Car swap - who wants an AMG Merc for 3 months?
Discussion
Harry Flashman said:
Hello folks - thread update time.
I have got to spend a bit more time in the swapmobile now, after shuttling around London and Surrey over Christmas. And I have to say, I am (almost) smitten. One generation has moved the game on considerably, it seems.
Honestly, I think that most of this is due to weight reduction. The heaviest L322s weigh just over 2600, kilos. The later car is 300 kilos lighter. Now whilst this is still a big, heavy car, it steers, rides and brakes with a great deal more conviction. But it feels a great deal faster and more wieldy too, as the 60bhp increase is emphasised by the weight loss.
It has definitely imbued a new driving style - it is big, so you take it easy, waving people out and generally not hurrying anywhere. You barely have to tickle the throttle, so you can drive it subtly and slowly through town, knowing that the response should you need the power is there: there is no need to keep it on the boil in town as you did the L322. It also feels like a big car, rather than a small truck - and I would imagine that this is a combination of a monocoque construction, and improved electronics.
And the interior moves the game on as well, as do the TFT screens etc. Lady F loves everything about this car except for its bulk.
It feels much closer to the Merc than the old car, in terms of a vehicle to live with (generationally they are closer - as someone pointed out it was unfair to compare a 2002 Range Rover design to a 2010 Mercedes one) - but with improved visibility, far superior ride, and a better gearbox. It obviously does not have the AMG's Mr Hyde side - but I would be very interested to drive the Supercharged version, or the new hybrid, as I suspect that the pace of those cars would compensate in some way for the engine note and sheer exuberance of the Mercedes.
I'll be interested in how the car feels on higher profile, softer snow tyres (being fitted in a few days on smaller wheels than the current 21 inch items).
I can see why people buy these, now. It is a bit too big for London - but something discovery sized (with the extra seats), with this level of power, the switchable air suspension and some interesting driver modes, could really be the best real world conventional (non electric) car out there. I think I would always pick something like a E63 4matic wagon over one of these before I finally switch to electric, but it is a very beguiling thing to potter about in.
It’ll ride even better on the smaller wheels / snow tyres. I did the same swap on my Discovery 4, for the trip; 20” rims with Pirelli’s to 19”s with Nokian winters. The ride was already great but it’s even better now. It’s all been a bit overkill as it happens as the roads are all clear and the snow is only up on the runs. There’s not been a blanket snowfall since being here. It’s made getting about very easy! I have got to spend a bit more time in the swapmobile now, after shuttling around London and Surrey over Christmas. And I have to say, I am (almost) smitten. One generation has moved the game on considerably, it seems.
Honestly, I think that most of this is due to weight reduction. The heaviest L322s weigh just over 2600, kilos. The later car is 300 kilos lighter. Now whilst this is still a big, heavy car, it steers, rides and brakes with a great deal more conviction. But it feels a great deal faster and more wieldy too, as the 60bhp increase is emphasised by the weight loss.
It has definitely imbued a new driving style - it is big, so you take it easy, waving people out and generally not hurrying anywhere. You barely have to tickle the throttle, so you can drive it subtly and slowly through town, knowing that the response should you need the power is there: there is no need to keep it on the boil in town as you did the L322. It also feels like a big car, rather than a small truck - and I would imagine that this is a combination of a monocoque construction, and improved electronics.
And the interior moves the game on as well, as do the TFT screens etc. Lady F loves everything about this car except for its bulk.
It feels much closer to the Merc than the old car, in terms of a vehicle to live with (generationally they are closer - as someone pointed out it was unfair to compare a 2002 Range Rover design to a 2010 Mercedes one) - but with improved visibility, far superior ride, and a better gearbox. It obviously does not have the AMG's Mr Hyde side - but I would be very interested to drive the Supercharged version, or the new hybrid, as I suspect that the pace of those cars would compensate in some way for the engine note and sheer exuberance of the Mercedes.
I'll be interested in how the car feels on higher profile, softer snow tyres (being fitted in a few days on smaller wheels than the current 21 inch items).
I can see why people buy these, now. It is a bit too big for London - but something discovery sized (with the extra seats), with this level of power, the switchable air suspension and some interesting driver modes, could really be the best real world conventional (non electric) car out there. I think I would always pick something like a E63 4matic wagon over one of these before I finally switch to electric, but it is a very beguiling thing to potter about in.
Not sure why you didn't just stick winter tyres on your CLS and get a set of chains and use that to go to Morzine.
You won't hit any slow until Taninges (if your unlucky) and the roads are usually clear to Morzine.
As you say it'll be parked when you get there and it's easier to get the ski bus.
And we are further out on the Rue du Avoriaz.
You won't hit any slow until Taninges (if your unlucky) and the roads are usually clear to Morzine.
As you say it'll be parked when you get there and it's easier to get the ski bus.
And we are further out on the Rue du Avoriaz.
Well, here's a thing.
I couldn't really afford to put Winter tyres on the GL but after finding one of my rears flat yesterday morning, I removed the wheel with the intention of having the tyre repaired however there was a 4 inch slash in the centre of the tread, effectively dooming that tyre and the other three really. They are all fairly worn so replacing just one isn't sensible. I've decided to replace them all with a set of Yoko Winters which will arrive over the weekend.
In the meantime I have a space saver which looks totally ridiculous.
I found this on the drive (the broken blade - the fork is for scale). If the slash had been in the sidewall I might have been suspicious but the centre of the tread isn't easily got at so I just assume I backed over it when parking.
I couldn't really afford to put Winter tyres on the GL but after finding one of my rears flat yesterday morning, I removed the wheel with the intention of having the tyre repaired however there was a 4 inch slash in the centre of the tread, effectively dooming that tyre and the other three really. They are all fairly worn so replacing just one isn't sensible. I've decided to replace them all with a set of Yoko Winters which will arrive over the weekend.
In the meantime I have a space saver which looks totally ridiculous.
I found this on the drive (the broken blade - the fork is for scale). If the slash had been in the sidewall I might have been suspicious but the centre of the tread isn't easily got at so I just assume I backed over it when parking.
g7jhp said:
Not sure why you didn't just stick winter tyres on your CLS and get a set of chains and use that to go to Morzine.
You won't hit any slow until Taninges (if your unlucky) and the roads are usually clear to Morzine.
As you say it'll be parked when you get there and it's easier to get the ski bus.
And we are further out on the Rue du Avoriaz.
I think you've missed the premise of the thread, somewhat.You won't hit any slow until Taninges (if your unlucky) and the roads are usually clear to Morzine.
As you say it'll be parked when you get there and it's easier to get the ski bus.
And we are further out on the Rue du Avoriaz.
Try again :-)
g7jhp said:
Not sure why you didn't just stick winter tyres on your CLS and get a set of chains and use that to go to Morzine.
You won't hit any slow until Taninges (if your unlucky) and the roads are usually clear to Morzine.
As you say it'll be parked when you get there and it's easier to get the ski bus.
And we are further out on the Rue du Avoriaz.
Have you read and understood this thread?You won't hit any slow until Taninges (if your unlucky) and the roads are usually clear to Morzine.
As you say it'll be parked when you get there and it's easier to get the ski bus.
And we are further out on the Rue du Avoriaz.
Good to know you're all sorted Harry. Not long til you're off now. Enjoy! And happy New Year to you, Lady F and Flash Junior.
CAPP0 said:
Harry, did you successfully change your contact email on here? I don’t think I saved your number and only have the work email - I may yet pester you for a weekend on the slopes 
I did - send me a PM. We may not be able to do accommodation as between two families we have visitors most of the time and are trying to save the remaining time so that it is just us in the house, but I am always up for a ski if anyone is in resort!On that note, winter tyres were fitted to the 20 inch spare rims today. They look pretty chunky and are fairly soft - and studdable, which I think may be taking things a bit too far for a low ski resort...
£530 for four plus £70 fitting, which I think is fairly reasonable for a good tyre (these are Cooper Weather-Masters, which I have used on a Chevy Suburban in the snows of Utah, so I know they'll do the business if we have a bad storm and need the car to be secure on an unploughed road.
20190102_114646 by baconrashers, on Flickr
20190102_114515 by baconrashers, on FlickrWe're now into doing some final jobs and packing stuff up. Leave on Tuesday 8th...
Harry Flashman said:
I did - send me a PM. We may not be able to do accommodation as between two families we have visitors most of the time and are trying to save the remaining time so that it is just us in the house, but I am always up for a ski if anyone is in resort!
On that note, winter tyres were fitted to the 20 inch spare rims today. They look pretty chunky and are fairly soft - and studdable, which I think may be taking things a bit too far for a low ski resort...
£530 for four plus £70 fitting, which I think is fairly reasonable for a good tyre (these are Cooper Weather-Masters, which I have used on a Chevy Suburban in the snows of Utah, so I know they'll do the business if we have a bad storm and need the car to be secure on an unploughed road.
20190102_114646 by baconrashers, on Flickr
20190102_114515 by baconrashers, on Flickr
We're now into doing some final jobs and packing stuff up. Leave on Tuesday 8th...
Lovely. I'm guessing you are glad you put those bad boys on, now!On that note, winter tyres were fitted to the 20 inch spare rims today. They look pretty chunky and are fairly soft - and studdable, which I think may be taking things a bit too far for a low ski resort...
£530 for four plus £70 fitting, which I think is fairly reasonable for a good tyre (these are Cooper Weather-Masters, which I have used on a Chevy Suburban in the snows of Utah, so I know they'll do the business if we have a bad storm and need the car to be secure on an unploughed road.
20190102_114646 by baconrashers, on Flickr20190102_114515 by baconrashers, on FlickrWe're now into doing some final jobs and packing stuff up. Leave on Tuesday 8th...
LDN - it has snowed non stop through January (amazing start to a season), and the snow tyres have literally been fantastic. Plenty of folk on M+S tyres having trouble out here. The RR on these snow tyres has been amazing. And the ground clearance has been invaluable.
This is a pic of our drive after a night of snow. It is ploughed daily. The mound on the left is a rental Mini after 3 days...
20190131_095016 by baconrashers, on Flickr
I'll do a better update in a bit, but in the meantime have some photos:
Cluses, early morning:
20190212_071545 by baconrashers, on Flickr
20190212_071539 by baconrashers, on Flickr
Salt Lake City, before nearly two metres of snow hit the mountains. It was a perfect powder week! We had a Nissan Armada for the week. It was rubbish compared to the Range Rover, frankly.
20190202_072756 by baconrashers, on Flickr
This is a pic of our drive after a night of snow. It is ploughed daily. The mound on the left is a rental Mini after 3 days...
20190131_095016 by baconrashers, on FlickrI'll do a better update in a bit, but in the meantime have some photos:
Cluses, early morning:
20190212_071545 by baconrashers, on Flickr20190212_071539 by baconrashers, on FlickrSalt Lake City, before nearly two metres of snow hit the mountains. It was a perfect powder week! We had a Nissan Armada for the week. It was rubbish compared to the Range Rover, frankly.
20190202_072756 by baconrashers, on FlickrEdited by Harry Flashman on Tuesday 12th February 19:17
Harry Flashman said:
LDN - it has snowed non stop through January (amazing start to a season), and the snow tyres have literally been fantastic. Plenty of folk on M+S tyres having trouble out here. The RR on these snow tyres has been amazing. And the ground clearance has been invaluable.
This is a pic of our drive after a night of snow. It is ploughed daily. The mound on the left is a rental Mini after 3 days...
20190212_071545 by baconrashers
SNIP...
Brilliant!!! Great to see you’re having a ball - and you most certainly have the best vehicle for the job!!! This is a pic of our drive after a night of snow. It is ploughed daily. The mound on the left is a rental Mini after 3 days...
20190212_071545 by baconrashers
SNIP...
We were there and came back to the UK; and was supposed to be there again, a week or two from now, but postponed the trip due to tieing some loose ends first. The sheer scale of it all is very humbling and the place truly gets under your skin. Seeing your pics has got me fiending for my next trip! I’m driving around on my Nokians, in the knowledge they’ll be touching snow at some point!
You should try and get over to Chatel, Chamonix, Megeve, La Clusaz, etc etc. You’re there for long enough a stint to go and explore... you have SO many resorts within spitting; but Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz is no doubt, keeping you busy. Have fun!
So the snow has come back after a nearly four week absence. Just after the second camper van turned up. Our friends and housemates have chums with similar taste to theirs! Both fully kitted out, and with Synchro 4x4.
The RR remains completely unflustered. We drove in convoy through the pass to Chatel a few weeks back in heavy snow, a foot deep on an unploughed road. Both made it, but I made it without stress!
20190312_174609 by baconrashers, on Flickr
The RR remains completely unflustered. We drove in convoy through the pass to Chatel a few weeks back in heavy snow, a foot deep on an unploughed road. Both made it, but I made it without stress!
20190312_174609 by baconrashers, on Flickr
I hear you al on the Razzle comments. I've also been making dogging jokes at the expense owners of these vehicles.
As for the Merc, its current keeper's last report was that his wife was not a fan as it is too unruly, but that his kids love it. Like me, he thinks that the gearbox is a bit primitive, and that the stereo is balls, but the rest of it is quite fun.
In the meantime, here in France...the snow has returned!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lliy-QiYsD8
As for the Merc, its current keeper's last report was that his wife was not a fan as it is too unruly, but that his kids love it. Like me, he thinks that the gearbox is a bit primitive, and that the stereo is balls, but the rest of it is quite fun.
In the meantime, here in France...the snow has returned!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lliy-QiYsD8
Harry Flashman said:
I hear you al on the Razzle comments. I've also been making dogging jokes at the expense owners of these vehicles.
As for the Merc, its current keeper's last report was that his wife was not a fan as it is too unruly, but that his kids love it. Like me, he thinks that the gearbox is a bit primitive, and that the stereo is balls, but the rest of it is quite fun.
In the meantime, here in France...the snow has returned!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lliy-QiYsD8
Chatel!!!!!! Love it!!!!!!As for the Merc, its current keeper's last report was that his wife was not a fan as it is too unruly, but that his kids love it. Like me, he thinks that the gearbox is a bit primitive, and that the stereo is balls, but the rest of it is quite fun.
In the meantime, here in France...the snow has returned!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lliy-QiYsD8
We’re heading over soon... going to Lausanne first, and then home to the Portes.
Viewing a commercial property whilst over, with the view of opening an art and recording studio with gallery. Still umming and arring on that.
I’ve kept my winters on in anticipation but have thought a few times to just put my normal wheels on now, as it seems the sun is out most days.
Have fun!!!!!
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