Merc R Class

Aug 28, 2012
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Hey,
I'm using a Mercedes R320L, it seems to tow quite nicely, never have any power issues, although it only averages 24 - 28mpg when towing (gets up to 40mpg otherwise).
Here's the question - I'm going to upgrade the car early next year and was thinking of an Audi Q7, a BMW X5 or maybe another R Class, does anyone have experience of these?

Grabbit
 
Aug 24, 2012
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We're also in the process of choosing a new 4x4 tow car. We've had two that have let us down
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The Q7 is a big car but can eat front tyres! I'm surprised at your R320 MPG as I have experience of a number of R class models and they would have struggled to do those figures solo, you must have very light foot. They also ate oil and had numerous reliability issues and even with a large trade discount we rejected the R due to their track record.
We've had a X5 4.0d on loan whilst our car is being fixed yet again and I'm very impressed with MPG for such a fast car. Friends in Lease/Car hire business all drive BMW's and tell me reliability and MPG wise BMW 1st. Audi 2nd. Merc 3rd according to their records.
There is a new X5 coming late in 2013.
 
Nov 6, 2005
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About 2 1/2 years ago our ML320 was in for a service when they snapped something, they didnt have the part and it would take them 2-3 days to get it, this was a problem when we were due to go away the next day.
The dealer lent us a 350L R class as this had a towbar on.
We towed approx 800 miles in the 2 weeks away and had no problems at all with it, it doesnt ride like 4x4 is a heavy car and the luggage space is huge,mpg was good in the 23-24's but towed superbly very stable and not lacking in the power dept.
Downside is the size of the car, too long for normal carparks etc.
2 years ago the ML was due to be changed, had a look at the Q7 a huge car and a shallow boot for such a huge car, couldnt stand an undercounter fridge in upright which was no good as we take one to the South of France every year.
They were then going through the tyre issue, fronts wearing in 8-9000 miles,build quality was excellent and a good discount was being offered, 29 cars in stock across the country not one had a factory fitted towbar!
The R class looked a good option as they had respeced the engine meaning only £215 a year car tax and an even better discount nearly 10k off list, all looked ready to buy until my BMW friend told me about an X5 4.0d M sport they had on demo?
Went to have a test drive , had all the toys and towbar 300 bhp and £215 a year tax, got the friends and family discount and a 5 year service pack for £400.
Excellent build quality Oddles of power an 8 speed box cannot fault the towing superb and mpg of 30 towing, i tow a heavy twin axle and on the flat cruises at 1200rpm.
Caravan doesnt move.
I am really pleased with my X5 but i would have been happy with any of the cars you have chosen, i like to have a different car each time.
I have looked at the new ML which is very nice indeed, could possibly change my X5 in the next 12 months, i got quoted 9 month wait for a factory ordered ML!
Maybe that could appear on your list ?
 
Aug 28, 2012
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Thanks guys,
I always seem to get good MPG figures from my cars - but I DO take it easy, I'm in no hurry
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The tyre issue on the Q7 is a worry, I'll have to look into that but the reviews of the X5 look good - what about the Porsche Cayenne?

Grabbit
 
Nov 6, 2005
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The Q7 tyre issue has been partly resolved, i believe an increase in tyre pressure has helped.In the beginning Audi were changing the fronts under warranty.
The 2nd Gen Porsche Cayenne is a very good looking car, its a Toureg underneath,so maybe have a look at that although the later will not hold its value as well, again you wouldnt be dissapointed only with the discount you wouldnt get, Porsche will not discount.
The engine is powerful and frugal along with low Co2 emmissions,
 
Aug 28, 2012
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Never thought about the 'Toe Rag' - I'll add that to the list, going to start looking round in December - dealers are usually pretty eager by then........
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Aug 24, 2012
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The X5 we have on loan is also a the M Class variant but I haven't towed with it. The new Cayenne is a good looking car, but expect to pay a lot more for parts and servicing(a la Porsch image). Lower speed ride is not up to the cars price tag and the VW V6 engine is not as good or well rated as the BMW straight 6.
 
Aug 24, 2012
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+ With a new model X5 due in 2013 there should be some room to manouvre a good deal.
 
Nov 6, 2005
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The new X5 is due late 2013 or early 2014 so still a year away, there are some offers on and discounts to had but as like with most these are on stock cars, if you factory order the discounts are not so good.
The new generation Audi Q7 is due in 2013 also and has shed some weight.
All makes seem to be doing offers on their cars at the moment.
The beemer engine is excellent , although i have the 4d it is actually a 3 lt with a twin turbo, but very very quick.
 
Apr 22, 2006
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Just what I have always dreaded, Another R class caravanner on site. Got to say I am amazed at your consumption figures as I get around 29 - 30 solo and 24 towing with the diesel one but funnily enough on the odd occasion I have used the petrol one it only drops by 1 mpg admitidley from a low starting point. The only advantage of the R is there is not one on every street corner which makes up for the issues with parking etc.
The Tourag is a good value propostion and if you are not fancying the VW badge it is possible to use some of the styling kits from companies like Hofele which does allow you to have something that little bit different. The only thing I ask is that you stay away from a light blue with parchment interior as I am considering replacing my short wheelbase diesel with this. If however you have an L model your only real option will be either a GL or Q7 at a push if you wish to maintain the same amount of interior space. The X5 is a slightly better drive than the standard air R but woefully short on interor space. I think it would be fair to say that most of these cars tow well and if your fuel consumption is an indication of your driving style it would be fair to say that the 6 cylinder models will probably have enough poke for you. The only thing that maybe worth waiting for is one of these guys must surely be bringing out a diesel hybrid soon.
 

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