Which German SUV has the most comfortable ride?
Discussion
Hi
I currently drive an X5 and want to change it next year for another SUV/SAV and would really appreciate some help in selecting a replacement.
I am considering the ML350 (or 250), Q7 and possibly another X5. I can't stretch to a RRS.
Top of my list of requirements is a SUPER COMFORTABLY WAFTY RIDE which is the main reason I am selling the X5. The ride is just too firm, something I didn't realise when I bought it (my first SUV). Yes I have had it checked out by BMW and it's fine apparently!
Comfort mode will be permanently engaged and I will need the comfort option fitted, e.g. Airmatic. I don't care if it wallows in corners. It won't be driven hard on twisty B-roads, just school/supermarket runs. My current X5 has just the standard sports suspension (no options fitted).
After Comfort, all other things are just nice to haves. I would really like a parking heater option, are these available? Is this the same as remote start? ie start the car to warm it up?
When I have some time I will of course book a test drive in each one but for now if anyone let me know if there is a pecking order I would appreciate it. I have heard the Merc S Class is super comfortable, is the same technology in the ML?
Thanks
Sally
I currently drive an X5 and want to change it next year for another SUV/SAV and would really appreciate some help in selecting a replacement.
I am considering the ML350 (or 250), Q7 and possibly another X5. I can't stretch to a RRS.
Top of my list of requirements is a SUPER COMFORTABLY WAFTY RIDE which is the main reason I am selling the X5. The ride is just too firm, something I didn't realise when I bought it (my first SUV). Yes I have had it checked out by BMW and it's fine apparently!
Comfort mode will be permanently engaged and I will need the comfort option fitted, e.g. Airmatic. I don't care if it wallows in corners. It won't be driven hard on twisty B-roads, just school/supermarket runs. My current X5 has just the standard sports suspension (no options fitted).
After Comfort, all other things are just nice to haves. I would really like a parking heater option, are these available? Is this the same as remote start? ie start the car to warm it up?
When I have some time I will of course book a test drive in each one but for now if anyone let me know if there is a pecking order I would appreciate it. I have heard the Merc S Class is super comfortable, is the same technology in the ML?
Thanks
Sally
You're looking at the wrong car full stop imho.
If you want comfort buy a 2010 onwards Range Rover or Discovery 4 HSE or even an outgoing Freelander 2 HSE.
ML is a little more comfy than your X5 if you buy the SE on 17's, but then the ew X5 is far more comfy then the old one, what model are you in? Year? What size wheels?
Have you got those stupid run flats on it? If you have ditch them for a start they ruin the car.
I found the new X3 in SE spec. on 18" wheels with proper tyres great, better than the X5 M-Sport which was on 20" wheels with run flats, that crashed like mad.
If you want comfort buy a 2010 onwards Range Rover or Discovery 4 HSE or even an outgoing Freelander 2 HSE.
ML is a little more comfy than your X5 if you buy the SE on 17's, but then the ew X5 is far more comfy then the old one, what model are you in? Year? What size wheels?
Have you got those stupid run flats on it? If you have ditch them for a start they ruin the car.
I found the new X3 in SE spec. on 18" wheels with proper tyres great, better than the X5 M-Sport which was on 20" wheels with run flats, that crashed like mad.
Thanks for the replies, wasn't expecting such a quick response!
I am a bit wary of LR products. My brother in law (ex) has a RRS and a Disco before that and honestly they were always in the garage being fixed. I lost count the number of times. And I need it to be very reliable. My employer already takes a dim view at the number of times I vanish due to sick children etc, time off for a sick car would not go down well. In contrast My X5 (2006 E53 on 19" Michelin Diamaris) has NEVER broken down, just routine servicing, new brake pads/discs and tyres that's it (maybe I have just been lucky). Also the RR(S) are a touch too big for me, plus mpg is rubbish (for the year I would be looking at). And Freelander boot too small. By the way I did test drive an E70 a while ago and didn't feel an improvement in ride over the E53 (althought it didn't have the Air suspension option fitted).
So for reliability it would have to Japanese or German, but I like a nice leather interior and creature comforts so I am leaning towards German. Hadn't really considered VW, probably because the flagship looks a little on the small side.
One possbile option is an estate, perhaps an E-Class with Airmatic which I imagine would be wafty. However it is not as practical as an SUV for me at the moment as have too very young children. When they are old enough to get in the car on their own and put on their own seat belts then perhaps a regular car is the best idea (for comfortably ride). That said I have got very used to the great visibility you get driving a SUV. Whenever I drive a regular hire car through work, I miss the driving position. So for now I want an SUV.
Thanks
Sally
I am a bit wary of LR products. My brother in law (ex) has a RRS and a Disco before that and honestly they were always in the garage being fixed. I lost count the number of times. And I need it to be very reliable. My employer already takes a dim view at the number of times I vanish due to sick children etc, time off for a sick car would not go down well. In contrast My X5 (2006 E53 on 19" Michelin Diamaris) has NEVER broken down, just routine servicing, new brake pads/discs and tyres that's it (maybe I have just been lucky). Also the RR(S) are a touch too big for me, plus mpg is rubbish (for the year I would be looking at). And Freelander boot too small. By the way I did test drive an E70 a while ago and didn't feel an improvement in ride over the E53 (althought it didn't have the Air suspension option fitted).
So for reliability it would have to Japanese or German, but I like a nice leather interior and creature comforts so I am leaning towards German. Hadn't really considered VW, probably because the flagship looks a little on the small side.
One possbile option is an estate, perhaps an E-Class with Airmatic which I imagine would be wafty. However it is not as practical as an SUV for me at the moment as have too very young children. When they are old enough to get in the car on their own and put on their own seat belts then perhaps a regular car is the best idea (for comfortably ride). That said I have got very used to the great visibility you get driving a SUV. Whenever I drive a regular hire car through work, I miss the driving position. So for now I want an SUV.
Thanks
Sally
I did around 12k miles in a 2010 ML350 last year and 20k miles in a 2002 ML270, the older car is far, far more comfortable (and nicer interior too).
The newer German SUVs tend to be over damped and with far too big wheels, and often with run flats.
Freelander boot is as big as en E53, and the post MY13 cars also get the new LR look as well which brings them up to date...
Interior is really nice now too...
I have tried every single SUV and estate over the last 2 months to replace my ageing ML and it came down to a RR that is over budget or an X3 SE.
I bought the Ml off a guy on the forum when I didn't get on with my new E350 estate, needed something quick as a dealer offered me top dollar for the year old E350, so bought it as a stop gap while deciding what to do. That was over 18 months ago and I fell for it big time, much nicer than the newer model imho.
But I need something newer with warranty and better MPG as I do 25,000 miles a year at least and keeping the ML makes no sense, I can be in a very well specced year old X3 for a smidge more than my 120k mile 12 year old Merc with fuel savings alone.
So that is what I am going to do.
If the Disco Sport was out things may be different, as I loved the Freelander and the Evoque was amazing but too small, and I think the new Disco Sport will cover both areas, but it is not so the X3 will get my money I reckon.
But the Freelander is well worth a look imho.
Won the owners reliability survey as well last year in the 4x4 category so things have definitely moved on since JLR took over.
The newer German SUVs tend to be over damped and with far too big wheels, and often with run flats.
Freelander boot is as big as en E53, and the post MY13 cars also get the new LR look as well which brings them up to date...
Interior is really nice now too...
I have tried every single SUV and estate over the last 2 months to replace my ageing ML and it came down to a RR that is over budget or an X3 SE.
I bought the Ml off a guy on the forum when I didn't get on with my new E350 estate, needed something quick as a dealer offered me top dollar for the year old E350, so bought it as a stop gap while deciding what to do. That was over 18 months ago and I fell for it big time, much nicer than the newer model imho.
But I need something newer with warranty and better MPG as I do 25,000 miles a year at least and keeping the ML makes no sense, I can be in a very well specced year old X3 for a smidge more than my 120k mile 12 year old Merc with fuel savings alone.
So that is what I am going to do.
If the Disco Sport was out things may be different, as I loved the Freelander and the Evoque was amazing but too small, and I think the new Disco Sport will cover both areas, but it is not so the X3 will get my money I reckon.
But the Freelander is well worth a look imho.
Won the owners reliability survey as well last year in the 4x4 category so things have definitely moved on since JLR took over.
sallyjc said:
One possbile option is an estate, perhaps an E-Class with Airmatic which I imagine would be wafty. However it is not as practical as an SUV for me at the moment as have too very young children.
Hardly justification for an SUV. We somehow manage with an estate car and a supermini. The driving position is a different matter, but a smaller SUV can also give a high up driving position.
Aren't Fords built in Germany too? S-Max or Galaxy?
T5R+ said:
Welshbeef said:
The car you are looking for is the very rare but superb Merc GL420 CDI.
I call it a "S Class" on stilts. Try it for size. Not the smallest of vehicles.
The ML with airmatic is probably worth a try.
Oh and even being a 350diesel he only gets. 25mpg average and at best 28mpg average. Still its rare and its good and because of those two I'd take one
Oh the boot is VAST
MC Bodge said:
Hardly justification for an SUV. We somehow manage with an estate car and a supermini.
The driving position is a different matter, but a smaller SUV can also give a high up driving position.
Aren't Fords built in Germany too? S-Max or Galaxy?
Why does she have to justify owning a suv?The driving position is a different matter, but a smaller SUV can also give a high up driving position.
Aren't Fords built in Germany too? S-Max or Galaxy?
It's her money.she wants one end of story.
egor110 said:
Why does she have to justify owning a suv?
It's her money.she wants one end of story.
I know, but why mention having 2 young children when it is the driving position or road presence that she wants? It's her money.she wants one end of story.
There are comfortable saloons out there too. VW Phaeton might be a good but.
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