Review: 2009 Audi Q5
#91
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Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Stuttgart
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We've had this discussion before. My first Mercedes was a C200 CDI and I am currently driving an E230 and I've never had a problem with the location of the signal- and cruise-control stalk, which are essentially located in the same place. I admit I had to get used to it in the C class but after a week or two it really isn't an issue anymore. In fact, I actually like this layout. I find it very handy when signaling on the autobahn and adjusting my speed - and perhaps this is the reason as to why they are grouped so close together.
That part about German companies being arrogant and not listening to customer demands sounds like a myth to me. In order to sell cars and be competitive you have to listen to customer input and feedback. That's almost the case in any form of business.
I remember the 300SD Turbodiesel in my family which had the controls for the electric windows in the center console in close vicinity to the transmission ****. This was typical Mercedes for the period, but totally unfriendly from an ergonomic point of view. Traditional Mercedes customers of the period were used to it, I suppose, but I guess the new customers, people who had grown up with other brands, didn't like this layout. Mercedes adapted. Where are the controls for electric windows in a modern Mercedes now? Where they should be: the drivers door.
#92
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#93
Lexus Test Driver
#94
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Unfortunately, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, and, yes, Honda dealerships were very slow to lose this take-it-or-leave-it attitude, and found themselves, more often than not, living in the past as new brands like Lexus, Infiniti, and Saturn arrived and started giving them serious competition.
#95
Lexus Fanatic
"That part about German companies being arrogant and not listening to customer demands sounds like a myth to me."
I agree that it's more old history, not current methodology. I know (not as just an armchair poster on CHIT CHAT), but as a buyer of many of these brands. The approach to the customer in the last several years has not been arrogant.
I agree that it's more old history, not current methodology. I know (not as just an armchair poster on CHIT CHAT), but as a buyer of many of these brands. The approach to the customer in the last several years has not been arrogant.
#97
Lexus Fanatic
Agreed, and Lexus has played a big role in setting high standards in the premium car business ( such as reliability, quality, customer service, V8 availability, technology, luxury) that German car makers are well aware of.
#98
Moderator
Sure. Anytime.
Given the choice of a Q5 or an RX350, I'd take the 350 hands-down, for several reasons, though neither the MMI system in the Q5 or the console computer-mouse in the 350 impress me. I also prefer the slightly smoother ride of the old 350 to the newer one....Lexus went to a new suspension this year that is slightly firmer, despite the tall 60-series tires. But the 350, among SUVs, is the epitome of refinement......a butter-smooth, quiet drivetrain and tomb-quiet ride. Its build quality, contrary to the trend of other newer Lexus products, seems better on the new model than the last-generation one.
Given the choice of a Q5 or an RX350, I'd take the 350 hands-down, for several reasons, though neither the MMI system in the Q5 or the console computer-mouse in the 350 impress me. I also prefer the slightly smoother ride of the old 350 to the newer one....Lexus went to a new suspension this year that is slightly firmer, despite the tall 60-series tires. But the 350, among SUVs, is the epitome of refinement......a butter-smooth, quiet drivetrain and tomb-quiet ride. Its build quality, contrary to the trend of other newer Lexus products, seems better on the new model than the last-generation one.
#99
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