SUV advice needed
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Newbie
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: South OC
2005 E55 AMG, 2008 GL450
SUV advice needed
Hey fellas, just had kid number 4 so I no longer can use the beast as my "family" car but, of course, remain my daily driver. We are now in search of a new SUV for my wife as her daily driver, that can carry 4 small kids, and be fun for me to drive on the weekends while the beast takes a rest.
Over sized SUV's are out of the question and have come down to possibly the R500/350 or the X5 4.8/3.0 . We have been quite disappointed with our XC90 the past few years which let to the decision to replace it. We don't mind the smaller 3rd row since the boys are all under 5 but def need the extra row which took one of my faves (MBZ station wagons) out of consideration. Any advice or similar experiences would be appreciated. Have already looked into both X5/Rclass forums but decided seek some additional advice
Over sized SUV's are out of the question and have come down to possibly the R500/350 or the X5 4.8/3.0 . We have been quite disappointed with our XC90 the past few years which let to the decision to replace it. We don't mind the smaller 3rd row since the boys are all under 5 but def need the extra row which took one of my faves (MBZ station wagons) out of consideration. Any advice or similar experiences would be appreciated. Have already looked into both X5/Rclass forums but decided seek some additional advice
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Mercedes Benz
If you want to stay with the MB name plate you only really have one pick. The GL-Class cars. The R-Class while a great car, has a very small storage space behind the third row of seats. Since you will need that row of seats raised to carry your kids you will have nearly NO space for a stroller and supplies. My sister has an R350 as her mommy mobile and it works great but she only has one child.
Other than that I seriously think the suburban XL is the best thing ever made for a mother. I know its not as classy but they have come so far as far as quality and it hold everything you will ever need to shove in the car. If you want something more upscale you can look at the long wheel base Navigator or the Escalade based on the Suburban XL.
Good luck and congrats with the 4th child.
Other than that I seriously think the suburban XL is the best thing ever made for a mother. I know its not as classy but they have come so far as far as quality and it hold everything you will ever need to shove in the car. If you want something more upscale you can look at the long wheel base Navigator or the Escalade based on the Suburban XL.
Good luck and congrats with the 4th child.
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From: New Jersey
things with and without wheels
I dont think that the r class will be a good idea because of the car seats, in order for you to put somebody in the back you will have to remove the car seat to fold and alow entry to the back.
I decided on an GMC Envoy xl, I have three kids and it suits my need just right.
I decided on an GMC Envoy xl, I have three kids and it suits my need just right.
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2007
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From: South OC
2005 E55 AMG, 2008 GL450
Thanks for the relies so far. For some reason, the GL didn't even cross my mind initially probably due to the fact that its a fairly new model and I wasn't a huge fan of the ML. We test drove the GL 450 over the weekend and were pleased with the ride and the space it offered... def a possibility.
I was also told that the GL 320CDI will not be avail in CA anytime soon. Is this true ?
I like the R Class with the 4 spacious seats it offers but had some concern with the longer doors and the wife preferred the look of the GL and X5 better.
I used to have a lexus before and been a fan of the lx 470 but the Gx still seems kind of too narrow and high for our tastes.
I also think the surburban XL and GMC envoy XL would serve us well but they're just a tad bit big for my wife's comfort plus she wants a SUV that handles well.
E55 stationwagon would be sweet as I've always been a huge fan of station wagons....but with the 4 seats taken, we would have no space left.
We are probably going to check out the X5 this week and go from there....looks like it might come down to the X5 or GL..
Thanks guys.
I was also told that the GL 320CDI will not be avail in CA anytime soon. Is this true ?
I like the R Class with the 4 spacious seats it offers but had some concern with the longer doors and the wife preferred the look of the GL and X5 better.
I used to have a lexus before and been a fan of the lx 470 but the Gx still seems kind of too narrow and high for our tastes.
I also think the surburban XL and GMC envoy XL would serve us well but they're just a tad bit big for my wife's comfort plus she wants a SUV that handles well.
E55 stationwagon would be sweet as I've always been a huge fan of station wagons....but with the 4 seats taken, we would have no space left.
We are probably going to check out the X5 this week and go from there....looks like it might come down to the X5 or GL..
Thanks guys.
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: San Francisco
2007 cls 63 030
I am eyeballing an new model Acura MDX in charcoal grey. Really like the looks, interior finish is top notch and really cant beat the Japanese when it comes to technology as far as Nav and bluetooth. Love MB but think I am about to go a different route as far as daily driver SUV.
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From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
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From: NJ
2005 E55
My wife has a GL450 and LOVES it. To be honest, I love driving it also. It is a great truck. With two kids, we got to the point where a real third row seat was a must have, and we also needed a trunk big enough to hold strollers, etc. even with the third row in use.
The most important aspect of this truck is that it is spacious but not huge. It drives smaller because it is externally smaller than its competitors (Escalade, etc.)
I tried to convince my wife to get an R-class, as MB was practically giving them away. But she couldn't stand to look at it.
The X5 is a nice truck, but I don't know how much room you'll get out of it or how comfortable the third row really is.
You can always go with a Jeep Commander. Jeep is giving their trucks away. Case in point - picked up a 2007 base Cherokee Laredo as a knock-around truck Saturday. 27 months, 10.5 k miles/yr. Zero down, Zero inception fees - 26 payments of $297 (all in). How can you beat that??
The most important aspect of this truck is that it is spacious but not huge. It drives smaller because it is externally smaller than its competitors (Escalade, etc.)
I tried to convince my wife to get an R-class, as MB was practically giving them away. But she couldn't stand to look at it.
The X5 is a nice truck, but I don't know how much room you'll get out of it or how comfortable the third row really is.
You can always go with a Jeep Commander. Jeep is giving their trucks away. Case in point - picked up a 2007 base Cherokee Laredo as a knock-around truck Saturday. 27 months, 10.5 k miles/yr. Zero down, Zero inception fees - 26 payments of $297 (all in). How can you beat that??
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E63, SL 550 Sport,C63 Coupe On the Way!!
My best friend just got an MDX Sport its a nice truck but to be honest its a soccer mom SUV. I think all Import SUV are overgrown mini vans. Can you believe he turned down the BMW 335CI for the MDX because his girl wouldnt let him have a sports car. Talk about control issues huh
My top picks.
Range Rover HSE Supercharged, drives ok but is more of a status thing
Jeep SRT8 just because its a blast and cheap to buy.
Escalade is very cool but kinda gives you the pimp image but for the money you get some nice luxury and style.
Drove the R and ML not crazy never drove the new GL but it looks roomy
New X5 4.8 Sport is awesome, not sure if this would have enough interior room for you.
My top picks.
Range Rover HSE Supercharged, drives ok but is more of a status thing
Jeep SRT8 just because its a blast and cheap to buy.
Escalade is very cool but kinda gives you the pimp image but for the money you get some nice luxury and style.
Drove the R and ML not crazy never drove the new GL but it looks roomy
New X5 4.8 Sport is awesome, not sure if this would have enough interior room for you.
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From: Chicago
Cee Fiddy Five
With two kids, we got to the point where a real third row seat was a must have
narcan55, check out the new Escalade. Fam friend has one and tells me it's loads better than the old one in terms of...everything! Also I think it's quite comparable to the GL.
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From: South OC
2005 E55 AMG, 2008 GL450
Thanks for the comments. These are all great choices. I looked at the Acura MDX and the Escalade ESV a few years back but it again came down to the looks and being too small or just too big and bling. I've always considered having a range and a turbo in my garage the ultimate but that was before I had a family. Unfortunately, the range does not offer a 3rd row and I still have concerns over their reliability in general. Nice to hear some more positive reinforcement for the GL.
PSK145, yes I do live in Ladera... both my neighbor I have silver E55s so you might have seen either one of us around town though I have the darker wheels.
I do recall seeing another silver e55 before I got mine a few years back and around town here and there....do you live here too ? I recall one passing by me a while back on CVP and making a left on Marguerite, that must have been you since I sure heard you
PSK145, yes I do live in Ladera... both my neighbor I have silver E55s so you might have seen either one of us around town though I have the darker wheels.
I do recall seeing another silver e55 before I got mine a few years back and around town here and there....do you live here too ? I recall one passing by me a while back on CVP and making a left on Marguerite, that must have been you since I sure heard you
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Joined: May 2004
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From: orange county, ca
2006 E55
PSK145, yes I do live in Ladera... both my neighbor I have silver E55s so you might have seen either one of us around town though I have the darker wheels.
I do recall seeing another silver e55 before I got mine a few years back and around town here and there....do you live here too ? I recall one passing by me a while back on CVP and making a left on Marguerite, that must have been you since I sure heard you
I do recall seeing another silver e55 before I got mine a few years back and around town here and there....do you live here too ? I recall one passing by me a while back on CVP and making a left on Marguerite, that must have been you since I sure heard you
oh, to your question. We have an 06 infiniti qx 56, and its great. Third row seat is pretty nice sized, but the second row leg room is awesome. I would highly recommend that, but its pretty big
Last edited by psk145; Aug 28, 2007 at 02:09 AM.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 882
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From: Oldsmar, FL
2005 E55 Wagon, 2017 C63S Cab, 1986 560SL
I don't understand your problem with the E55 wagon. It's a 7-passenger car.
The R is only 6!
In fact the entire reason I bought my E55 was for the third seat -- it replaced a supercharged 540 that was pretty cool.
I'd go look at an E before I decided. At least sit in the E350 or something similar first.
The E55 is the best of both worlds!
The R is only 6!
In fact the entire reason I bought my E55 was for the third seat -- it replaced a supercharged 540 that was pretty cool.
I'd go look at an E before I decided. At least sit in the E350 or something similar first.
The E55 is the best of both worlds!
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Joined: Feb 2007
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From: South OC
2005 E55 AMG, 2008 GL450
no problem at all with the e55 wagon if I had one less kid and its prob out
of my budget with the extra kid we used to have a bmw 525 stationwagon which we really liked and prob ended up preventing major injuries a few years back when my wife was in an accident.. but with the station wagon, once I use the 2nd row and the rear facing 3rd row seats I will have no cargo space whatsoever and with 4 kids 4 and under, its much needed... also, long rides, the safety vs front facing 3rd row seats, and the need of an entertainment system for the rear facing seats are all issues...
I did mention the e55 wagon a few kids ago
but that was shot down pretty quick though my wife is somewhat of a "driver"...but maybe I will take a look 
of my budget with the extra kid
we used to have a bmw 525 stationwagon which we really liked and prob ended up preventing major injuries a few years back when my wife was in an accident.. but with the station wagon, once I use the 2nd row and the rear facing 3rd row seats I will have no cargo space whatsoever and with 4 kids 4 and under, its much needed... also, long rides, the safety vs front facing 3rd row seats, and the need of an entertainment system for the rear facing seats are all issues...I did mention the e55 wagon a few kids ago
but that was shot down pretty quick though my wife is somewhat of a "driver"...but maybe I will take a look
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2007
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From: South OC
2005 E55 AMG, 2008 GL450
psk145,
that was probably me you saw then as I'm usually at the BOA 1x week.
I hope that wasn't my car you were referring to at Infusion
I go there for lunch sometimes and dinner once in a while. Foods decent though I wish we had more places to eat in the area.
I will check the Infinity SUV, also one I haven't thought about it and its right down the street. Thanks for the tip.
that was probably me you saw then as I'm usually at the BOA 1x week.
I hope that wasn't my car you were referring to at Infusion
I go there for lunch sometimes and dinner once in a while. Foods decent though I wish we had more places to eat in the area.
I will check the Infinity SUV, also one I haven't thought about it and its right down the street. Thanks for the tip.
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,654
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From: orange county, ca
2006 E55
psk145,
that was probably me you saw then as I'm usually at the BOA 1x week.
I hope that wasn't my car you were referring to at Infusion
I go there for lunch sometimes and dinner once in a while. Foods decent though I wish we had more places to eat in the area.
I will check the Infinity SUV, also one I haven't thought about it and its right down the street. Thanks for the tip.
that was probably me you saw then as I'm usually at the BOA 1x week.
I hope that wasn't my car you were referring to at Infusion
I go there for lunch sometimes and dinner once in a while. Foods decent though I wish we had more places to eat in the area.
I will check the Infinity SUV, also one I haven't thought about it and its right down the street. Thanks for the tip.
Never been to Infusion. Id be intimidated to eat there with 2 small kids. Although i met the owner Lonnie at a Roy's Island Hop a few weeks ago, and he said they have a kids menu. Id probably get a lot of looks like this
Hope to see you around sometime!
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From: P'cola, FL
'03 E55
Whatever vehicle you chose, make sure they are giving away a free vasectomy with the purchase, or you will soon be driving a 10 passenger Econoline van. 4 under 4 must keep you very, very busy.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 12
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From: South OC
2005 E55 AMG, 2008 GL450
I've had the procedure planned for months, just gotta say when....I had twins first but yes, its quite busy.. at least the 4 year olds know that daddy's car is the fastest and thats its an "AMG"
PSK145, actually I've never taken the kids to Infusion but sure its not a problem, if you've got kids Im sure I'll see you around town..just a matter of time..
