Premium SUV Test Drives

[mgescuro]

Well, I went out with my buddy in the freezing rain in San Francisco to do a number of premium SUV Test Drives -- SRX, LR3, Range Rover Sport, X5, ML500.

WOW... I can't believe what I did today. I just drove some of the BEST premium SUV's out there on the road today. Just tagging along with my buddy cause he wants/needs a premium SUV as he sold off his 540i Sport.

SRX
VERY VERY competent handling car. Especially in wet weather. I was VERY surprised by the confidence this vehicle had. It was a V8 and priced in the low $60s. It had every single bell and whistle. Like the CTS and STS and XLR, I have absolutely ZERO complaints about the performance from the new Cadillacs.

But, like I've said in many, many threads here on GMI, the interior is sooooooo lacking. The seats are VERy nice. But that's about it. There's not much else to like about the interior. It put my buddy off, though he thought the performance was the 2nd best of all the SUV's he tested today.

LR3
Personally, I absolutely LOVE the interior and exterior of this car. It's solidly built. Not as confident a drive as the SRX but quite good.
The interior was quite luxurious. I'm not convinced that it's deserving of the hefty price tag, but it's definitely on another level thatn the cheap SRX. You can just feel that the LR3 is just itching to go off-road as well!!
My problem with the car was that there just wasn't enough interior room. Don't get me wrong... it's MUCH better than Discovery. But it's just not sufficient for me, seeing as I'm 6'3".

Range Rover Sport
WHOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!
If I only had $75,000 and needed an SUV. THis sucker is MINE MINE MINE!!!!!!
The HP might not seem as "abundant" as say the Cayenne. But my gosh, this thing can haul ass. THe 390HP is AWESOME!!! THe interior is very teutonic, but quite sophisticated and luxurious. (Escalade should take noticed of the Range Rovers.)
The air suspension is quite unique. It really smooths out the ride as it adapts to the roads and your driving style. I really can't fault this vehicle in anyway... other than price. But even then, it's still less than the regular Range Rover. So.... hmmm....
If Cadillac can come out with an Escalade that is 12" shorter, 1.5" lower, with a console/paddle shifter and 450HP.... I think RR Sport would have a competent competitor. but until then... RR Sport rules. I would take it over a Cayenne, as the RR has more personality.

ML500
Meh. Seriously. Just Meh.
Interior is typical Mercedes. Solid. Luxurious. Just no personality. THey really need to do something about the new Mercedes. They're really passionless. Plus their issues with quality aren't helping them one bit.

This was the first SUV crossed off my buddy's list.

X5
My buddy loved this one the best. It had the best blend of performance, luxury, sophistication, and price over all the other ones he had tested.

It's quite nice. I've driven the X5's before, and they're definitely and undoubtedly a BMW. However, I'm just turned off by the exterior. It's old and hasn't aged well.
Interior is nice and the touch and feel is defintley rich
and luxurious.

Well, my buddy bought the X5. Lucky him.

If I were to buy.... Range Rover Sport. That SUV is just pure exhilaration!!!!

[SSrevolution]

I've not had a chance to drive the Rover, but I agree about the SRX. Very nice.

[kool_zx3]

I think you liked the RR Sport

Quite a lineup of vehicles though, very nice.

You have to go into more detail of the RR Sport though

[mgescuro]

Originally Posted by kool_zx3

I think you liked the RR Sport
Quite a lineup of vehicles though, very nice.
You have to go into more detail of the RR Sport though

I dunno what it's like in other cities, but in San Francisco, the dealerships are just a few blocks apart. So you can just walk from dealer to dealer.

It's no secret I'm a big fan of the Range Rovers. But I never thought much about the RR Sports. I figured that they would just be some rehashed "sport" version, just to get more sale because it's slightly cheaper than the regular RR's. I was just surprised that the RR Sports were really impressive!! I've driven my neighbor's Cayenne, so I did have a point of reference. I really would take the RR over Cayenne.

What else can I go over on the RR Sport??
The car is not only FAST... but it can tow over 5500 lbs!! It doesn't have AWD... it has 4WD!! A 13 (I think it's 13) speaker sound system. Beautiful adaptive Xenon headlamps. It's got heated windshield washers (like Lucerne and DTS) as well as a "cooler" box like the 9-5 and LS430.
The dashboard and console is vast. But I've got long arms, so I can stretch for the buttons, etc. I didn't drive it long enough to really evaluate the ergonimoics, but it's definitely not its strong point.

The RR's key is like the VW and AUdis. It flips out. Ok.. it might be a very minor point to a lot of people.. but I think Cadillac should really concentrate on designing stylish keys like the VW or Audi or even Saab. Quit using the generic GM design. Apparently, the Range Rover's key recharges as it is in the igntion?? So you never hve to replace the battery. That's pretty innovative, if you ask me. And it's waterproof to a depth where even some watches won't survive!! I mean.. that's just nutz!!!

I'm simply impressed by the Range Rovers.

[kool_zx3]

A recharging key, now that is freaking cool
I know what you mean about nice headlights
http://www.seriouswheels.com/pics-20...-1600x1200.jpg

Wow, nice piece right there

[mgescuro]

OH I know. I couldn't believe it when the sales guy said that!! Pretty clever if you ask me!!
I want a recharging key!!

[CRBoyd91]

I think Saab has the most innovative looking keys. However, I do really like the recharging key.

[BMW FAN]

My dad's BMW has a recharging key too.

[CRBoyd91]

Originally Posted by BMW FAN

My dad's BMW has a recharging key too.

Well that's great!

[mgescuro]

Originally Posted by BMW FAN

My dad's BMW has a recharging key too.

Wow! I'd honestly never heard of this feature until yesterday. I thought it was pretty smart!!
I wonder if the VW and Audis or even Saabs are rechargeable?

[jro4566]

Originally Posted by CRBoyd91

I think Saab has the most innovative looking keys. However, I do really like the recharging key.

I don't think they have the MOST innovative-looking keys (a lot of manufacturers have elegant key/keyfob designs, though Saab is up there), but I think they would really gain attention if they produced the breathalizer key. It may take awhile to get used to, but it could also save a few lives on the road.

[TrailblazerSS90]

Originally Posted by jro4566

I don't think they have the MOST innovative-looking keys (a lot of manufacturers have elegant key/keyfob designs, though Saab is up there), but I think they would really gain attention if they produced the breathalizer key. It may take awhile to get used to, but it could also save a few lives on the road.

Honestly I don't believe that the Breathalizer Key would help much. All you would have to do it get somebody else that is sober to breath into it.

But out of the Suv's you went for a drive in i find the LR3, Porsche Cayanne, Ml500 to be some of the best suv's out there. Hope you friend has many safe miles with his new purchase.

[jro4566]

Originally Posted by TrailblazerSS90

Honestly I don't believe that the Breathalizer Key would help much. All you would have to do it get somebody else that is sober to breath into it.

All I know is that I wouldn't put my mouth on another person's breathalizer key!

[ChevroletRevived]

Me too. I thought of that also, TrailblazerSS90. Yes, mgescuro, I have relatives with Bimmers that have keys that recharge also. And one is a 1998. LOL.
I do agree with you about Caddy and the key fobs. Some of them look tacky..they have the bright colors, like blue and red. That needs to go..they should get combo fob/keys that recharge and have a miniature Caddy emblem on them. That would be nice, wouldn't it?

[ChevroletRevived]

Out of the ones you test drove, I think I would take the SRX. Or maybe the LR3. I wouldn't have got the X5 though..isn't it due to be replaced soon? The RR sport is pretty cool too though. Where I live there is a whole long street of dealers, called Auto Row...you can do pretty much the same thing. If that's what you mean, mgescuro.