I used to drive the X7 M50i as my daily vehicle. Considering @Streamliner discerning tastes (as evident from his forum posts), I must say that based on my experience with the X7 and S-Class, the X7 falls short in terms of luxury and he won't like it.

My X7 came with the Dynamic Handling Package, which BMW claims** to be the equivalent of Mercedes-Benz's 4Matic non-AMG W222. However, the driving experience of the X7 is nowhere near as refined compared to S-class but for sure much better than 95% of other vehicles around.. The interior and quality of materials are simply not on par in the X7 if compared to the S-class. It's worth noting that the X7 is considered a downgrade from the 7 Series (a fact widely recognized and accepted by BMW owners), so naturally, it also falls short when compared to the S-Class. Also, it's sad that BMW does not offer a GLS Maybach equivalent for the X7; they only provide the Alpina, which focuses on enhanced performance rather than the luxurious upgrades found in the Maybach GLS.

On a positive note, the X7 is a very nice SUV, and its engine is remarkably responsive and enjoyable to drive, surpassing the S-Class in this aspect, and might be a better vehicle for some of the average S-class consumers... However, I don't think that the X7 match up to the level of luxury and (refinement) that someone like Streamliner specifically needs. I kinda share similar view too. Range Rover is a much safer option in my view when it's running fine [but again, imagine how many threads streamliner would write in the first 1-2 years of ownership with regards to reliability and maintenance issues : )))))).]

All of the faux M’s or RS’s, sans the faux AMG, are essentially the base model with big engines. The fake AMGs (i.e., 53), however, have the same ultra stiff suspension as the 63 but with a weakling engine. It makes no sense.

BMW and Audi’s fake formula makes a lot more sense than what MB is doing. The only reason I can think of why MB punishes the faux AMG buyers is to compensate for the lame engines, weak HP and pathetic 0-60 times the 53’s have versus the M50s and S’s.

I'm not saying for rides, I'm just saying the looks and sound. Stream doesn't strike me as the guy who wants a performance V8 exhaust and sporty aggressive look inside and out. Like I said, this is the same man who can't stand the AMG-Line for the S-Class. And if anything, he would take an A8 over the SQ8 in most cases.

I would wait on the facelift. There have been growing pains with the tech and a larger number of issues compared to the pre-facelift.

Fair enough, I too would not have any confidence with the events you experienced, again sorry that you had to deal with that. Hope the pain ends soon.

Will need to have a good dealership to back it up though when it goes in annual service.

I guess like another forum member said earlier, don't want to work OP's arteries harder than the his lemon W223 with the poor reliability of the Range Rover in general... I guess.

I guess that is just wasting money and OP did say he came from a humble background and didn't want to just waste money like that. Hopefully the six hour test drive that he was offered would help though.

If I recalled correctly, a forum member did mention that MB didn't have enough time testing and developing that car and apparently that is despite of them developing that car for 10? years. Pretty impressive and sadly you don't find that type of testing ever again from MB.

They even said they haven't tested or developed it enough after all those years even when the car was released.

Is a refresh due, some people think the interior is the deal breaker for them.

I guess it is true too for MB in terms of GLS is a downgrade from the S-Class.

I guess the thing is BMW has Rolls-Royce so they don't need a Maybach competitor (other than price of course) plus BMW always is a sporty brand with the slogan of "the Ultimate Driving Machine" so the Alpina makes sense.

Well, faux or not but those 35, 43, 53 models really made a lot of money for MB. Especially fore those who bought it for the amg badge, that said though. They also felt like they missed out because audi had the "s" for a while, not just the "RS"

Thankfully, (I think?) you can just turn off the exhaust or if the performance exhaust is optional I guess can just not option that, or aftermarket mods by adding (more?) mufflers and such.

I do think OP will have problems with the sporty touches to the exterior and interior though, you are right.

Well sure, its not an S Class...but its something different for him to try since he's not happy with the W223 S Class. SUVs are always a step down in many ways from the comparable sedan, the X7 and GLS are considerably cheaper than a 7 or S despite being much larger and costing more in raw materials to manufacture, something has to give.

Its hard to go from an S Class to anything...

Reliability no concern, I have no doubt that the Range Rover would be the perfect vehicle for Streamliner; the SV Bespoke system would allow him to customise it however he wanted and in terms of comfort/material feeling the people here have said enough

Reliability is why I have never gotten one...

Former Audi e-tron SUV and Porsche Macan owner. No more brake squealing VWs for me. Horrific software too. Service mediocre if you love begging for A3 loaners.

+1 to BMW.

I drove a Kia Telluride today...I gotta say, its damn nice...we drove the GLS beforehand and I said to my wife, remember this is literally 1/2 the cost. HALF.

So I would be really interested to drive a G90

I don't think I've heard a bad review on the telluride yet. Kia seemed to knock it out of the park with that one.

I'm sure the Kiaboys would agree

Agree on VAG (Porsche) brakes. My Cayenne brakes sound like a trumpet when creeping forward with brakes applied. Still love the car though. Son's Tiguan doesn't seem too bad.

Interesting offerings from BMW and Genesis these days.

MB reliability is utter rubbish. Porsche prices are pretty salty. This creates market opportunities for BMW and Genesis to exploit...

The issue with Porsche is cost, sport bias and an aesthetic I personally don't care for (too cold, teutonic). Issue with BMW is they're styling is out of control and right now almost all their cars are really ugly IMO, although they are extremely nice inside, drive great, have great tech and are reliable. Mercedes makes beautiful cars that drive great and are nice inside, but reliability is very uneven. Lexus is a shell of its former self making all low end transverse cars and they have abandoned the upper end almost entirely. Genesis is making a super compelling product but the dealer experience is nonexistent. Frustrating time to be into luxury cars IMO.

You need to keep the battery charged on any modern car. If you drive short distances or don’t drive for more than 2 weeks, hook it up to a battery charger.

Furthermore the Cullinan does not share a platform with the pedestrian X7. Unlike MB’s amateurish attempt with a Maybach based on a 167 platform.

To be fair the Cullinan is 3 times the cost of the Maybach GLS. Mercedes is not Rolls Royce, not should it be.