Luxury SUV's

[RMK7SledHead]

I'm going to be in the market for a luxury SUV around December (thinking end-of-the-year deals at this point).

Am open to any and all options.

Prefer AWD, but 4WD will do too.

New or used.

I currently drive an Audi A4, wife drives a Volvo S70. Holding on to both, SUV will be the cross-country vehicle while our cars remain daily drivers. This will be hers primarily...

So, what would you buy and why?

 

[treemagnet03]

What is your intent? People carrier? Kids? Where will "home" be? If there is any snow, you already know what AWD will be in the equation. With space considerations, the Land Rover (Range Rover) and Cadillac Escalade are probably your best bet. Fun engines too. Much better than the 5.4 offered in the Lincoln Navigator. If you want ANY off road capability, the Land Rover is the only option. Plus they have 7 seats. Things are crazy mountain goats in a sea of pretenders (though the Range Rover Sport is more for show than a trip up the mountain). If space is a serious issue, the Caddy comes in the ESV model (read suburban size). Or as an EXT, the luxury version of the Avalanche. Gas mileage between the Navigator, Caddy, and LR is pretty much the same (ie bad). Other than friends with these models, I have no personal time in the world of luxury SUVs. What other options were you considering? From what I have read/heard, the BMWs are good on road, but similarly terrible off or in the snow. The SRT8 Jeep was fast, but couldn't tow with it as purchased as the exhaust exit the center of the bumper where a receiver would normally go. Other mid-sized SUVs from the Asian markets are usually more car-like. Which is either a plus or a minus depending on your interests.

Not sure this little list was much use. Other than to say that there aren't many fun to drive, truck-label worthy luxury SUVs out there. All the best with an expensive and hopefully exciting look at some all-around fun toys!

-T

 

[RMK7SledHead]

Home will be SoCal, with trips to OR/WA to visit family...snow on these trips is the reason for the AWD/4WD. Room isn't a big issue. No kids yet, none in the near-distant future (wife's profession doesn't really allow for kids at this point). I'm not worried about off-road capability. If I need to pull something/go off-road, I'll buy my Megacab back.

Those I'm considering:

- Audi Q5/Q7. Had a loaner for a week, didn't want to give it back. Can get the Q5 with a TDI.
- Porsche Cayenne
- BMW X5
- Lexus GX/LX series
- Infiniti Q56
- Land Rover LR4
- Range Rover HSE (non-sport, non-supercharged probably)

There aren't any domestics that have that real luxury feel to me. The nicest Escalade still feels like a Chevy, and drives like one. They just don't seem to compare to a German or Japanese luxury vehicle.

 

[milehighassassin]

I have heard a lot of good things about the Audi Q5/7 and I would go for a TDI.

Actually your list is a good one. I would go and drive them all, use them for a couple of days and make your decision based on that. I am not a big fan of Land Rover, but their vehicles are slick looking. They used to be maintenance nightmares. I also know the X5 has had some issues, probably BMW least dependable vehicle. BMW makes great vehicles but they are pricey to maintain. I know a few people with the Cayenne and they love them, also pricier to maintain. The Lexus is nice but really it just doesn't appeal to me. It doesn't do anything great, it is good in everything. Know what I mean? I have a friend with a X6 and he really loves it. Not sure if that is pushing you out of your $$$ range or not.

 

[SSWIM]

We looked at the BMW X5, Audi Q7, Supercharged Range Rover and Porsche TTS. We should not have driven the Cayenne. The Cayenne Turbo was in a league of its own. The fit and finish, handling, and power were all unsurpassed. We have had the Porsche for a little over a year and a half and still giggle everytime we drive it.

Good luck with your search. You really can not go wrong with most new high end SUVs now days.

Sam

 

[dmkhnr]

I really like the audi, but may I ask why you left the Mercedes off the list?
We don't have an SUV, but my wife rolls a Mercedes E class 4 matic, and damn it's a plush ride.

 

[RMK7SledHead]

Well, I thought about the MB today when I saw one...and realized I didn't have one on the list...I haven't ever really looked at them, so I didn't know which to put on the list.

I'll definitely be looking a bit deeper into the MB's too...although the last MB (a 2010) I was in left a bit to be desired in the interior department...it may have not been fully loaded though. The nav/media system wasn't on-par with the others at that time.

 

[RMK7SledHead]

We looked at the BMW X5, Audi Q7, Supercharged Range Rover and Porsche TTS. We should not have driven the Cayenne. The Cayenne Turbo was in a league of its own. The fit and finish, handling, and power were all unsurpassed. We have had the Porsche for a little over a year and a half and still giggle everytime we drive it.

Good luck with your search. You really can not go wrong with most new high end SUVs now days.

Sam

That's the kind of info I was looking for. I'm surprised to hear that the Cayenne was above and beyond the supercharged RR, as that RR puts out some serious power...I can see how it would out-handle the RR quite easily though. EDIT: Did a bit more research...didn't realize the Cayenne had 500HP...sick!

The TTS may be a touch out of my price range new, but a year old I could probably swing.

As y'all know, in the end it's HER decision. She's the money-maker anyway, so it SHOULD be her decision.

If you don't mind me asking, how's the maintenance/service been on the Porsche? 10k mile oil changes? Any big surprises?

 

[go high fast]

Lexus Rx 350 is the best.

 

[TNytro162]

I own both a Volvo XC90 with the V8 315hp AWD and an Audi Twin turbo S4 that i've upgraded the turbo's so it's around 400hp,,,Love both for what they are. Audi gets the nod up on AWD and the Interior. The Volvo even hauls the sleds and does ok, after some ******* stole my Dodge cummins.

 

[RMK7SledHead]

Lexus Rx 350 is the best.

Not even one I'm considering.

 

[RMK7SledHead]

I own both a Volvo XC90 with the V8 315hp AWD and an Audi Twin turbo S4 that i've upgraded the turbo's so it's around 400hp,,,Love both for what they are. Audi gets the nod up on AWD and the Interior. The Volvo even hauls the sleds and does ok, after some ******* stole my Dodge cummins.

Is your Volvo loaded? Interior isn't up-to-par with the Audi? That's honestly one of my main selling points is the quality/plushness of the interior. I want to feel like I'm in an expensive car if I'm paying for an expensive car.