Poll SUV Battle (X5, ML, Range Rover Sport, Cayenne, MDX)

[Deckhook]

^But it really does take those 22" to complete the look.

 

[Giannis]

I've been thinking of what to vote in this thread for a whole day now, and all I end up is one question: What purpose do I find in an SUV?

Does it have to handle like a sedan? Is practicality and versatility its purpose? Is it meant to be a comfortable cruiser, just with increased distance from the ground? Or maybe it's a fashion item or an image enhancer? Still, people could be attracted by the high driving position or the better off road capabilities.

What is that I want from an SUV?

I'll try to answer this question, hoping to reach a decision. I'm more or less, just writing down what I think right now.

1. Full-size SUVs are huge. This comes as a fact, since we are not talking about a Suzuki Jimny, but cars like the RR and the ML. A sporty design is needed so the car in question won't look like a whale. I believe a SUV has to look something like both aggressive and utilitarian. This explains why my vote will not go to the Q7.

2. Then again, what is Acura and Infinity. We don't get those brands in Europe and if we do, I've never seen one. I can't vote for a model/brand I've never seen in my life.

3. I'm definitely not voting for the Lexus. It's a matter of principle.

4. I'm left with the X5, the ML, the RR and the Cayenne. The Cayenne is the best to drive, while the RR has the looks department. It looks so royal, while I find the Cayenne to be a 911 on steroids. The new X5 leaves me cold, design-wise, but it's not a bad design either. Same goes for the ML, which despite looking like a grown up station wagon, it's flawless. It's way too utilitarian in its looks, but I can't say a bad word about it, because for some strange reason I like it. Then again, personal taste can't be rationalized.

5. So looks are important, but so is the driving character of the SUV. I wouldn't buy a SUV expecting it to drive like a sedan, therefore I don't find a reason to buy a Cayenne, unless you want a practical SUV and one more reason to brag to your friends. Sorry Cayenne, but you're out.

6. ML - X5 - RR. What's it gonna be? It's going to be the Range. I'd buy an E-Class Wagon instead of an ML and a 5 series Touring instead of the X5, but I can't think of anything else that could replace the Range Rover. It's a segment, all by itself. It's got the looks, the technology, the image. If only it got the reliability and a proper, healthy business behind it...

I'm voting for the Range Rover in this hypothetical poll. It's decided - sorry Kilcrohane - but sometimes a car is not only about having the latest technology!

 

[JLBM]

I'm almost ashamed to say , but in this comparison is there's only one for me: Porsche Cayenne. But, comfort junk as I am, I'd never buy a SUV.

Why? SUV can be just as comfortable as mid-range luxury sedan, except you can ride over just about anything ;-)

 

[Sayyaaf]

@Giannis I'd only buy a Cayenne if I have no plans to own a proper sedan/sports car. But then again, you can buy a better wagon and save some for a proper sports car. It all depends on how you want to spend your money.

 

[Deckhook]

@Giannis I'd only buy a Cayenne if I have no plans to own a proper sedan/sports car. But then again, you can buy a better wagon and save some for a proper sports car. It all depends on how you want to spend your money.

True but no saloon/estate will offer you the commanding driving position that you get from an SUV which is why despite your very logical opinion thousand still chose those more expensive SUVs.

 

[Giannis]

@Giannis I'd only buy a Cayenne if I have no plans to own a proper sedan/sports car. But then again, you can buy a better wagon and save some for a proper sports car. It all depends on how you want to spend your money.

I agree. After all a wagon can still be sporty. How about a 335i Touring, or an S4 Avant?

True but no saloon/estate will offer you the commanding driving position that you get from an SUV which is why despite your very logical opinion thousand still chose those more expensive SUVs.

I never understood how a high/ commanding driving position can be considered sporty. Personally, I don't feel safe with such a driving position. I feel like the car will fall on its side while taking a turn. Still, it's a matter of personal preferences.

 

[Deckhook]

^I think the Cayenne has proved that such opinion are wrong and it and those similar can actually handle and take corner at ridiculous speeds without a second thought. Maybe you should get yourself over to Silverstone and let the Porsche guys just show you what a big Cayenne can do fully loaded with four on board.

 

[Giannis]

^I think the Cayenne has proved that such opinion are wrong and it and those similar can actually handle and take corner at ridiculous speeds without a second thought. Maybe you should get yourself over to Silverstone and let the Porsche guys just show you what a big Cayenne can do fully loaded with four on board.

I don't really care. It still weights a lot and has a higher than a typical sedan CoG, so I don't find it interesting to throw it in a corner. I will still have to sit way higher than what I find both comfortable and enjoyable.

As I said, it's a matter of personal preference. I can understand those liking it, but had it been my choice, I wouldn't spend my money on such a car.

 

[vios1]

Range Rover and ML then Cayenne for my choice.

 

[Human]

1. Subtle detailing and metal finishers with excellent craftsmanship add to the appeal

2. Choice of packaging goes 'Above and Beyond'

(1)

(2)

 

[JHF]

Definitely the Cayenne for me.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

(

Saw a similar wood treatment on an F30 and it was revolting. It had all the aesthetic and tactile appeal of a cheap plastic moulding from the 80's.

 

[klier]

^^ Yeah I loved the way it looks but it feels cheap and sounds hollow.
Maybe it's of better quality on F15.

 

[HighestOfHigh]

Excellent comparison post @klier

 

[LaArtist]

Rant mode on:

I mean F the poll.

let's concentrate on how damn OLD the Q7 is..

Whats going on there ? Did audi forget to make a new one?

Its so tragically old it makes me sick when i look at it.

And the damn thing was no looker to start with..

I hate that thing with a passion!

PS
And i don't think ive seen any spy shots of the next one yet.

Maybe audi think they built themselves a G wagen that can go on for 30 years or so?

Rant mode off

 

[deity]

There are two pieces of trim on the X5 cabin? Ehhhh that's kind of awkward if so. Cayenne still has the best interior imo.

 

[Deckhook]

^^Externally the Q7 looks as good as the others but on the inside its really showing its age now.

 

[klier]

The Q7 looked ugly 8 years ago. Let's not start about how it looks in 2013.

 

[EnI]

There are two pieces of trim on the X5 cabin? Ehhhh that's kind of awkward if so.

As "awkward" as two pieces of trim in eg. Audi A8?

 

[Human]

Saw a similar wood treatment on an F30 and it was revolting. It had all the aesthetic and tactile appeal of a cheap plastic moulding from the 80's.

Indeed, looks good at showing contrast of 2x different trim options (UNIQUE) to this segment - on the press photos. But better avioded IRL, for on the F30 it looks terrible.

There are two pieces of trim on the X5 cabin? Ehhhh that's kind of awkward if so. Cayenne still has the best interior imo.

See my reply to Mr.Mercedes above. Your choice at what 2x types of trim and IMO unique new novelty that puts the totality of the X5 cabin in grand contrast, dare i say it?....more unique than a RR Big body? I think so Well really I do like the fine finesse of the F15 cabin and the "endless" options, contrast and trim combo's, that is really Premium.

^^Externally the Q7 looks as good as the others but on the inside its really showing its age now.

Agreed. Wether you like the Q7 styling or not it's certainly does NOT look old vs. newest from the competition on the outside. The cabin however looks 80's vs. the competition.