drsubie

Fellow Rennlisters,

long time lurker, occasional poster here. I currently have a 2015 991 GTS in white, a 2012 Audi Q5 S-line 3.2L (white), a 2013 Ford F150 FX4 supercrew (white, daily driver). I would like to upgrade the wife's Q5, mainly because it's pretty boring to drive. It's a car that doesn't do anything wrong, but every other person in town has one, and the 240hp motor and SUV handling doesn't quite cut it. Truth be told, it was more my idea to upgrade than my wife's...

I need some recommendations; for a short period, I had been dreaming of convincing the wife to seriously consider a small, fun/sporty run-about car--something that won't break the bank and can be parked in tight spaces at the local mall without too much worry about things like door dings etc... Plus, I rationalized that we still had our big F150 supercrew in case we needed to haul people/things. So some of my choices were cars like:

• Ford Focus RS
• Mini Cooper Countryman All 4 Cooper Works
• BMW M2
• Ford GT350

(Ok, so the M2 and GT350 are 2 doors and not AWD, and I would still be worried about door dings )

Then on a trip to Hawaii we ended up renting a Mercedes S550--man, what a great luxo-barge. So that got us thinking about Mercedes, not necessarily a S550 (too big), but maybe a E-class...

So that got me to test drive a E63 AMG S as well as a C63 AMG S. We were mightily impressed--both cars had huge addictive power. The C63 felt more 'manic' and nervous in handling, and the suspension was firmer and transmitted more NVH/pavement ripples than the E63. The C also had a more stylized and modern interior (it had the optional sport seats), but the 'stuck-on NAV screen' seemed out of place. There was a surprising amount of rear seat/leg room (though less head clearance due to lower roofline). Obviously, the C's trunk was smaller (you'd have to fold the rear seat down to fit 2 large suitcases). We loved everything about the E63 driving, but were let down by the 'dated' interior--many sharp angles and busy buttons on dash (I should be used to this from the 991 though), small NAV screen.

So can you guys recommend other cars we should consider? Price is 'somewhat' no object (I'd like to keep it < $80k out of pocket). I'd also like to preferably have:

• 4 doors
• AWD (we live in Seattle)
• ability to sit 3 in the back
• decent trunk space
• well appointed interior
• moderately sized (no bigger than, say, a Cayenne)
• fun to drive (whether power or handling, preferably both)

The E series will be refreshed, and will mainly mirror the current S-class (the interior of which is gorgeous)--this is due this Summer, with the AMG variants typically ~6 to 12 months later.

The Cayenne will also be refreshed, and rumored to be lighter and more powerful. I have yet to test drive the existing one--but have built many online--mainly the Cayenne GTS variant.

I've also built up a Macan (GTS vs Turbo), but I'm not entirely sold on the shape, the fact that it shares the same platform as our Q5, and the price point (bang-for-the-buck)...

So what would you guys do? I can get a current gen new E63 AMG S for a fair deal (aiming for 13% off MSRP, though dealer hasn't gone for this), but the refreshed E interiors appear so much nicer...

? Jaguar F-pace? Range Rover Sport? M3 (though I think this might be too hard-edged, just like the C63 AMG S we drove)?

96redLT4

My M4 has been a really good daily driver, and you could get a brand new one, (remember too with 4 years of free maintenance) for about 80K. I doubt she would find this too boring.
Jim

drsubie

I had thought about a M3 (I wanted 4 doors), though the RWD made me cross it off the short list...

worf928

If you haven't driven a Macan then go do so RSN. I've driven two Macan and two Q5 variations. There is a huge - HUGE - difference between the Macan and the Q5.

Sharing a 'platform' means squat these days. Now, a 'platform' is primarily a computer model of crush zones.

77tony

Take your wife to the dealerships and let her drive them all. Sounds like it will be her car so why not let her decide-she will love you for this. My wife's last 3 cars have been MB E-350's. I've suggested a E-550 or E-63 but she just does not feel the need for the additional power. Actually, the 302hp V-6, 7spd auto is pretty peppy. T

Chris3963

I would strongly suggest you do test drive a Macan Turbo even if you are not mad on the shape. While it may share the Q5 platform, you would never know it as it drives so, so differently. I have one to supplement my two 991s and it is a great car for an SUV.

drsubie

Great ideas everyone--my wife has accompanied me to the test drives and have driven everything I've driven (which is, sadly, really only the MB C and E AMGs)... I guess I'm the one primarily instigating this idea that we 'need' a new car

c_Gio

LR4? G550 (a few years old)? Macan Turbo? X6? SRT Grand Cherokee? E63 Wagon (a few years old)?

I've considered same question... At few of my possibles.

96redLT4

Well Drsubie if she doesn't care that much, how about a Subaru. Great 4 wheel daily driver and brand new for less than 1/2 the money you are talking. Course then you'll have to listen to her yell at you theat you're driving a P car while she is driving a Subaru. I am trying to convince my wife that the rear end of the the new Honda Pilot looks very similar to a GL Mercedes
J

shellbmb

You could also try a SQ5. I'm looking for something similar and that's an option. You can get a certified pre-owned one for 45-50k. Never driven a Macan, but that's a bit out of my price range for a 3rd car.

We're also cross shopping a LR Evoque. But the tranny issues and lack of power have me hesitant on that one.

Audi S6?

Marvinta

BMW 640 xi, or 540xi might be nice. I love my 335xi with manual and gets me to work in all weather. Though we get snow hear it's not like a bad northeaster but neither is Seattle. I have a weakness for Panamara C4S as well. Have you driven an all wheel Tesla? I was impressed. If it's a mostly around town car will work well. For long trips might be more of a hassle but can be done.

skiahh

^^What he said.^^

pitt911

used ML63 or X5M/ CPO no headaches for a while
4 doors
AWD
sportier than Q5
great interior
sit 3 in the back
smaller than cayenne
fun to drive but still an SUV not a sport car

tgcrun

I have a Macan Turbo. It's a fantastic car (and I say car because it doesn't drive like an SUV). In addition to what's been suggested how about an Audi S4 or S7 or a Polestar Volvo?

LexVan

What car did your first wife have? Did she like it? Are you planning on a 3rd wife?