Car swap - who wants an AMG Merc for 3 months?
Discussion
Oscar India, I'd be dissapointed if you didn't use my car as intended on the long schlep down from your environs oop north! RS6 is faster, as Chris Harris comprehensively proved. Doesn't make as good a noise, though, and feels far less nice inside. I may still have bought one, but second hand they are 50% more expensive than the CLS or E 63 AMG. Which makes the Mercedes something of a bargain, in my eyes.
So, some initial impressions, having driven the RR through London traffic to get Junior her US passport this morning. They are obviously very different cars, but I don’t have a lot of experience with luxury 4x4s, so:
THE GOOD
- That imperious driving position is damned useful in town, mainly as you can see cyclists and other two wheelers over the other cars. I remember this from my Defender, but you genuinely feel above it all. The car is also very easy to place/park, as you can see the front corners really easily.
- It feels really airy and light inside, despite the black interior: that would be the big glass area and low waistline relative to where you perch.
- The gearbox is very smooth, and delivery from the engine is smooth too (3.6 TDV8)
- Boot space is excellent. Height, really. I just chucked the pram in the back without bothering to fold it.
Summary: all of the above make the car a lot easier to drive in London than my CLS. The ’63 suffers from poor visibility, which really emphasises it’s width and length, and jerky delivery at low speeds from the combination of a pretty snarly V8, clunky gearbox, and that LSD at the back. The RR is a much more pleasant place to be in town traffic.
THE BAD
- Hilariously vague steering
- Interior quality that is a real step down from the 63AMG. The plastics are hard, and the switchgear feels flimsy after the Merc’s aniline leather, premium plastics and milled aluminium vents/switchgear
- Ride quality that is not actually that good. It’s a bit choppy and bouncy – hard when you don’t want it to be (speed bumps) and soft when you want something firm (corners). And this car has had its air suspension bags replaced.
- You really can tell it is a diesel – it’s smooth, but you get that clattery noise at certain revs. And it feels a bit laggy after the rabid throttle response of the CLS
THE UGLY
I am a bald, brown man with a shaven head, and so people seem to assume I am a drug dealer. Everyone, and I mean everyone, gives way to me in this car. I’m OK with this sort of racial profiling. Until I get pulled over by the cops.
CONCLUSION SO FAR
The CLS just makes you giggle a lot more, but we probably all knew that would be the case. What is more surprising is just how much more luxurious the Mercedes feels inside – but they are different generations of vehicle, I suppose.
Objectively, the TDV8 FFRR is a significantly better town car than the CLS63 AMG in almost every way, which is surprising. Subjectively, the Merc has it, but really only because of interior quality and drivetrain. A Supercharged Rangie would remedy the latter, for sure - I can see why people buy those, even though they seem like an insanely expensive way to get around the place in fuel costs.
Of course, come the Alps, FFRR will really come into its own. It imparts a feeling of serenity and security, even on the streets of London.
So, some initial impressions, having driven the RR through London traffic to get Junior her US passport this morning. They are obviously very different cars, but I don’t have a lot of experience with luxury 4x4s, so:
THE GOOD
- That imperious driving position is damned useful in town, mainly as you can see cyclists and other two wheelers over the other cars. I remember this from my Defender, but you genuinely feel above it all. The car is also very easy to place/park, as you can see the front corners really easily.
- It feels really airy and light inside, despite the black interior: that would be the big glass area and low waistline relative to where you perch.
- The gearbox is very smooth, and delivery from the engine is smooth too (3.6 TDV8)
- Boot space is excellent. Height, really. I just chucked the pram in the back without bothering to fold it.
Summary: all of the above make the car a lot easier to drive in London than my CLS. The ’63 suffers from poor visibility, which really emphasises it’s width and length, and jerky delivery at low speeds from the combination of a pretty snarly V8, clunky gearbox, and that LSD at the back. The RR is a much more pleasant place to be in town traffic.
THE BAD
- Hilariously vague steering
- Interior quality that is a real step down from the 63AMG. The plastics are hard, and the switchgear feels flimsy after the Merc’s aniline leather, premium plastics and milled aluminium vents/switchgear
- Ride quality that is not actually that good. It’s a bit choppy and bouncy – hard when you don’t want it to be (speed bumps) and soft when you want something firm (corners). And this car has had its air suspension bags replaced.
- You really can tell it is a diesel – it’s smooth, but you get that clattery noise at certain revs. And it feels a bit laggy after the rabid throttle response of the CLS
THE UGLY
I am a bald, brown man with a shaven head, and so people seem to assume I am a drug dealer. Everyone, and I mean everyone, gives way to me in this car. I’m OK with this sort of racial profiling. Until I get pulled over by the cops.
CONCLUSION SO FAR
The CLS just makes you giggle a lot more, but we probably all knew that would be the case. What is more surprising is just how much more luxurious the Mercedes feels inside – but they are different generations of vehicle, I suppose.
Objectively, the TDV8 FFRR is a significantly better town car than the CLS63 AMG in almost every way, which is surprising. Subjectively, the Merc has it, but really only because of interior quality and drivetrain. A Supercharged Rangie would remedy the latter, for sure - I can see why people buy those, even though they seem like an insanely expensive way to get around the place in fuel costs.
Of course, come the Alps, FFRR will really come into its own. It imparts a feeling of serenity and security, even on the streets of London.
Edited by Harry Flashman on Monday 26th November 17:34
On another note, this thread really has delivered so far: thanks PH and, in particular, Hoolio.
If all goes well, I think that when something two-seater and amusing finds its way back into my garage one day (probably another Morgan Aero or Caterham as they are so deliciously mental), I may run something similar for a few weeks over a summer...
If all goes well, I think that when something two-seater and amusing finds its way back into my garage one day (probably another Morgan Aero or Caterham as they are so deliciously mental), I may run something similar for a few weeks over a summer...
Harry Flashman said:
Oscar India, I'd be dissapointed if you didn't use my car as intended on the long schlep down from your environs oop north! RS6 is faster, as Chris Harris comprehensively proved. Doesn't make as good a noise, though, and feels far less nice inside. I may still have bought one, but second hand they are 50% more expensive than the CLS or E 63 AMG. Which makes the Mercedes something of a bargain, in my eyes.
So, some initial impressions, having driven the RR through London traffic to get Junior her US passport this morning. They are obviously very different cars, but I don’t have a lot of experience with luxury 4x4s, so:
THE GOOD
- That imperious driving position is damned useful in town, mainly as you can see cyclists and other two wheelers over the other cars. I remember this from my Defender, but you genuinely feel above it all. The car is also very easy to place/park, as you can see the front corners really easily.
- It feels really airy and light inside, despite the black interior: that would be the big glass area and low waistline relative to where you perch.
- The gearbox is very smooth, and delivery from the engine is smooth too (3.6 TDV8)
- Boot space is excellent. Height, really. I just chucked the pram in the back without bothering to fold it.
Summary: all of the above make the car a lot easier to drive in London than my CLS. The ’63 suffers from poor visibility, which really emphasises it’s width and length, and jerky delivery at low speeds from the combination of a pretty snarly V8, clunky gearbox, and that LSD at the back. The RR is a much more pleasant place to be in town traffic.
THE BAD
- Hilariously vague steering
- Interior quality that is a real step down from the 63AMG. The plastics are hard, and the switchgear feels flimsy after the Merc’s aniline leather, premium plastics and milled aluminium vents/switchgear
- Ride quality that is not actually that good. It’s a bit choppy and bouncy – hard when you don’t want it to be (speed bumps) and soft when you want something firm (corners). And this car has had its air suspension bags replaced.
- You really can tell it is a diesel – it’s smooth, but you get that clattery noise at certain revs. And it feels a bit laggy after the rabid throttle response of the CLS
THE UGLY
I am a bald, brown man with a shaven head, and so people seem to assume I am a drug dealer. Everyone, and I mean everyone, gives way to me in this car. I’m OK with this sort of racial profiling. Until I get pulled over by the cops.
CONCLUSION SO FAR
The CLS just makes you giggle a lot more, but we probably all knew that would be the case. What is more surprising is just how much more luxurious the Mercedes feels inside – but they are different generations of vehicle, I suppose.
I think that if I had one of these, I would want the Sport in Supercharged flavour, actually. However, objectively, the TDV8 FFRR is a better town car than the CLS63 AMG in almost every way. They aren’t even that different size-wise. I think that, AMG Merc wise, a C63 AMG wagon in 4 litre twin-turbo flavour is probably the sweet spot for us Londoners: just a bit more wieldy, if not as good luggage space-wise.
Subjectively, I miss the Merc already.
Of course, come the Alps, FFRR will really come into its own. It imparts a feeling of serenity and security, even on the streets of London.
To be fair to the RR, it’s born from a different gen’. I think you’d find a modern RR better than the Benz... at least in materials and overall luxury; maybe not in fit. As well, you might find the steering and air suspension has come on a lot. Having driven a brand new full fat RR, given to me as a courtesy car... I was flabagasted at the ride, the handling (for such a giant), and overall luxury. Being massaged and cooled whilst knowing it’ll handle almost anything thrown at it, is quite something. So, some initial impressions, having driven the RR through London traffic to get Junior her US passport this morning. They are obviously very different cars, but I don’t have a lot of experience with luxury 4x4s, so:
THE GOOD
- That imperious driving position is damned useful in town, mainly as you can see cyclists and other two wheelers over the other cars. I remember this from my Defender, but you genuinely feel above it all. The car is also very easy to place/park, as you can see the front corners really easily.
- It feels really airy and light inside, despite the black interior: that would be the big glass area and low waistline relative to where you perch.
- The gearbox is very smooth, and delivery from the engine is smooth too (3.6 TDV8)
- Boot space is excellent. Height, really. I just chucked the pram in the back without bothering to fold it.
Summary: all of the above make the car a lot easier to drive in London than my CLS. The ’63 suffers from poor visibility, which really emphasises it’s width and length, and jerky delivery at low speeds from the combination of a pretty snarly V8, clunky gearbox, and that LSD at the back. The RR is a much more pleasant place to be in town traffic.
THE BAD
- Hilariously vague steering
- Interior quality that is a real step down from the 63AMG. The plastics are hard, and the switchgear feels flimsy after the Merc’s aniline leather, premium plastics and milled aluminium vents/switchgear
- Ride quality that is not actually that good. It’s a bit choppy and bouncy – hard when you don’t want it to be (speed bumps) and soft when you want something firm (corners). And this car has had its air suspension bags replaced.
- You really can tell it is a diesel – it’s smooth, but you get that clattery noise at certain revs. And it feels a bit laggy after the rabid throttle response of the CLS
THE UGLY
I am a bald, brown man with a shaven head, and so people seem to assume I am a drug dealer. Everyone, and I mean everyone, gives way to me in this car. I’m OK with this sort of racial profiling. Until I get pulled over by the cops.
CONCLUSION SO FAR
The CLS just makes you giggle a lot more, but we probably all knew that would be the case. What is more surprising is just how much more luxurious the Mercedes feels inside – but they are different generations of vehicle, I suppose.
I think that if I had one of these, I would want the Sport in Supercharged flavour, actually. However, objectively, the TDV8 FFRR is a better town car than the CLS63 AMG in almost every way. They aren’t even that different size-wise. I think that, AMG Merc wise, a C63 AMG wagon in 4 litre twin-turbo flavour is probably the sweet spot for us Londoners: just a bit more wieldy, if not as good luggage space-wise.
Subjectively, I miss the Merc already.
Of course, come the Alps, FFRR will really come into its own. It imparts a feeling of serenity and security, even on the streets of London.
Edited by Harry Flashman on Monday 26th November 17:24
In any case; as you say, whilst you’re on the long drive over to France, and once arrived; you’ll be glad of the RR.
Another thing - I can't quite believe what value these Range Rovers represent. A quick look in the classifieds shows a number of TDV8 4.4s for well under £20k, and the rarer supercharged is available for a similar price of you are willing to go older. However, having spoken to the owner about the costs of fixing them, I can understand the poor residuals. But an Audi RS/Mercedes AMG will be similarly brutal on the wallet ehen replacing bits on it - and 2012 RS6s are still twice the price of an equivalent L322.
Lady F is telling me that she would quite like one of these permanently instead of the CLS (so that's backfired on me quite badly). But that does mean some money left over for the aforementioned Caterham, so...
Lady F is telling me that she would quite like one of these permanently instead of the CLS (so that's backfired on me quite badly). But that does mean some money left over for the aforementioned Caterham, so...
TheJimi said:
Interesting observations, Harry.
It would be equally interesting to read Hooli's thoughts on the CLS.
To sum CLS up in one word, hilarious! Cold start is mental, very throaty but soon does down into something more civilised.It would be equally interesting to read Hooli's thoughts on the CLS.
Stab the loud pedal and it's rapid with a good soundtrack. Gearbox a little slow but the noise makes up for that!
I've not even started to explore it's capabilities yet but it's certainly an incredibly capable car.
I can't disagree with Harry on his initial impressions of the RR, he's spot on. I hope Flash junior approves as much as Lady F.
Will try to keep this thread updated, I know for you will, Harry.
Edited by Hoolio on Monday 26th November 18:50
Nanook said:
Harry Flashman said:
THE UGLY
I am a bald, brown man with a shaven head, and so people seem to assume I am a drug dealer. Everyone, and I mean everyone, gives way to me in this car. I’m OK with this sort of racial profiling. Until I get pulled over by the cops.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff