order finally placed, after a month going back & fourth on different brands, models, colors & options, finally nailed down the build sheet.
cars i need:
a SUV for parents. our Cayenne Turbo was retired early this year so since then we were looking for a replacement. since we've had a Cayenne S since 2004 & Turbo in 2007, i feel it's time to try something else. i would consider the new Cayenne if i can see the real car right now. too bad it won't be here for another 2 months.
another car to replace my current M5 due in July on the lease. plus it'll be a semi-wifey's car til i decide what to get next.
X6 is what we both love. so that makes the decision a little easier.
cars i've been looking/shopping:
for our SUV replacement, i narrowed down to Mercedes GL450. Audi Q7 3.0TDI/3.6 gas, and BMW X5 35i/50i.
i didn't consider the ML550 because i hate the look. the GL on the other hand, is a prettier looking car imo. the extra room is a plus for us when needed. the current mid-size SUVs sometime failed in storage with family need. the ride on the GL450 is very comfortable. it basically feels like a raised S-Class. the car is very relaxing to drive. although it's a pig to drive, but the 7-speed tranny helped a little. letting u forget the engine works hard for its weight. the steering is light, good for older people who's looking for comfort. love the powered 3rd-row seat. however, we didn't go for it because it's too big for us. with it's 200''+ size it won't even fit in the garage...
the Q7, we drove both the 3.0TDI & 3.6 gas. i was skeptical about the TDI since diesel is never a popular option for us until last year. i have to say Audi's diesel technology has changed my mind a bit. behind the wheel, u can't really hear the engine. on the outside, my M5 idle sounds more like a diesel engine than the Q7... LOL! the power is good, thanks to the low-end torque. it's not a rocket but around town it's really easy to drive, maintain useable street speed. it sure felt faster than on paper, which Audi stated 0-60 about 8.5 sec. the 3.6 gas engine was little disappointing. although it shows on paper being faster than TDI but it felt underpowered, mainly because the NA engine vs. the turbo TDI. the 6-speed tranny feels dated. it's the same tranny as in the Cayenne since 2004. i'm not a fan on that, but somehow the shifting point feels much better in TDI. for 2011 Audi will put the new supercharged S4 engine in Q7 pair with the new 8-speed tranny (it's amazing 8-speed seems like a trend now... haha!). the car drives great. not as solid feel as the GL but not far from it. they're about the same size but Audi feels much smaller for some reason. the interior fit & finish is beautiful follow Audi's tradition. i think for 2011MY it'll be a even a better car. just no point getting in a 2010 now. btw, did i mention the Q7 with S-line package + the optional 21'' wheel looks HOT! for that, i almost wrote the check...
for the X5, i drove both 2011 xDrive 35i & 50i. i wouldn't consider the 35i if it doesn't have the new 8-speed tranny. i drove a 2009 X6 35i last year which i didn't like it very much. the car feels jumpy on throttle & the turbo lag was pretty bad. i think BMW improved it with the new N55 & tranny. the new 35i feels quick off the line & power delivery is pretty smooth through out the line. if u don't drive it hard, the 35i is not that much difference compare to 50i. as for my parents, i think 300hp is well enough for them. i guess they never get to explore the power of the 450hp Cayenne Turbo.
more to come...
