Long time lurker, first time poster. Thought I'd share some thoughts 3 weeks and 900km into ownership.

Positives:
- steering feel is better than I expected. Coming from a Cayman S obviously not as good, but better than in wife's Cayenne. Has a nice weight to it without being overly boosted. Decent feedback of what's happening at ground level with even some small vibrations coming through.
- power delivery is strong and linear. In the Croc, always had to pay attention or else be caught bogged down in the wrong gear. Not the case here.
- 4wd system not very intrusive. Because of the fixed ratio its quite predictable. Still able to easily get the tail out with the white stuff on the ground.
- liking the feature of sliding foot under the hatch and it automatically opens and closes hands free. Very convenient.
- brakes are solid given the hefty vehicle weight. Actually almost as good as Croc and seems easy to modulate pedal.

Negatives:
- gearbox. Probably my biggest complaint. Often hesitates on down shift or doesn't go down as far as I think it should or can. Upshifts also dont happen as quickly as it should. In S+, it should be ramming it in there. Also even in S+, I could be going just 60kph and it would have me in 4th or 5th. If its in S+, they should program it to hold and keep the revs above say 3000-3500rpm. Even without going to a DCT there are many good/better slushboxes out there.
- gearing feels tall down low. They could probably shorten it down low where we're spending more time in. The upside is that it feels like it would continue pulling very strong even above 4th.
- there's no HVAC setting which blows air to both the face and feet. Interesting.
- suspension feels firm even in base setting which I like. Pressing 1 or 2 red bars on the suspension button makes it even firmer and damping harsh. I'm only 900km into it but I think it may go faster around the track in base setting. I could be wrong.

Overall:
- I'm really enjoying it. Beautiful to look at, monster engine, 4wd. Will post again after break in period is done and if and when I take it to the track.

 

Great looking car. I agree about suspension, I blathered about it in another thread. Highway ride better in Sport vs comfort at speeds over 85, but compliance of comfort keeps wheels planted and turning. Minimal change in roll. Still getting used to HVAC, and wish tire pressures could be on same screen menu as temps, with tire temp too.
Enjoy in health. Hopefully warmth. God I'm glad I don't live in snowland anymore.
Grab drivers school at COTA in April, dunno if spots open, but ton of board '14 owners coming.

 

non s?

 

All wagons S. Default in order bank is S, have to go back in and de-content sedan to order non-S.

 

Looking at the exhaust tips, it is a non-S which I didn't think the US had. Its an available model in Canada.

EDIT: OP is Canadian from Ontario (saw the front plate). Canadians can order non-s wagon.

 

Good eye Dr SS and Benyl. Yes, it's a non-S E63 wagon, which is available in Canada. Diamond silver with black interior. Clues are the tips as Benyl mentioned, body colored side insert, chrome wheels, less chrome on front A frame.

 

I haven't pulled the triger on one of these because I'm concerned the ride will be too stiff. Of course I want a fast good handling car, but the whole idea is that I could take the wife and kids to dinner and feel like it's still a luxury car. What do you think?

 

Welcome and Enjoy it in Good Health

Since you are in Ontario , how's the driving in snow eh ? lol

 

You'll like it fine. Go test one on comfort setting. It's got an airbag suspension in the rear which raises the car up to provide more suspension travel. Rides nice.

 

Diamond Silver looks great! It was on my shortlist with Palladium and Iridium.

 

Drrodge - most of the time as Chocofishez mentioned I drive in S+ but with the suspension in C and its just fine. Wife complained constantly about ride of prior Cayman S but so far hasn't said anything about the E63.

Viren - it's great especially with the winter were having. The fixed 33:67 split the 4wd is confidence inspiring without being obtrusive. I find it predictable, easy to correct when it slides in the snow.

OWLY - thanks. I've been jealously following the posts from you, Chocofishez, and Benyl while waiting for mine. Seems the Western Canadian kids were good and Santa brought their presents earlier.

 

This Western Canadian kid ordered his from Eastern Canada!

Enjoy in good health!

 

I cant wait for mine now! Seeing all you folks that I waited with for the last year getting your car makes me happy for you!! Finally!


Still at Bremerhaven port. I'm hoping to get on the Asian Emperor on the 31st (Halifax on the 11th) or the Turandot on the 4th (Halifax on the 18th). I should drive it in february.