TestnDoc

I have ordered a Cayenne Turbo, but have been reading about alot of quality issues with it, such as excessive oil consumpation, bad tire wear, leaking panoroof, etc. The E55 has the power, and plenty of luxury, and storage space. Will any changes be made in 2006? Any thoghts on the E 55?

Duane

Hey Doc its Duane. Good to see you over here. I just got my e55 2 days ago. Knowing how you are you should jus get both.

Noredline

I enjoyed my Cayenne Turbo for about 7K miles. I did have to add a quart of oil about every 1500-2000 miles. Also, THOUROUGHLY test drive on the freeway at speeds of about 60-80mph. Make sure the vehicle you purchase does not have a steering wheel vibration. Let go of the wheel briefly at these speeds and watch for a shimmy in the steering wheel. My .02, overall, a killer vehicle. Is this the new 500hp model, or are they still at 450hp? I like my E55 waaaaay better, I like the torque, and speed that you just cant get from an SUV. Still lots of passenger room, but the Turbo's interior and standard features can not be beat!!!

Can Drive 55

I almost bought a Cayenne TT before I ordered my E55. At that time the HP was still 450 and there was a 500HP option for about $18,000.

TestnDoc

Hey Duane! Looks like our "Automobile addiction" continues. I saw an E55 yesterday at my local MB dealer...man was it sweet!! Im seriously considering it, and might drop the Cayenne. How do you think the 2 compare?? Congrats on your E55. Color? Pics?

TestnDoc

The one I have ordered is with the 450hp motor, cant see 18k for 50 more ponies. How does the E55 handle? How well does it corner? Ive driven an E500, and it handled great, without a harsh ride.

Noredline

Honestly, they handle about the same. I am not dissappointed with the handling of the 55, much better with PS2's vs. the stock Contis. The Cayenne when lowered (manually, or automatically at like 85mph) really corners well at speeds. I have taken both vehicles on the same freeway interchanges over 100 and can easily change lanes.

onesixeight

I've had both cars in my garage at one point, and now only have one...the E55! I had to add a quart of oil once at the 3300 mi point, but after owning a 993, 996 Porsche turbo models, I'm used to it.

If you need the extra space (not much, actually) over the E55...then the Cayenne should be your pick. But to me, the lower cost of an e55, way faster (e55), and better handling (e55)...made me decide to go with the E55 as my daily driver.

BoBcanada

Which one consumed more petrol? Cayenne turbo or E55?

onesixeight

Bob...

I noticed in the city (where I do most of my driving), the Cayenne averaged like 8.8 mpg! No joke. Believe it or not, Hawaii (Honolulu) has some of the worst traffic...seriously parking lot type stop and go.

But on the highway, the extra 6th gear on the Cayenne highway consumption to a more reasonable 23-24 mpg.

If I don't reset the On Board Computer for a week, I notice both cars at the end come out pretty close on consumption...11.4-12.5 mpg for both cars. A week of normal driving-no crazy runs or torque wrenching E55 burn-outs! Now that's something you can't do with the Cayenne TT!!!

Wickdwagon

As others have stated do yourself a favor and take a long test drive of the unit that you are actually going to own; no demos or loaners; your actual C TT.

In November PCNA repurchased my C - S prior to Lemon Law Litigation; the vibration issue is a real problem and there is no known remedy?

In the end that E55 in my mind has as much unique appeal as the Cayenne; both need snow tyres and premium fuel; and consumption is close to even.

elbimmer

I think Cayenne Turbo is a fabulous car........its as fast as BMW 645Ci (even faster) and its an SUV.
If I will have to choose between Cayenne TT and E55, I will take Cayenne!

W210

E55>ctt>645

onesixeight

I agree with you W210...

If you're only gonna buy one car and don't need the extra cargo capacity of the C-TT, then the E55 is an easy choice. It's cheaper by 10-15k with similar options, handles better, way faster acceleration...and to me...looks better.

But to some of my friends that have one, just owning the world's fastest SUV is enough for them to pick the C-TT.

I'm a fan of the 6-series and think it's a great GT car, but I'd still take the E55.

W210

I would definitely pick a C-TT if money is no object and I need an SUV, although on a straight line, perhaps the G55K is faster?

onesixeight

I've driven the new G55K in Singapore a few months back and although a very fast SUV, I don't think it's as fast as the Cayenne Turbo. The shear weight of the G-Wagen makes it feel very sluggish, especially after the initial torque surge. Both companies quote their respective 0-100 km/h at 5.6 seconds.

The G-wagens really shows it age when you drive it, even the AMG model. Driving the Cayenne is a vastly different driving experience, especially since it's a much more modern SUV, build completely new from the ground up.

W210

You're right about the initial surge, Motor Trend tested the G55k at 4.7(!) 0-60, while the CTT did it in 5.1. 1/4 mile G55k at 13.2@103.2, CTT at 13.6@101.8.

I can't imagine how much the G55k would cost in Singapore.

Food for thought, if they can combine 4matic with the V8k engine in the G55k, why not the E55k!

onesixeight

Wow...that is indeed some impressive numbers for the G55. I didn't think it felt like a sub 5 second 0-60 car...but it's scary fast to feel that extremely top heavy SUV go that quickly.

I believe the G-Wagen SUV sells for around $300k USD in Singapore, not to mention the extremely high taxes based on the size of your engine. :p :p :p

Regarding the 4-Matic...I thought with the release of the E55 Estate in the US we would see a 4-Matic version of that...but I guess it didn't make the boat. Maybe that's a closer comparison to the Cayenne TT...A 4-Matic E55 Estate.

norb

My vote is the E55 hands down. You think its fun to have a fast SUV? You should see the faces on people when you blow them away in a 4 door Mercedes. If cargo is important to you, how about the E55 wagon? Talk about total stealth mode.

terrence

Had an 03 E55 for a little while. Have had a Cayenne turbo since November 2003. There is no better SUV than a CT. If you need an SUV, that's the car. If you don't then the E55 is a little less expensive (actually not really since you can get brand new ones for a hefty discount and E55's are pretty much going at MSRP). I have replaced my E55 with a CLS55.

The CT has a much more luxurious interior (full nappa leather everywhere and alcantara headliner) and with better seats for me. I have a ECU upgrade and air filter and its making about 500hp. I would never sell it until they come out with a new version of it. Great driving position and very quiet inside. I like my CLS55 for its faster speed and active dynamic seats and all the electronic toys, but the CT is a great car with a lot of utility for my needs.

All depends on what's important to you.

allenjdmb

I just bought another 04 S, and have some of the 80ish MPH vibration. I thought it was in need of two tires, but can't quite convince myself of that. cna someone point me to some board discussion of the vibration issue? BTW, if this was my dilemma, no question:
I'd buy the E55 wagon. A set of 19" wheels and the Renntech software and no one coud catch me, even if they could figure out what it was...

Pbglas

I thought a lot about the Ctt before getting the E55. The Cayenne has a lot going for it. I like its look -- quite distinctive. It has all wheel drive. You ride high so you can see where the gaps are in traffic and find the right lane to go fast. The test drive was a lot of fun. The displays are color. It is easier to carry a dog.

I bought the E because of the better acceleration and because of the unreliability rumors of hte Ctt. It pulled Porsche from near the top of JD Powers to near hte bottom. Also the MB dealership is close by and I know hte people there.

TestnDoc

I cancelled my Cayenne, due to the many problems Ive read about. I will probably get an E55.