Any tips on a new car choice gratefully received...

[sasha320]

Thinking of replacing my ML63, my primary choice would be a C63 estate with AWD.

I'm gutted the E63 S 4matic is not available in the UK.

Does anyone know for sure whether the new C63 (2014 model) will be available in AWD for the UK? I have read conflicting reports on whether it will or not,

I am a big V8 AMG fan but I am starting to get tired of AMG SUVs (have owned two ML63's) and to boot my wife is starting to complain about the high seating position that means the car rocks like a deelee (sp?) bopper on every pot hole; I do genuinely need AWD (for winter driving in the Alps.

The car I like is the last but one (B7) RS4 but with an auto or DCT gearbox, however they only came in manual. Although the RS4 and RS6 fit the bill, the new RS4 doesn't have the sort of engine mapping I enjoy and the new RS6 is outrageously expensive. I would be very interested to see an R63 is there was one around for sale!

If anyone has a car that meets all of the below requirements

1. AWD
2. Five seats (for two ISOFIX child seats and an adult in the back)
3. 0 to 60 in less than 5s
4. Auto or DCT
5. Not an SUV.

I'd be really grateful to know!

Any views welcome!

Thanks

[Northernchimp]

I think this is staggeringly expensive for what it is, but...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2013...

[wemorgan]

Bentley Continental Flying Spur

http://www.motors.co.uk/car-34271316/srs

Edited by wemorgan on Friday 7th February 19:27

[sasha320]

Northernchimp said:

I think this is staggeringly expensive for what it is, but...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2013...

Impressive to see a car that appears to have every option ticked!

On the face if it, the BMW xDrive does fit the bill, but I'm trying to think of a way of saying 'I'm not a badge snob but it isn't an AMG, AMG, RS' - without...... being a badge snob!

(I think I'll test drive one and see how it goes.)

Thanks!

[sasha320]

wemorgan said:

Bentley Continental Flying Spur

You know, I had thought about this one, but assumed that the AWD performance wouldn't be up to much, however, if it has the same AWD performance as the VW Toureg (which it is based on?) then I might give it a whirl. The older shape Flying Spurs are pretty cheap!

Hmmmm

Has anyone driven one in moderate mountain winter conditions? (With a full set of winter tyres on of course.)

[Northernchimp]

sasha320 said:

Northernchimp said:

I think this is staggeringly expensive for what it is, but...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2013...

Impressive to see a car that appears to have every option ticked!

On the face if it, the BMW xDrive does fit the bill, but I'm trying to think of a way of saying 'I'm not a badge snob but it isn't an AMG, AMG, RS' - without...... being a badge snob!

(I think I'll test drive one and see how it goes.)

Thanks!

There's still plenty of decent monikers on it. Audi A6 BiTurbo Quattro Is 5.something to 60 and would be slightly more prestigious than a 3 Series.

A Ferrari FF fits most of the criteria too.

Edited by Northernchimp on Friday 7th February 20:17

[Biglips]

Budget? http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/f...

[SPEEDYCOOKIE44]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2013...


Seems a good fit.
Audi Approved and 450HP with a decent badge.

[sasha320]

I've thought about a Ferrari FF and it does fit the bill except on cost.

I could find the means to finance it, but on the basis that when I moved it on I'd have to realise the max residual value. Kids in the back? The interior getting ruined would cost me too much in extra depreciation!!!!

Or would it? I am assuming the next buyer would expect a pristine interior with maybe a tiny wrinkle in the driver's seat bolster!?

[sasha320]

SPEEDYCOOKIE44 said:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2013...


Seems a good fit.
Audi Approved and 450HP with a decent badge.

I think you're right, but the new RS4 is not hooligan enough at low revs. I.e., you have to be revving the nuts to get performance out of the car - which in real world situations just makes you look a bit like a nutter!

Any RS4 owners have a view?

[SPEEDYCOOKIE44]

to me being a nutter in an RS/M/GTR/Ferrari/AMG/GT3/GT2 is good
Its even better if your wife's driving it.... with sunglasses

Please dont mention VXR

[d3llams]

Audi S7? It might fit the bill, Or the RS4 which has already been suggested.
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/a...

[Neil O]

Yeah, the Bentley 4wd system should be up to the job http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IZO5OBcn3A

[sasha320]

Thanks for the replies! The shortlist is

- RS4
- RS6
- Bentley Cont Flying Spur (rarer 5 seat version)
- New C63 (if the UK version is available in AWD)
- New M5 (if a UK version has AWD)

I think I'll wait for the C63 to come out then and take stock then!

[sasha320]

The FF and the S7 fell out of the running as they only have 4 seats...

[Ten Four]

Infiniti FX....

But if I were you, its got to be the Bentley!

Top gear have done the snow test and rally test in them now..

[Spanglepants]

Was going to mention Nissan GTR but you wont get the child seats and adult in the back surely?