General Car Conversation 2024 - part 1
02-25-24, 05:30 PM
#1741
Lexus Fanatic
I really liked the GLS580, it feels like a whole different vehicle than the 450 really.
02-25-24, 05:43 PM
#1742
Lexus Fanatic
So doing research into what I might expect if I keep my S560 longer term. Hmm lol
02-25-24, 06:16 PM
#1743
Lexus Fanatic
So doing research into what I might expect if I keep my S560 longer term. Hmm lol
https://youtu.be/Qb0WrxMkl40?si=2tnHlLUQFgLf6lqI
https://youtu.be/Qb0WrxMkl40?si=2tnHlLUQFgLf6lqI
Didn’t you purchase an extended warranty?
02-25-24, 06:19 PM
#1744
Lexus Fanatic
I did buy an extended warranty, I’m not actually worried about it…but all in all I would rather not deal with this stuff covered or not.
02-25-24, 08:13 PM
#1747
Lexus Champion
Try the SQ8, it's similar to the Porsche but IMO more direct/driver centric unless you get a turbo S.
Agree on the rovers always needing the top engine, the lesser ones are for people who just want the badge and that extends to some level with all of the euro brands.
02-25-24, 08:24 PM
#1748
Lexus Champion
So doing research into what I might expect if I keep my S560 longer term. Hmm lol
https://youtu.be/Qb0WrxMkl40?si=2tnHlLUQFgLf6lqI
https://youtu.be/Qb0WrxMkl40?si=2tnHlLUQFgLf6lqI
A lot of those issues are just a thing with any modern turbo engine, the placement/packaging is just annoying and requires an engine out to quickly address certain problems.
One of my key considerations when I select something to own is how hard that stuff is to get to and that's one reason I love the Audi EA824, the packaging and seal design is brilliant.
The thermostat and pump are all down low on the drivers side and can be done on the ground bumper on, the valve covers don't exist, they have integrated cam caps and structural sealant and I've yet to see one leak, mounts are super easy due to the two piece subframe and book calls for under 5 hours, oil separator can be done much easier due to location and again on the ground. The only thing I don't like is the DI injectors are located under the intake manifolds and require engine out or extreme creativity to access. It can be cheated on an A8 but not on any other car with that engine.
In Mercedes case this engine is a huge improvement over the last one in terms of access and issues. The low mount 4.6/5.5 is on my blacklist due to how bad they are to work on and how common issues are
02-25-24, 08:32 PM
#1749
Lexus Fanatic
No doubt the M176 is an improvement over the previous engine, he says that too.
I haven’t read the comments lol, I will.
I haven’t read the comments lol, I will.
02-25-24, 08:36 PM
#1750
Lead Lap
As for the RR Sport, I’m hesitant because they don’t offer the BMW TTV8 (except for the SV) but instead replaced it with the PHEV inline 6 and I wonder if I would be disappointed in it because it ain’t no TTV8 and when SW test drove the PHEV MB S class he said he didn’t like it when it was in ICE only mode.
02-25-24, 08:47 PM
#1751
Lexus Fanatic
It all depends on the engine. I thought RRs I6 felt smoother than the MB I6.
02-25-24, 09:11 PM
#1752
Lexus Champion
I am going to see if I can find a RSQ8 to drive since it’s in the same ballpark price wise compared to the others. It’s just a matter of getting my wife to drive one because for some reason she doesn’t like the looks of them. In a Throttle House video between the X5M, RSQ8 and the GLE63 they said the RSQ8 was the one they would pick because it drives like a SQ8 until you want it to drive like an RSQ8 whereas the others are in competition mode all the time. Interesting enough is in the video they said they liked Trackhawk seats and the way it drove better than all of these.
As for the RR Sport, I’m hesitant because they don’t offer the BMW TTV8 (except for the SV) but instead replaced it with the PHEV inline 6 and I wonder if I would be disappointed in it because it ain’t no TTV8 and when SW test drove the PHEV MB S class he said he didn’t like it when it was in ICE only mode.
As for the RR Sport, I’m hesitant because they don’t offer the BMW TTV8 (except for the SV) but instead replaced it with the PHEV inline 6 and I wonder if I would be disappointed in it because it ain’t no TTV8 and when SW test drove the PHEV MB S class he said he didn’t like it when it was in ICE only mode.
As far as looks go RR has no equal and I vastly prefer a Q7/RSQ7 over the 8s since it's the same platform and you just end up paying more for less room inside the Q8.
02-26-24, 06:50 AM
#1753
Lead Lap
Well I test drove a few two row SUVs this weekend to see if any would be a replacement for our X7 when the lease is up in May.. We test drove the BMW X5M, MB GLE63 AMG, RR Sport and the Porsche Cayenne. We We know that the cargo space is going to be smaller than our last two three row SUVs but we were hoping the second row would be roomy enough for our kids who are now teenagers. Here were my quick impressions:
X5M - This is the one I wanted to like most. I am familiar with them since I have had two BMWs recently (and currently have one). In terms of cargo space, it was pretty good but the rear seat legroom wasn't great and seemed to be the smallest of the four based on where I have my driver's seat set. The throttle response was great and engine was awesome. Unfortunately, as I have heard, the ride was pretty rough/stiff, more so than I thought it would be. My Durango SRT was pretty rough/stiff but we loved that SUV and this was worse and my wife ruled it out. I could see it being tiring on a long trip.
X5M - This is the one I wanted to like most. I am familiar with them since I have had two BMWs recently (and currently have one). In terms of cargo space, it was pretty good but the rear seat legroom wasn't great and seemed to be the smallest of the four based on where I have my driver's seat set. The throttle response was great and engine was awesome. Unfortunately, as I have heard, the ride was pretty rough/stiff, more so than I thought it would be. My Durango SRT was pretty rough/stiff but we loved that SUV and this was worse and my wife ruled it out. I could see it being tiring on a long trip.
GLE63 - This one seemed to have the best cargo and leg room in the rear seat. I really liked the interior with all of the carbon fiber although the infotainment and controls seemed pretty complex. The steering wheel was great but it had so many controls it was overwhelming but I'm sure I would get used to it over time. I really liked the looks of this one and with the interior space, I thought this could be the one...until I drove it. When driving it, it felt heavy and the transmission was terrible. I never thought the transmission would be that big of a deal but it was almost schizophrenic trying to find the right gear. It was really strange and I watched a Throttlehouse video and they confirmed what I felt.
Range Rover Sport - The seats in this SUV were the most comfortable by far and it wasn't close. The rear seat legroom was great too and we both really liked the styling. For 2024 they got rid of all of the buttons so everything pretty much has to be done on the infotainment screen. Then we drove it (it had the inline 6) and it was so under powered to my wife and I that we definitely would have to step up to the Autobiography which adds a PHEV element to the inline 6 but I still wonder if we would like this engine. One thing is clear, my wife and I definitely want a V8TT vs. a 6 cylinder turbo and it was obvious here. Maybe the PHEV would do the trick but then ordering one could take 6-7 months and that's if they can order me one.
Cayenne - This one had a smaller cargo area and good rear seat legroom. I wasn't sure what to expect with this since I've never driven any Porsche. We first test drove the V6 turbo since it was the only Cayenne they had in the SUV body. We took it out for a quick drive and both said, heck no, we need a bigger engine. We went back and got the Cayenne S coupe which is only a little smaller than the SUV one but it would give us an idea of how the engine felt. The Cayenne S is a TTV8 and what an engine. It was exactly what we would want in an SUV. I wasn't sure I would like the Porsche going in but somehow Porsche figured out how to provide a perfect balance of sport and comfort in an SUV which enables it to handle like a car. It handled incredibly with the air suspension and PASM suspension. If this were for me, this is the one I would pick and since the PHEV is only a little more, I would probably get that as it just adds to the S' already great engine.
So right now it is going to be between the Porsche or the Range Rover Sport Autobiography (with the PHEV 6). Given the time frame we will likely have to buy out our X7 but in test driving all of these cars, I do have to say that it gave me more of an appreciation for my X7. While I don't love the throttle response or the floatiness of it even in sport mode, it showed me how comfortable and smooth it really is with a good amount of power and it really does well when we travel for the most part.
02-26-24, 06:57 AM
#1754
Lead Lap
So doing research into what I might expect if I keep my S560 longer term. Hmm lol
https://youtu.be/Qb0WrxMkl40?si=2tnHlLUQFgLf6lqI
https://youtu.be/Qb0WrxMkl40?si=2tnHlLUQFgLf6lqI
