dserban2

before going for the ML?

I want to trade my Escalade for something faster and smaller and I am in between the Cayenne and the ML.

Opinions?

sosh

Yes, I had a look see and walked away. The Cayenne has been called a commercial failure by auto anaylists and seems to be smaller than the ML, value retension is a problem also. You can buy/lease a Cayenne that is more expensive than an ML for lots less than the ML or comparably priced vehicle. As a rule deaalers have on hand in many cases over a year's supply at current sales rates. The styling particularly the interior is very dated and not pleasing to the eye. Reliability is suspect.

GregW / Oregon

I agree with Sosh's comments. For me the cargo room of the Cayenne is too small, which is what ruled it out. The ML has better aerodynamics (0.34 vs. 0.39), smaller turning circle, wieghs a couple hundred pounds less and is much better looking. Performance-wise they are close, the P-truck having more hp, but less torque. If you can wait for the 4-valve M-B V8s, those will be kick-butt.

This says it all:

jayj

if you are seriously considering the cayenne, go to a dealer and test drive the cayenne turbo and see for yourself. that's the only advise you'll need.

vraa

Yeah cuz it kicks so much ***. The turbo is incredible. If the car wasn't so damned expensive I think we would've gotten that rather than the X5.

GregW / Oregon

Until the ML63 comes out--then things will get interesting!

dserban2

Thank you for your input. I will stick with the M.

rubensans

1st I was going to pick Cayenne S.
then I changed to Touareg V10.
Finaly I get ML320 CDI.

Here the 3 with lot of options cost 90000 euros.

What make me pick the ML is:

1.- Better Quality.
2.- New Car with new engine. (Cayenne and Touareg a have a restiling in 1 year).
3.- Great Brand. Porsche is also a great brand, but spending 90000 € in a W is too much (I know it's the same as Porsche, but not exactly)).
4.- Much better support/service from mercedes.
5.- SevenTronic
6.- Security (Neck pro) (here in city we have a lot of aft (rear end) colisions).
7.- Good Diesel engine with high mileage.
8.- Command system (the other is rubbish compared).
9.- I also drive a Sportcoupe and a S500

Thing that the ML is bad in comparisión:
1.- BRAKES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2.- POWER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
3.- Glass (in the other 2 you can get full solar glass in every window).
4.- Air Conditioning (in cayenne/touareg, you can get 4 zones with 2 evaporators; like the maybach).

Best Regards.

dserban2

Thank you Rubensans, I am considering the ML500 so the power is not in question.
I used to own two ML several years ago (98 and 2000) and as you all know, the quality was terrible so since I decided to stay away. Now I am considering going back to Mercedes but I am still concerned by the reliability.

rubensans

New Mercedes has suposed to be better.

Mercedes has take 2/3 of his benefits and only keeps now 1/3.

They have used this money to make better quality cars and more reliable.

Here are the car's that should be better:

New (class year):
CLS 2005
ML 2006 (w164)
G 2006
R 2006
S 2006
CL 2006/2007

pointman

one thing to remember if buying a cayenne. no maintenance. all out of pocket.

dserban2

Same as MB. They used to cover the maintenance but not anymore.

pointman

mb covers half.

GregW / Oregon

Really--what is the source of that information?

pointman

my mb salesman.

Paul Le Corre

Yes, we considered for a while a Cayenne if the 164 had a too long waiting list. But since we got a slot for november, we signed for the ML.

As an european member here, I would say that the MAJOR problem of the Cayenne is that it doesn't have a diesel engine. Gas is so expensive that having a Cayenne wouldn't make a lot of sense.
Plus I don't think that Cayenne nor the Cayenne S will have the effortless drive of the ML 320 CDI (510 NM at less than 2000 RPM is all you need for a SUV). The turbo version must be better but the price tage is out of range.

rubensans

Here in diesel and good cars you have the touareg V10, or the ml320 cdi.

If you want more we will have to wait for the ML420CDI. V8 231 kW/314 hp 730 Newton metres.

Best Regards.

sosh

Wrong again!!

dserban2

According with my salesman MB does not cover any portion of the maintenance.

As far as Diesel goes, in the Socialist Republic of California, where I am the diesel is forbidden.

rubensans

Diesel Cars are forbiden in california?

dserban2

I now it is hard to believe but there are two or three States who are not allowing Diesel.

rubensans

It's interesting to know that in USA because here we know that you used to run machines with diesel's 2 strokes like Detroit Diesels engine's that are extremely poluting, and know you tell me that 3 states have modern low poluting diesel cars forbiden.

Best Regards.

dserban2

Unfortunately true. I would like a Diesel since I commute about 100 miles a day and in gas it cost me over $50/week. I know, this is cheap in comparison with what you are paying in Europe.

Ormond2004

They Cayenne handles better than the ML. Drive both and see which you like better. Bother are nice.

pointman

EDIT... turns out i am wrong. my sales guy lied. i called to confirm what he told me and sales manager told me its not true and that he is no longer working at the dealership.