I was all set to order an ML350, then I test drove a Cayenne
Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 119
Likes: 3
2023 GLE 53
Just a quick note on my ML experience. I don't have any Porsche experience, but am on my 3rd ML. This one, a 2013 ML 550 is the best of the bunch. I've always had the V8 models since my wife has a lead foot, and she too is pleased with the power and refinement over previous models. It is a quick straightline SUV. I do recommend the leather seats option for an improved feel on both back and under your thighs. I also now have the steel suspension as well, replacing my old Airmatic and she likes it. Not as stiff or truck like, but smooth and easy handling. Still it's not a Porsche, and you'll have to decide where you'll want to compromise.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
S550 Porsche Cayenne
I've had my ML 350 diesel for 5 months and I have no regrets about getting rid of my Porsche Cayenne 2010. Yes it was a gorgeous Macadamia - a rich golden chestnut and I have never had so many compliments on a car's color before.
It was much sportier- but only in sport mode and then it sucked gas like it was air. The seats were fine for me but the other guys in the family who were taller and heftier did not like them. Of course they wish the ML had the fantastic seats of a BMW X5 and so do I.
The Porsche ride was also rougher, you felt the road more which some people consider a plus. However at low speeds you also felt every little bump and seam in the pavement. This is much less noticeable in the ML. We also had a Corvette and it was more comfortable.
There's also a philosophical difference between Mercedes and Porsche. It seemed as if the Porsche technicians were forever consulting with the Porsche corporate engineers. It was as if they weren't trusted enough to make their own decisions. And I found the corporate engineers to be royal pains. My Cayenne had a serious AC problem. The car never got cold.
Even the Porsche service writer sat in the car with a meat thermometer in the AC vent and agreed it wasn't working properly. He said if they couldn't fix it in the shop he'd replace the entire AC unit with a automatic dual zone one. But they stalled until cooler temperatures arrived and then we couldn't do anything until the next summer. Then they called in the Porsche engineers who said it was "working as designed" - and wouldn't allow my dealer to replace the AC unit.
Porsche corporate is a strange beast and not easy to deal with. Even my dealership complained about the ridiculous hoops Porsche made them jump through. My dealer serviced Porsche, VW and Audi in the same shop. Porsche made them paint the bays different colors and they weren't allowed to ever put a VW or Audi in a Porsche bay.
That's when we decided to get rid of it when the lease was up. And one of the big factors was that you're paying an exorbitant amount of money for that rearing stallion on the hood. There's no justification for it - the car is not worth that money.
It was much sportier- but only in sport mode and then it sucked gas like it was air. The seats were fine for me but the other guys in the family who were taller and heftier did not like them. Of course they wish the ML had the fantastic seats of a BMW X5 and so do I.
The Porsche ride was also rougher, you felt the road more which some people consider a plus. However at low speeds you also felt every little bump and seam in the pavement. This is much less noticeable in the ML. We also had a Corvette and it was more comfortable.
There's also a philosophical difference between Mercedes and Porsche. It seemed as if the Porsche technicians were forever consulting with the Porsche corporate engineers. It was as if they weren't trusted enough to make their own decisions. And I found the corporate engineers to be royal pains. My Cayenne had a serious AC problem. The car never got cold.
Even the Porsche service writer sat in the car with a meat thermometer in the AC vent and agreed it wasn't working properly. He said if they couldn't fix it in the shop he'd replace the entire AC unit with a automatic dual zone one. But they stalled until cooler temperatures arrived and then we couldn't do anything until the next summer. Then they called in the Porsche engineers who said it was "working as designed" - and wouldn't allow my dealer to replace the AC unit.
Porsche corporate is a strange beast and not easy to deal with. Even my dealership complained about the ridiculous hoops Porsche made them jump through. My dealer serviced Porsche, VW and Audi in the same shop. Porsche made them paint the bays different colors and they weren't allowed to ever put a VW or Audi in a Porsche bay.
That's when we decided to get rid of it when the lease was up. And one of the big factors was that you're paying an exorbitant amount of money for that rearing stallion on the hood. There's no justification for it - the car is not worth that money.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,313
Likes: 7
From: Toronto
2005 ML350, 2008 GL320, 2013 Gl350
I've had my ML 350 diesel for 5 months and I have no regrets about getting rid of my Porsche Cayenne 2010. Yes it was a gorgeous Macadamia - a rich golden chestnut and I have never had so many compliments on a car's color before.
It was much sportier- but only in sport mode and then it sucked gas like it was air. The seats were fine for me but the other guys in the family who were taller and heftier did not like them. Of course they wish the ML had the fantastic seats of a BMW X5 and so do I.
The Porsche ride was also rougher, you felt the road more which some people consider a plus. However at low speeds you also felt every little bump and seam in the pavement. This is much less noticeable in the ML. We also had a Corvette and it was more comfortable.
There's also a philosophical difference between Mercedes and Porsche. It seemed as if the Porsche technicians were forever consulting with the Porsche corporate engineers. It was as if they weren't trusted enough to make their own decisions. And I found the corporate engineers to be royal pains. My Cayenne had a serious AC problem. The car never got cold.
Even the Porsche service writer sat in the car with a meat thermometer in the AC vent and agreed it wasn't working properly. He said if they couldn't fix it in the shop he'd replace the entire AC unit with a automatic dual zone one. But they stalled until cooler temperatures arrived and then we couldn't do anything until the next summer. Then they called in the Porsche engineers who said it was "working as designed" - and wouldn't allow my dealer to replace the AC unit.
Porsche corporate is a strange beast and not easy to deal with. Even my dealership complained about the ridiculous hoops Porsche made them jump through. My dealer serviced Porsche, VW and Audi in the same shop. Porsche made them paint the bays different colors and they weren't allowed to ever put a VW or Audi in a Porsche bay.
That's when we decided to get rid of it when the lease was up. And one of the big factors was that you're paying an exorbitant amount of money for that rearing stallion on the hood. There's no justification for it - the car is not worth that money.
It was much sportier- but only in sport mode and then it sucked gas like it was air. The seats were fine for me but the other guys in the family who were taller and heftier did not like them. Of course they wish the ML had the fantastic seats of a BMW X5 and so do I.
The Porsche ride was also rougher, you felt the road more which some people consider a plus. However at low speeds you also felt every little bump and seam in the pavement. This is much less noticeable in the ML. We also had a Corvette and it was more comfortable.
There's also a philosophical difference between Mercedes and Porsche. It seemed as if the Porsche technicians were forever consulting with the Porsche corporate engineers. It was as if they weren't trusted enough to make their own decisions. And I found the corporate engineers to be royal pains. My Cayenne had a serious AC problem. The car never got cold.
Even the Porsche service writer sat in the car with a meat thermometer in the AC vent and agreed it wasn't working properly. He said if they couldn't fix it in the shop he'd replace the entire AC unit with a automatic dual zone one. But they stalled until cooler temperatures arrived and then we couldn't do anything until the next summer. Then they called in the Porsche engineers who said it was "working as designed" - and wouldn't allow my dealer to replace the AC unit.
Porsche corporate is a strange beast and not easy to deal with. Even my dealership complained about the ridiculous hoops Porsche made them jump through. My dealer serviced Porsche, VW and Audi in the same shop. Porsche made them paint the bays different colors and they weren't allowed to ever put a VW or Audi in a Porsche bay.
That's when we decided to get rid of it when the lease was up. And one of the big factors was that you're paying an exorbitant amount of money for that rearing stallion on the hood. There's no justification for it - the car is not worth that money.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Syracuse NY
12' S350 blutec, 13'ML550, 2011 ml350, 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit
DONT DO It. I had a VW toureag TDI which is nearly the same truck, I was going to upgrade that for the Cayenne Diesel but I found the ride quality, fit and finish of the ML to be a lot better and for the money you can't go wrong with the benz. The Merc's diesel is a much better motor IMHO. I have the s350 and the ML550 and love them both!
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 9
Likes: 1
From: Aptos, CA
ML 350 Bluetec
Car & Driver comparo of Diesel SUVs
Check out the June 2013 issue of CAR and DRIVER magazine .
It has a comparison review of 5 Diesel SUVs including these two.
I just replaced my 2010 ML 350 BTC and considered the Cayenne in the process. Didn't see the value, frankly.
BTW, the W166 BTC has some important improvements (for me) over its predecessor: much reduced turbo lag, quieter engine and interior and NO run-flat tires!
It has a comparison review of 5 Diesel SUVs including these two.
I just replaced my 2010 ML 350 BTC and considered the Cayenne in the process. Didn't see the value, frankly.
BTW, the W166 BTC has some important improvements (for me) over its predecessor: much reduced turbo lag, quieter engine and interior and NO run-flat tires!
