So I tested this very nice Porsche Cayenne S, 140K MSRP, fully loaded with Burmester High-End 3D, night vision, Porsche InnoDrive drive system, Massage seats, thermall and noise insulated system, PASM+ and adaptive suspension, Torque Victoring Plus, some other Porsche design goodies, etc…

All of this to say… It drives VERY different from the GLS or X7. It’s much more planted but also feels much more heavier and not as easy to move around for a comfy-family ride. We complain about floaty rides, but honestly, SUVs nowadays are either floaty or just too firm. GLS and X7 ride soooo much better for a family, and in Sport mode, they are firm enough (when needed) so I can switch it from floaty to firm as needed. This Porsche Feels too heavy and firm in ALL modes, not like a sporty sedan, but just too rigid for an SUV. Steering wheel feels very hard to turn. Also this is a Cayenne S with over 400-450hp, but my GLS felt much more awake and power is more instantaneous (maybe the EQ boost?). This Cayenne reminded me of my S-class W222 drivetrain tuning (felt like a grandpa drive, and not responsive; literally the only thing I disliked). Can be a good thing, but for a family hauler I appreciated my GLS engine tuning more. Maybe it’s the inline-6 Mbenz vs the V6 engine the Porsche… I don’t know; I left with mix feelings, but I also left with more confidence that the GLS and X7 are the very best family SUVs on the planet (for us) today. I will say that the interior was AWESOME and very very very well put together. I specifically asked the salesman to not pre-heat it and I want to see it first thing in the morning when it’s cold and still potentially creaky, but it did very well.

 

I think you have to want the Porsche experience to really enjoy the Porsche experience, as it is unique to the automotive world. If you're not after that specific experience, then some of it will fall flat on you. I thought I wanted it too a couple of years ago when car shopping myself, and looked at the Cayenne. It just didn't scratch the itch I had at that time. Not a knock on the car whatsoever, but I liked it cheapskate cousin better from a few years prior, the VW Toureg, specifically in the fact that the Toureg didn't make me feel like I could drive it all the time with my hair on fire. I could cruise it much easier. The Cayenne made me feel like I was in a land missile that would not show it's true beauty unless I opened it up and put it through the paces, which I really don't do anymore, and especially that high up off the pavement. One of the true marvels of the Porsche is how it defies the laws of SUV physics in the handling department.

I loved the driver's seat area for sure. Cabin is very much the definition of perfection in terms of layout, quality of materials and build quality. I was not a fan of the back seat area though. Seems too cramped and seated up a bit too high. Just a little awkward to me. Ultimately I decided that it just wasn't the right car for me and what I was after. Don't mind spirited driving here and there, but I also want lazy dog with arm out the window with as little effort as possible, which is where the Cayenne fell short for me. No knock against it, the entire brand isn't targeted to that type of driver and would be foolish to be that type of driver to assume it would. A Porsche is nothing but a Porsche!!

I do think the VAG/Porsche brand make some of the best well-built cars on the planet that age very well. Not all VW's, but many. I've had 3 GTI's since 2009. None were rattle buckets at all. All were rock solid in the rattle department. The 07' I had, had one problem that a revised bolt from the Audi A3 on the front subframe fixed. Otherwise, never a quality of materials issue. Even my 2015 Mk7, which was one of the first off the Mexico line for the US, was a much better built vehicle than my 2014 E350 that I also had.

You ought to see some of the YouTube videos on the servicing and repair process though for Porsche. It's insane. You'll want the tow package, for the trailer of cash you'll need for the servicing.

 

That "Porsche InnoDrive drive system" is similar to the MB "Route-Based Speed Adaptation." I think.
If you used that, I would think the car would feel sluggish.

(Route-Based Speed Adaptation may be my most disliked feature, even worse than Active Lane Keeping Assist.)

The options I feel are necessary are PDCC, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control, and Rear Steer. They really liven up the car.

PDCC is equivalent to AMG ARC in principle.

 

Honestly it did just fine during my short test-drive on the highway. The lane keeping assist is not the best in the industry, but just as good as any Mbenz (fine but not the best). It keeps the car in the center, but not enough to the fact I would never have to even force-make minor correction every minute or too on curves.

Good point about PDCC. I think the one I tested had all the options with PASM+ but not the PDCC. All my non-mbenz cars had the equivalent to PDCC with active anti-roll stabilization bar. That's probably what I dislike about the GLS (and this Cayenne). I got used to the active anti-roll stabilization system, hence again as you hinted before, I should consider the AMG ARC or the 580 with E-ABC. Still can't find a new or even lightly used one with E-ABC or ARC. SO HARD TO FIND!

 

Great point. It reminded me of my Alpina B8. I loved how rigid that car was, and it was marvelous. But the car was built as a sedan to act that way. This Cayenne was similarly rigid, but that doesn't fit the SUV profile to be that rigid. Makes be wonder how 911 drives. Heard EXCELLENT things about the new Panamera though, with claims that the new Active Ride system on it makes it one of the most comfy car on the planet today.

 

Porsche Active Ride suspension can only be optioned on the PHEV Panamera since it's powered by the 400v architecture. You can also get it on the Taycan and the new Cayenne EV. If they announced a Cayenne PHEV, I imagine you'd be able to get it on that trim as well.

ARC is only equipped on AMGs so you'd have to swing for the GLS 63.

 

Yes I know, which is why I was referring to the Panamera and Porsche sedans in particular.
Yes also for the ARC. We've been talking about the AMG variant for a few posts already now. I haven't been able to find enough technical info on how ARC is different from E-ABC. All I know is that I disliked the older MBC though on the sedans. Others on this forum explained ARC but the differences technical aren't year clear to me and Mbenz doesn't have enough info directly comapring both. I will have to test-drive both to develop a feel for both but unfortuntely it's hard to test both under all conditions including day & night, which was the issue with MBC.

 

We are now in an out of state and later overseas trip for a month. I am now in a Hyundai Palisade with the Calligraphy trim.

As absurd as it may sound, I can’t help but wonder if the gap between Korean manufacturers and Mbenz is narrowing, at least when compared to a regular 450/580 GLS, not a Maybach or AMG.

I wouldn’t buy a Palisade over a GLS, don’t get me wrong (and don’t shoot me before you read the entire thing), but this thing is just one third or one-half the price, especially when compared to a regular GLS. If it had better suspension and the MBenz exterior, it would be just as good. The drive assist in the Palisade is significantly better than in the GLS (almost comparable to BMW’s hands-free driving in my BMW). The interior doesn’t creak at all, nothing, and the Calligraphy trim actually has better leather and materials to the touch (again compared to a regular GLS that is still 2X the price though, but not a Maybach, AMG or MANUFACTURER trims). The technology in both cars is fine, nothing extraordinary, but the Palisade screen has better resolution, and the wireless Carplay is full-screen (until 2026, Mbenz will have 90% screen coverage).

The GLS shines in the suspension area. The ride is more luxurious and comfortable. It also feels great to sit behind the MBenz star and the inline-6 is phenomenal. But that’s it, and I’m just wondering if Mbenz is virtually robbing us by not offering a much better vehicle at a that price point they are asking.

For the facelift, I would like to see the same new tech as in the current new GLC. I would also like to see automatic doors, as the new X7 is getting them next year on all 4 doors. I would like to be able to get the E-ABC in the 450 trim, just like the X7 40i can get the DHP. I also want to see better material build quality, phone-as-key with UWB, and much better Drive Assist, including hands-free driving. Otherwise, I have no intention of spending $120K on a car when other cars offer a similar experience to the current base GLS at a fraction of the price. Some Mbenz models feel 5-8 years outdated on the tech side.. The was fine a decade ago when all techs weren’t that great, but not today given how far others have come from. Otherwise my money may go to the upcoming larger X7 with all the new features. I’m excited for the second GLS facelift, but I’m also a bit anxious. It’s needs to be a better SUV, not just a subtle facelift. Fixing the creaks, better interior and much better/newer tech would be enough for me. Let’s see…

 

Palisade is a great vehicle, but what you're paying for is not the interior materials, its the vehicle itself. Chassis sophistication, suspensions, powertrains are all dramatically better than a Palisade which is transverse/FWD and macpherson strut suspension. Palisade is better compared to say a Lexus TX vs a GLS. Its a great value proposition compared to a Lexus TX which shares the same sort of chassis and suspension design, but the GLS/X7 etc I think you actually get a lot for that additional money if those things are important to you. The only way a Palisade is a replacement is if you don't value those things...which is a legitimate point of view...for say my family car my wife primarily drives she doesn't value those things and spending the money for them for her wouldn't be worth it. For me, its worth it.

 

I've said this in other threads: German luxury keeps downgrading features/materials (or charging extra for it) while mass market is increasingly up-market. Both are destined to meet in the middle. Only differentiators will be access to powerful engines, better suspension, etc. as SW20S said. "Value" is in the eye of the beholder!

 

True and the gap is narrower than ever before. I can only justify a fully loaded trim nowadays, otherwise the differences become limited to the drivetrain and suspension as mbenz standard interiors are becoming almost inferior to other cheaper models and not even put together that well.

 

I owned a GX and 2 LXs over 14 years, and never gave a thought to their drive trains. Now with a G550 and an X7, I've become paranoid about differential and transfer case servicing, and the constantly changing fluid specs needed to keep them happy.

 

Yeah it’s another issue when the “upgraded” experience also comes with reliability issues. Am happy with the inline-6 drivetrain and the Mbenz transmission coupled with the I6 doesn’t seem to be as bad as it was with the V8, not that clunky but not refined either. As for the transfer case, you’d need to service it quite often in the X7, preferably every 15-20K miles (dozens of threads about that in MBWorld). I really like the inline-6 drivetrain by Mbenz. Not a fan at all of any of their V8s (clunky transmission compared to beemers among other issues). The ultimate SUV is still a GLS for me, but I wouldn’t say it is perfect. I said that before, but the past 5-6 years have been extremely boring, not due to the lack of excitement, but mostly due to the lack of fully refined options as in the past.

 

Few weeks ago my wife was in a Hyndai dealership with Baby Momma who is trying to get a new warranty engine in her Hyundai. It is a nightmare (it is a bad engine, just not bad enough yet - so, a new mom has to drive the car until it blows and possibly leaves her and a four month old stranded).

But, anyways a sales person looked at the GLS and asked when we are going to "Upgrade" to a Palisade. My wife pretty much laughed in the guys face. Side by side you can not compare a V8TT and all the bells and whistles to a freaking V6 with less torque than HP. As for the internior - lipstick on a pig. What is a shame, so many folks will think they are comprable....(well, the same folks order a steak at a buffet).

 

I agree with this (obviously via my other thread on why MB isn't top of my list anymore). When you're in an urban setting of constant stop/go traffic, the interior creature comforts and quality truly makes the difference in my opinion. That, and ease of handling and driving such a vehicle in that environment. I think it's very tough to beat the GLS on a highway cruise, perhaps the best riding SUV on the market in that regard. Devours miles like 2000's Charlie Sheen devoured hookers! But in city life of short errands, annoying Teslas and endless stop lights, meh... The GLS is a bit lumpy on braking, handing road dips, etc. Not terrible (although I've never liked how it feels when braking), but.....

 

Exactly my personal assessment too.

 

I agree in general.
That's why I ended up with an AMG with AMG ARC and Big Red Brake packages on my AMG53, which fix the brake response and, more importantly, the dips and broken pavement harshness. Eliminates head toss and that floaty feeling.
Crossing RR tracks mid corner in Sport+ mode gives a better ride than standard Air in Comfort.
That option package is $20k less than the Audi Porsche and BMW equivalents when you consider the required packages. Standard on AMG 63, which may be the only way it's offered now.

 

Audi has just announced the new Q9... Very nice spacious 3-row SUV, with automatic doors and very nice cabin tech.

After going through so many options that none of them seemed even close enough to the GLS and X7 in terms of a luxury family SUV, the Audi Q9 is definitely on my list now too.

 

Just saw a video of it. Very promising. I'm guessing it'll be a PHEV as the videos revealed very little space underneath the cargo floor. I wonder if it'll get this suspension too:

Audi Borrowed Porsche's Suspension Tech But Added Body Roll. Here's Why https://share.google/klHJQBpgJL1PP7ApA

 

They adopted Porsche’s panoramic UV blocking roof. Should be good for maintaining comfort and interior longevity.

Disappointed that volume control is one of the few physical buttons (didn’t VW make a fuss about bringing back buttons?!!!). HVAC controls in the touchscreen could be problematic if voice recognition isn’t up to snuff.

 

The Q9 looks great!

 

The Q9 is familiar audi design, for those who wants something different and have access to it seems like they have a brand called a u d i with a vehicle called the E7X that is a very different design to what audi used to offer.

 

Totally agree with your statements on the price to quality ratio on the GLS compared to something like the Palisade. I am on my second GLS and the quality has definitely taken a downward trend. The every present sound of plastic on plastic every time the GLS bounces over pavement imperfections is incredibly annoying and makes me feel like I was a fool spending the extra money on a Mercedes.

What do people think about the new Telluride? Looks good to me.

 

The main reason why the GLS or an X7 etc is superior to a Telluride or Palisade or Lexus TX is the design of the car. Those vehicles are transverse mounted engines, nothing but 4cyls available (save the TX550h+ which is a V6 PHEV but incredibly hard to find), FWD based Macpherson strut suspensions, they just aren't of the same caliber as something like the GLS. If that doesn't matter to you, then yeah those vehicles provide a very attractive package at a great price.

Personally I want a real longitudinal RWD layout with DW/multilink suspension with 6 or 8 cyl power if its something that I am going to drive every day...if its just a family car then I can skip those things for the right package. Most buyers don't recognize those differences though...

 

I have the same electrochromic panoramic glass on my ID Buzz and it's been great. Didn't need to ceramic tint it like the rest of the windows to block the IR and reduce glare.