By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our
Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our
Visitor Agreement.
Comments
Regarding the Merc1-Brightness theory, well, that's a good one. I used to sign in and debate myself from two different computers before finally getting tired of correcting my own numerous typoes and dropped the Merc1 username :-) Tongue firmly in cheek, no offense intended if you are reading, Merc1 :-) I wish you all the best.
EDIT: I'VE GOT IT. HERE IT IS!
link title
TagMan
link title
TagMan
It's nearly always possible to put a bicycle inside a car, and I'm willing to pull the front wheel without complaint. If the rear also has to come off, it adds considerably to the PITA factor.
I've got at least 18" to spare in my current car, and hope that the 3 wagon doesn't use all that up.
It's $50k pricetag is hard to swallow given it's loss of versatility and practicality only to gain that all too-important performance.
For instance, Tag I'm sure your MDX is pretty easy to climb into the third seat. Well due to the redesign, the sloping roof and all, forces one to stoop to almost acrobatic levels. Grandma ain't havin it.
This leaves the GL, Enclave(shockingly enough, she likes the styling of the GMC Acadia better, but the Buick is full zoot in the interior department), Q7, and Range Rover Supercharged.
If the third row of the MDX is the issue, how can the RR still be in the running? It doesn't even have a third row! And I'm not at all sure that the Q7 offers a better third row than the MDX.
Well, the wife's Jag XJ Vanden Plas is aluminum, and the owner's documentation says that if body work should become necessary, to only use certain specialists that can work with aluminum, and they provide a limited list of names.
now, the advantage is amazing. The huge XJ Vanden Plas, for example, doesn't weigh much more than a 3-Series BMW! At a weight of approx. 3850 pounds +-, the XJ therefore delivers very spirited performance with the same 300 HP rating as a 3-Series twin turbo. Further, the weight reduction affects the fuel efficiency. The EPA highway rating on that large Jag is 27 highway mpg!!
Just think, if Lexus used aluminum in the LS600hL, the mileage would have been even more noteworthy.
TagMan
Yes, there is no 3rd row in the RR. Shame, IMO.
TagMan
"Low emission" Lexus RS400H ad ruled misleading
22/05/2007
LONDON (Reuters) - An advert for a 4x4 car broke rules by stating the vehicle had "low emissions", the advertising standards watchdog said on Wednesday.
The headline on a Lexus advert for a hybrid sports utility vehicle (SUV) said: "High performance. Low emissions. Zero guilt."
Further description said the 4x4 car had "category-leading low CO2 emissions" at 192g/km.
Advertisement
The advert implied the car's emission rate was low compared to all other cars not just other SUVs, the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) said.
It said Lexus had breached rules relating to truthfulness, comparisons and environmental claims.
The ASA said readers would infer from the ad's headline that: " ... the car caused little or no harm to the environment, which was not the case, and had low emissions in comparison with all cars, which was also not the case."
It told Lexus not to make similar claims in future if they could not be backed up.
Lexus said it had meant to compare the CO2 emissions of its RX 400h SUV -- which costs around 40,000 pounds -- to those of other SUVs rather than all cars.
"We weren't trying to be misleading and any changes that are needed, we will certainly make," a Lexus spokesman said.
"It wasn't that we were trying to make a claim that was unsustainable. The car has low emissions compared to, say, a Land Rover or another 4x4. That is the message we were trying to communicate."
link title
Howard,
here's a suggestion:
Sell your bike.
Become a gym member and use a stationary bike instead.
Forget the BMW X3 or Acura MDX
And get the highly unpractical car that you really want: a BMW 335i cabrio
That is exactly what I would do when my kids grow up.
But the GL450, Q7 and RR are all beautiful SUVs; the Range Rover is definitely in a class of its own- you sacrifice versatility for high style and ultra-luxury, and I think it's worth it. The only reason I can't get my wife to look at it is because of the horrific gas mileage.
That brings you back to the Q7 and GL, but were you to get the Q7 3.6 (for the mileage), it would be ridiculously slow; you'd have to go with a Q7 4.2 S-Line. It's one of the sexiest SUVs on the road. GL is a class-leader for its home run combo of great handling, great luxury, sophisticated style and versatility. You do sacrifice the show-car shape of the Q7 for the versatility, but there's the curb appeal of the three-pointed star to balance that out.
Your call. I think you can make this an emotional decision... not a practical one. For all emotional reasons, I'd choose a Range Rover, because it's just beautiful. But it's also very expensive. There are compromises in everything!
'06 Audi A3 2.0T • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet • '04 Lexus RX330
'06 Audi A3 2.0T • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet • '04 Lexus RX330
At this time, I am using my road bike and the exercise bike in my community gym on alternate days. I like the stationary bike. It has state of the art programming to vary the workout routine and I don't have to worry about flats.
You are right. The emotional will most likely win out over the practical on my next lease. I didn't need the power of the 545i but I wanted it!
I have to go find a Sopwith Camel hat, scarf and gloves and test drive that ridiculously impractical but emotionally satisfying 335i cabrio!
Now...that's entertainment!
I am a bit confused here about the third row. Does blkhemi need it or not? It obviously rules out the Range Rover if it's needed.
TagMan
I believe it's inherent in the physics of these vehicles. They are essentially large boxes with high centers of gravity and because of this, will never be stylistic eye-openers. In my opinion, what Porsche, BMW and now Acura have done with such an unwieldy structure is amazing. Converting them to diesel wouldn't hurt. Figuring out how not to use such thick pillars to eliminate gaping blind spots wouldn't hurt either. It hardly inspires confidence when a rear view camera is a necessity.
Acura came close, but they copped out on the luxury and that front grille is right out of sci-fi! I'm sure they could offer a limited edition higher-priced luxury model. Perhaps Acura doesn't see any profit in doing so.
I have quite a few vehicles to drive, come 2008, and the 335i in sedan, coupe and convertible guises will be among them.
Yes! The Tagman-Brightness04 late night (EDT for me) debates are fine entertainment!
I agree. This is a good forum. Much more leeway and hence, discussions can be more spontaneous. Looks like the HELC thread may be headed for oblivion.
Let's move on, please.
I don't know about platforms, but I thought the engine sharing program was still going ahead as planned?
I have been reading quite a bit about jerky throttle issues on various BMW threads re the X3. Seems to hesitate at first, then shoot forward. This is happening more frequently with many vehicles as engineers continue to "refine" steering, braking and transmissions with unnecessary computerized, electronic aids.
Our X3 is loaded up, expect for the sport package and CD changer. The MSRP was well into RX350 and MDX territory, but BMW is very willing to deal when it comes to leasing.
Ours also has the throttle issue. Supposedly it has something to do with new trans\throttle programming for the '07s, and it may eventually go away on its own as part of the car's "learning" process.
There may be 50 easy ways to leave a lover but there is no easy way for Daimler to leave Chrysler.
As far as I understand it the engine program is still on. Chrysler currently is dependent on MB technology and Daimler just cant walk away while it still owns 20 percent of Chrysler. God-forbid if down the road Chrysler or the Cerberus group goes bankrupt then Daimler may be faced with some nasty litigation issues regarding how it reduced its healthcare/pension liabilities in this month's transaction with Cerberus.
In otherwords the prestige dillution affect of having MB technology in Chrysler models will still remain an ongoing issue for Daimler. In this transaction Daimler is not as independent as BMW was when it disposed of the Rover Group for one British Pound.
What I think they need to do instead is kidnap some interior designers from Volvo and Audi, and have them design a proper interior. I don't think Acura necessarily needs to charge more for the MDX, I think they need interior designers with some talent.
It's definitely possible to make a great looking interior on a budget, just ask VW. Just replacing the senseless mish-mash of bad aluma-look plastic and fake wood with the real thing wouldn't solve the problem.
Is it really worth the ransom?
An Audi designer may deserve a King's ransom but a Volvo designer :surprise:
I am not crazy about HH styling from the released pics. Maybe the new RX will be better in term of blings and appearance?
On a different note, since I am heeding Brightness's tips on leasing/tax deductibility on cars, I test drove a 2007 Murano SL (non-sport suspension) yesterday and found it quite nice. It is an out going model, so there will be very good deals on dealer inventories in the next few months. Please comment on what you think/know about this vehicle.
Those Volvo guys do certain things very well. A combination of the S80 and A6 interiors would be just about perfect. Also, nobody does seats like Volvo.
The Yakima product is great, simple to use, well designed and a very safe bike mount. Also frees up your vehicle interior for bags, fellow riders etc.
If you are worried about the appearance, a 1.25" hitch is a pretty minimal visual. I'm sure BMW would be willing to charge you an arm and leg but U-Haul can also do it.
If you love your car, your bike shouldn't force a change!
The Yakima product is great, simple to use, well designed and a very safe bike mount. Also frees up your vehicle interior for bags, fellow riders etc.
THIS idea is the best one. Due to the frequent comfortable weather, tons of folks here in California ride bikes, and the hitch/rack combo is an easy way to have your cake and eat it too. I can't believe I didn't think to post that earlier. Good thinking Bristol2. This works with or without an SUV as the primary vehicle.
So... Howard, there you have it! You can ride the LifeCycle in the gym when it's raining or too humid out, otherwise you can simply connect your bike to the back of whatever it is you finally decide to drive.
Now, some questions... if you are down to one vehicle, aren't there times, besides the bicycle, when you need to haul around some "stuff", like the rest of us? Would the trunk of a 335i really be adequate? Or is an SUV or crossover truly the best "all-around" vehicle for you? I think if I was down to just one single vehicle, it would likely be an SUV or crossover. And I would be relentless in finding the one that hit the spot. Somehow, I keep thinking of that X3 with a twin-turbo diesel engine! But if diesel fuel is an issue, the standard 3.0 gas-burning ICE would be just fine... and even better if next year they offer the X3 with the gas twin-turbo.
Hopefully the 2008 model has that throttle delay/surge thing worked out.
TagMan
I've always liked the functionality of the iDrive despite claims that it was too complicated. The easiest way to understand the iDrive is to sit down, read through the owner's manual, and play with it for a few minutes while parked. If you still can't figure it out, realize the system isn't dumb, you are.
link title
IT'S amazing to be driving one of the latest crop of big diesels and see economy of over 35 to the gallon.
Last week, I did hundreds of miles in the BMW 730d and never had to add fuel in the whole week.
link title
Hybrid Lexus LS
The car achieved an average of only 17 miles per gallon during my test period - better than the BMW 760's 14 city, but that's splitting a hair. But it should be the darling of the eco-wealthy set - until those superclean, superfast European diesels start arriving in '08
link title
Coming out of my garage I may choose to drive, say, to the north or to the south. Not a BMW 7d but a 530d, as you know. Tank full loaded, 70 L.
If driving to the north on the highway at legal speed (<130 km•h), I should nicely get into Paris—with no tank refilling.
If driving to the south I can likely hit Gibraltar.
Both are 1000 km from my home (well, Paris is only at 900). Some fuel would be still spared in the tank to get into the city center and find a parking place.
You might as well figure my pleasure.
Jose
As these wonderful diesel reviews continue to emerge, I expect that the demand for the diesel vehicles will continue to grow. It's only natural.
TagMan
I have a 10 year old grandson that I keep some weekends and even then I'm usually driving the Jag or one of the Vettes, but other than that, I'm either driving myself or with the wife.
BTW: The Q7's 3rd row, while not as cavernous as the class leading GL, is still hospitable.
I recently was handed a Q7 4.2 Premium at the local Audi dealership when I had the Audi's in for routine service. I was very shocked at how well the vehicle drove and handled, particularly given it's enormous size and length.
But we decided that if we were to get one, we'll just wait until Audi sends over the Q7 TDI.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
And the powertrain that is to be introduced on the Chrysler cars is the 7-G tranny. No engines were named. I can't see MB dropping the 4.7L or 5.5L in Chrysler vehicles as it has it's own 4.7L V8 and the soon-to-be-updated 5.7L HEMI, altho neither engine is nowhere near as refined.
There is news they may take the SUPER ANCIENT Chrysler 2.7L and 3.5L V6 and transplant the newer MB 3.0L and 3.5L V6s. That would make a better bet than the former. It also gives cars like the Avenger/Stratus and base level 300's and Chargers better footing in the powertrain department.
I can see how you can make that comparison as they are both short in stature and very wide and long. It's interesting tho that the Audi has better dynamics than the MB given it's massive weight.
Compared to the R, most vehicles look pretty darned good. But how would you compare the Q7 to the GL, appearance-wise?
I'll bet you can guess my preference!
TagMan
As I understand it, the plan was always to let the two companies use their own V8s and Benz will donate the 6s, with the Benz versions getting some exclusive features like dual VVT. Keeping the 300 in the same price range as the Pontiac G8 and Ford Interceptor would most likely rule out fancy MB DOHC V8s.
One of my golfing buddies drives an ML, the old style, and I have ridden in it a lot over the years. It is the old box on frame style and is very much a truck. Frankly I have never been impressed with it. The new unibody style may be much better.
I think you have your eye on the GL but you really should try out the Q and give us a report. I have not driven it but it looks much more integrated to me than the GL. Slap one of those new diesels in it and it may be my next ride.
Also I am just a little suspicious of any Mercedes that is built is the U.S. I assume the Q7 is built in Germany.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
BMWFS has one of its best leasing deals at this time on the X3. Anybody who buys this truck for $50k when they can lease it for $500 a month must be nuts.
Regarding Q7 production, this is what I have been able to find:
Production of the new Audi Q7 is a genuine joint affair. Whereas final assembly of the SUV is taking place at an ultramodern plant in the Slovak capital of Bratislava, Audi’s German plants at Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm are supplying all key body elements, as well as a large number of its components. The power units for the Audi Q7 are being built at Audi’s Hungarian engine plant in Györ.
Does that make anyone more comfortable than a modern U.S. assembly plant? Maybe, maybe not!
I think you have your eye on the GL but you really should try out the Q and give us a report.
When, and if, the day comes that the GL becomes a contender, I will indeed try out the Q7. I'll bring the "wife, checkbook, and pink slip".... LOL. And I'll provide a report.
TagMan
For Acura to use synthetic wood is a major mistake. They have lost quite a few sales, IMO, because of it. They would have been better off using brushed aluminum for a smart, modern sleek look. What on earth were they thinking? The MDX is supposed to be quite a bit more upscale than the Pilot.
Synthetic wood makes "upscale" a joke.
My problem is since I always lease, I want minimal dents and scratches (if possible). So I don't want any extra attachments.
I'm sure the bike won't force a change. I've always gone with my heart rather than my head, except in the negotiating process where I become totally dispassionate and as well-prepared as I can be. I didn't need a 545i, but my heart said "yes."
I would rather dump the bike than be forced into a compromise that would make me unhappy.
But I do appreciate your kind suggestion.
I am quite familar with the small 3 Series trunk as I have had 2 of them. I ordered both with the fold down rear seat and also used the rear seats themselves at times for storage if needed.
The 5 Series trunk is a HUGE improvement over the 3 Series. I rarely use the fold down rear seat or rear seats for storage in the 545i.
I would be interested in any BMW that goes twin-turbo diesel by the summer of 2008 IF I can find the fuel close by. If not, I won't be too upset. BMW's haven't performed too badly with gasoline.
I remember back when you had secret desires (maybe just a moment of weekness) to go back `North`...and that sort of set in motion the suv...I suggested to come to the mountains of N C for a second house, and that idea didn`t `fly`...If you are back toying with the `North` move I want to put the mountains back on the table...We need you up this way..I`l show you around if you like Tony