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This forum has given me some great input on my current car search. I think I have narrowed my list to the following 2016 vehicles: BMW X5, Mercedes GLE (may consider the 2015 M), Porsche Cayenne
Appreciate any additional input from those experienced with these models. I have test driven the vehicles and am now researching options, reviews, road tests, maintenance/warranties, etc. I am leaning toward new 2016 models, but might consider a 2015 (perhaps 2014) CPO vehicle with low mileage.
Cayenne out of those choices gets my vote. The X5 isn't great IMO we looked at them. Looking back I'm glad we didn't get it. I don't care for the MB model at all.
They're all huge money pits out of warranty, if that is at all a concern for you. If it's going to be anything other than a short term lease, I'd go for a Lexus LX and would be reasonably sure it will outlast me. Of the above, the Porsche would be the best ownership experience.
Of those three, the Cayenne is guaranteed to be the most reliable. The Mercedes would be a distant second, and the BMW would be last.
The Cayenne will offer the best all around package... if you spring for all the options that the other two makes may have as standard.
As far as getting the most for your money in terms of options, the BMW would be best, followed by Mercedes, then Porsche.
For me, I would pick the Cayenne out of those three because I value the driving experience higher than just about any other factor, and reliability is also a prime concern. I've had BMW's and Mercedes before, and for now at least, I've sworn off buying any BMW. I would still consider a Mercedes (I am right now, actually.)
I've never driven the Mercedes GLE or M models but if my previous experiences with owning an SL and my mother's S550 are any indication, it would be a good choice. I have driven the X5 several times and have had several friends who have owned one. The amount of problems they've had over the same period of time that I've had my Cayenne dwarfs the number of problems I've had. It's also not as sporty nor as good looking IMO, so can't recommend the X5.
Porsche would be my favorite choice, second the Audi Q7 or for better savings the Tuareg (same platform, same company but of course with different options, finishes & tuning).
I drove the Tuareg TDI for hundreds of miles on Autobahn at above 150 MPH and I can tell you that SUV was flawless, amazing response and stability (with decent MPG). Had over well 1,000 miles in about one week on it (combined city and hwy) and I fell in love with that SUV when comparing to my MDX and previous SRX/Expedition/Rendezvous/Rav4.
Of the three, I would look at the Cayenne first. If considering an X5, I'd hedge bets and purchase the extended warranty if planning to keep it for a few years. The Mercedes is okay, IMO, and has a well crafted interior, but it's very similar to a Lexus in terms of driving feel and price, but the Lexus has a better track record for reliability, though Mercedes is about average across the board, above average on certain models. I'd look at the GL, personally, since I don't care too much for the GLE, but that's a larger SUV and that's Lexus LX territory, which is a difficult vehicle to beat for a long-term ownership experience.
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All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players: they have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts, his acts being seven ages.
~William Shakespeare (As You Like It Act II, Scene VII)
Check our the new 2016 Volvo XC90. Pretty impressive redesign.
I saw one the other day, I liked it a lot and can't say I've ever liked a Volvo before. Didn't it win some overall vehicle of the year? If your dealing with the base versions of each of these suv's I'd look at the Volvo first, if looking at the AMG, Turbo, M models, I'd look at Cayenne turbo, then GLE 63 S.
Have you considered Range/Land Rovers or Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT?
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