Hello everyone, I need a bit of advice from you all. I’m looking for a new SUV in the next few months; however I am not sure what to get… It seems like there will never be a car that gives you everything you want. However, I have narrowed it down to the Germans SUVs. I have driven some and have provided a few of my insights. Forgive the structure as it is random opinions about stated vehicle.

ML 320 CDI – I’m not sure what to make of the M class. I love that Mercedes is pushing diesel, and it’s a very nice a car. However, I just get the feeling that something is missing. It does everything well just nothing stellar. Ride and handling are good for a SUV, but airmatic is a required option for me. It will be by far the most fuel efficient choice, but is lacking on towing. Styling solicits mixed emotions, looks very good but it’s a bit feminine. Side mirrors are too small. Interior is very business like, standard MB fair. I do notice that MB seems to taking a few shortcuts on interior pieces. The cheap door plungers really look bad. The 6 disc changer didn’t go back up in the glove box. I’m sure it would be among, if not the, safest SUVs. Tech is not as impressive as others brands. Voice control is still very basic, didn’t get to play with the navigation, but I hope it’s better than the older system. H/K audio system was very good (bit of an audiophile). Why no keyless go on the diesel? I haven’t made up my mind to buy or to lease. But MB leasing options aren’t the best to be had. I do find the ML a bit expensive for what it offers. My past MB ownership and recent dealer trip were not very good. Are all MB dealerships so arrogant? I still have reliability concerns, service costs are ok. You may or may not get a loaner car. Can this thing do light offroading?

GL 450/320 – I love the room but basically the same as a ML. Rides a bit better, but you can tell its mass in turns. Towing is more inline with what I’m wanting. I’m against the diesel version since the 0-60 time has said to be 9.5 sec.

R class – No…ugly

Audi Q7 – It’s really starting to grow on me. Love the tech that Audi has put into the car. Nice engine sound. It something different and stands out of the boxy SUVs. However, it’s heavy, fairly slow, and a gas hog. The handling hides its mass well, a bit sportier ride than the M class. Interior has the best fit and finish of any SUV I have looked at save Lexus. Audi to me has done a great job with the little details and accents around the cabin. The cabin does seem louder than the ML. The available 6 seat configuration is interesting. MMI control system is better than I-Drive, offers more control and features than the ML. Navigation wasn’t too smart, but voice control worked fairly well. Awesome 4 place A/C control with a good amount of rear vents. Keyless Go! Not a great audio system, bland and muddy Bose. It offers the S-class type active cruise control that could bring it to a stop for less money than the M class 1st generation system. The available 6 seat configuration is interesting. Very good lease options and rates. Audi doesn’t carry the same prestige as a Benz. Dealership has given me a good experience. There’s a rumored European Delivery program in the works. Never had an Audi so its something new Reliability concerns, but service costs seem ok… $550 covers you for the first 50k and loners are given.

Porsche Cayenne S – Driving brings a smile to my face. It has an addictive exhaust note, but really not that much faster than anything else. Was fun to have the salesperson drifting in the streets…. like its Audi cousin it’s too heavy and drinks too much gas. It rides a bit hopper than everything save the X5. Costs way too much with options, and everything is an option. But there are some very cool options to make it your own. Interior is a bit cheap looking to me for the cost. I know its going for the sports thing…just its looks like jeep made the plastics. Also, I feel the most cramped inside. I hear good deals to be had due that none is buying them… ton of them on the lot just getting rusty rotors. Does have an ED program but they charge, and want the VAT for the car until it gets to the US. Reliability concerns, but oddly good resell values according to some sources. Never had a Porsche, so something new. I think service costs a very high however. Will have a loaner.

VW Touareg – the V10 was an impressive diesel. But not paying 70k for a Volkswagen… yea I know it’s the same as the Audi or Porsche, but still.

Acura MDX – Something to look into

Lexus (all) – been there done that… LX too old, GX oddly styled, RX no… Lexus reams u in service costs, but will always have a Lexus loaner

So any input would be a great help. Thanks.

 

ML320 CDI is the way to go.

 

Another option is new BMW X5 due in Spring. I replaced my old X5 3.0 Sport with a ML320 CDi Sport and have no regrets. I think with privacy glass at back ML looks much smarter than X5 (old or new) and with Airmatic I find I can get the ride I want when I want it (sporty when on own and want to gun the car) or Comfort when carrying passengers and car then feels like any good midsize executive.

 

Hi 'NoMerk',

With all respect I can never really see the point of these 'what should I get?' threads.

Most people who post this site either own or want info on Mercedes vehicles. So most people have already gone through your decision making process and bought (hence will probably recommend the Mercedes).

Get the vehicle which suits you best .

All I can say is that I've driven >7000 miles in my ML 320CDi @ > 27 mpg (UK) without a hiccup. Imho it handles and goes very well (for an SUV) but it don't have 7 seats (no probs for me).

Cheers,

 

What are the door plungers?

 

You've pretty much stated the DEFINITION of an SUV with your quote above !!!

I came to seriously look at MB when the E320CDI came out. I came close to buying one several times but I still haven't "pulled the trigger." There's always something else coming out that I wait for.

I too am waiting for the ML320CDI . . . 2 more weeks!

I enjoyed reading your review on the vehicles above. I agree with most everything you said. . . . I was disappointed that the GL is just a stretched ML.

I hate to say it but the best one in the bunch is probably going to turn out to be the ugly R class. If you need 6 passenger seating it blows away the Audi Q7 (and all the rest above too). I can't even get into the 3rd row on the Q7 . . . . but boy, does the Q7 ever look nice, inside and out! But if you want all wheel drive, great ride, great room (though some have complained about the front seat) and with the coming CDI, great "gas" mileage, then you need to let the R class grow on you. It might be butt ugly but it gets the job done. Just put some of those spinning wheel covers on it and tell folks it's a hearse for rappers!!

Another nice thing about the R class is that you don't have to worry that MB overpriced it . . . their sales are so far below expectations that I've heard of new 06's going for as much as $14000 off sticker. You might not get an 07 CDI for that but it will certainly be discounted more than other models (and rightly so).

I test drove the Touareg V10 TDI and W O W ... what a machine . . . but I agree with you 100% : $70K for a VW? Are you fricken kidding? I would begrudgingly pay $55k for it.

 

Well the point is to get feedback and opinions from other enthusiasts. I am a MB fan however; I was burned on an impulse AMG buy. Hence from now on I’m going to look before I leap and weigh all my options. As you stated most people have gone through the decision making process, so I don’t find any harm is asking those willing people to share their experience in the matter. That is one of the main functions of a forum is it not? Its not like the ML or GL are not on the list…

 

Hi
I am very satisfied with my ML however a friend of mine has bought the Q7 and I must admit that I too was impressed. The car had full options and I loved the details eg. indicators in the sidemirrors that tells you if there are any cars in your blind angle, lines on the navi-screen that shows you how to make a perfect parking when reversing etc etc.

Anyway since I've alway been a "Mercedes-guy", I'll stick to my ML and I think I'll be better off in the long run ;o)