Testing the opposition


Off to Audi & Mercedes to test drive an ML350 AMG Sport and the New Audi SQ5

I love my Sport, but the draw of reliable German engineering is getting stronger as my motor gets older... (And I've not seen anything in the newe(r) sports to suggest anything has changed regarding the usual reliability issues...) RRS gone
Audi SQ5...Gone Audi Q7 S-Line 240 3.0TDI Gone
Audi A6 Allroad Sport 270 3.0TDI

I think if your decision is made with the head and based on reliability then the Merc or Audi will win - they have their faults but tend not to be so frequent or such a disaster.

The real problem is the 'Heart' says the Sport cabin is a nicer place to be even if it requires 6 days of work to be able to drive on the 7th

drdelrrs wrote:

The real problem is the 'Heart' says the Sport cabin is a nicer place to be even if it requires 6 days of work to be able to drive on the 7th

Good hunting AWD Man  Wanted a Series 2 LR since childhood but previously owned MY16 Disco Sport HSE TD4 Auto, MY13 RR Sport Black Edition TDV6 Auto, MY10 RR Sport HSE TDV6 Auto, 2007 Freelander 1 Freestyle TD4 Soft Top, 2009 Freelander 2 GS TD4 Auto, 2007 Freelander 2 GS TD4, 2004 Disco 2 Metropolis Auto, 2002 Disco 2 GS, 2000 Freelander 1 SE TD4 SW

Still hoping for a S2 one day!

I agree drdelrrs The sport's cabin is very plush, but the Merc's interior is still pretty impressive (if not a bit German)

The Audi has a pretty boring interior, but that twin turbo 3L diesel has some factor

Swings and roundabouts.. RRS gone
Audi SQ5...Gone Audi Q7 S-Line 240 3.0TDI Gone
Audi A6 Allroad Sport 270 3.0TDI

Liked the thought of a Q5 until i had regular runs in a friends, not luxurious at all, very hard plastic on the dash, and suspension as very stiff - you may as well get an A5 as they look better and carry as much!
Had an ML, car was never out of the dealers with gearbox probs, they day it was in for its first MOT, i drove out the dealer and straight over to another dealer and traded it in, the staff at our local Merc (and Audi) dealers are total T ts who really believe the hype that german cars are the best!!

cheers
dave

PS, the new merc ML looks like a saanyong, everyone will point and laugh........  MY10 TDV6 SE (debadged ), Santorini Black, Flappy paddles, Privacy Glass, 20" Stormers, Mudflaps!

Gone: a comprehensive list of imprezas and a Merc ML AMG

Thanks for the input Dave

The main reason for todays test drives is to test the "feel" of these 2 rivals

I have a twin axle Bessacarr so the A5 would not fit that requirement! The SQ5 is only just heavy enough as it is.

Interesting about the Merc issues you've had. I will do some more online investigating as my uncle has had his 2nd generation ML for 4 years now and it's been faultless (one of the reasons I'm testing them out). RRS gone
Audi SQ5...Gone Audi Q7 S-Line 240 3.0TDI Gone
Audi A6 Allroad Sport 270 3.0TDI

My twin axle is the main reason I bought another sport despite the poor experience with the last one balanced by the previous 6 faultless LR's

Avoided merc as a neighbour had nightmare with one and audi seem bland to me

I would like to see improved reliability and customer service before I change next time or will be more open minded to the Germans  Wanted a Series 2 LR since childhood but previously owned MY16 Disco Sport HSE TD4 Auto, MY13 RR Sport Black Edition TDV6 Auto, MY10 RR Sport HSE TDV6 Auto, 2007 Freelander 1 Freestyle TD4 Soft Top, 2009 Freelander 2 GS TD4 Auto, 2007 Freelander 2 GS TD4, 2004 Disco 2 Metropolis Auto, 2002 Disco 2 GS, 2000 Freelander 1 SE TD4 SW

Still hoping for a S2 one day!

I cannot argue, Audi's usually leave me cold as well.

But the S series (and RS ) have a bit more to offer with better styling and hopefully performance (0-60 in 5 seconds)  RRS gone
Audi SQ5...Gone Audi Q7 S-Line 240 3.0TDI Gone
Audi A6 Allroad Sport 270 3.0TDI

Good luck post your opinion will be interesting im going to test the cayenne again next weekend then having an off road day with it in november 2016 bmw x5 40d m-sport space grey
2015 bmw 335i m-sport touring mineral grey/coral interior looking to change again .
Gone HSE SDV6 Dynamic indus silver, santorini contrast roof,panoramic roof,red brakes,privacy,climate front seats,tow bar great car enjoyed it ����
Gone my10 3.0 tdv6 Bali blue/ivory 5 years 24k no problems great car will be missed

Just bought an SQ5


gearbox superb...actually better than superb.. the speed it changes gear and always knows what gear you want...wow
performance is incredible.. in fact surprisingly quick
lovely cabin... plain but chic
Exhaust note to die for (cheating I know but still sounds )

63 plate cancelled order in a black that's kind of purple under sunlight
Panoramic roof
sat nav
B & O music upgrade
Blue tooth premier kit
Pick up Monday  RRS gone
Audi SQ5...Gone Audi Q7 S-Line 240 3.0TDI Gone
Audi A6 Allroad Sport 270 3.0TDI

Wow

Keep us all informed - might be tempted next time  Wanted a Series 2 LR since childhood but previously owned MY16 Disco Sport HSE TD4 Auto, MY13 RR Sport Black Edition TDV6 Auto, MY10 RR Sport HSE TDV6 Auto, 2007 Freelander 1 Freestyle TD4 Soft Top, 2009 Freelander 2 GS TD4 Auto, 2007 Freelander 2 GS TD4, 2004 Disco 2 Metropolis Auto, 2002 Disco 2 GS, 2000 Freelander 1 SE TD4 SW

Still hoping for a S2 one day!

Honestly.... rapid does not come into it.

I was expecting it to feel quicker than my TDV8 but not that much quicker... it's like driving one of my old Scoobys...

I took it down some bumpy b-roads and it never got out of shape once yet remained very smooth with it.

I'm as surprised as you, I went there to walk away... something I just could not do once I'd driven it


It's a real sleeper  RRS gone
Audi SQ5...Gone Audi Q7 S-Line 240 3.0TDI Gone
Audi A6 Allroad Sport 270 3.0TDI

Congrats
Must be great if you find it that much better than a TDV8
Count the hours now

yes... hours minutes seconds

Just getting all the V5 docs sorted... quite emotional...gunna miss the old girl really... hope I do not live to regret it!

Audi are being very good, they are transferring my private plate for free, printing off a couple more rear 63 plates in the meantime so I can take the caravan on holiday... sorted 7 days insurance, sorted the gardX protection, sorted the towbar install (another FOC extra) RRS gone
Audi SQ5...Gone Audi Q7 S-Line 240 3.0TDI Gone
Audi A6 Allroad Sport 270 3.0TDI

Awesome!

Spec sounds great, can't wait to see pics  LCFC. Receiver of threatening letters from Overfinch.