubiquity across the group and the fact that it was detuned for the SQ7/8. For $1k, you can take the 4.0 TT from 513HP stock to 710 HP on pump gas.
I guess it all depends on the individual. If you need a vehicle that can "do it all", then the SQ7 or SQ8 may be a better fit. I feel like it won't do anything the best, but it is a good balance between sportiness, cargo space (kind of), and luxury. For me, cargo space is one of our top priorities hence went with the GLS580. Plus, I didn't feel a fast/sporty, car-like SUV will fit my family's need for a dog & baby grocery hauler. For the days when I feel more of a driving enthusiast, I'll drive the E450 coupe (not really a sports car, but much more nimble than the GLS!).
I guess it all depends on the individual. If you need a vehicle that can "do it all", then the SQ7 or SQ8 may be a better fit. I feel like it won't do anything the best, but it is a good balance between sportiness, cargo space (kind of), and luxury. For me, cargo space is one of our top priorities hence went with the GLS580. Plus, I didn't feel a fast/sporty, car-like SUV will fit my family's need for a dog & baby grocery hauler. For the days when I feel more of a driving enthusiast, I'll drive the E450 coupe (not really a sports car, but much more nimble than the GLS!).
@dtl919 Oh, wait.... now just saw that you took delivery of your GLS 580. Nice choice, one direction I will likely take myself. So the other thread is too late to be of any use to you, but perhaps others subscribed to this thread may find it useful. Enjoy your new ride!
03-25-2024, 11:54 AM
