Cayenne or MB E500 4Matic?
 

Hello Pelicanheads! I'm in need of some friendly advice. My current daily driver's (Audi A6 2.7T) lease is up in two weeks. It is time for some serious decision making. I need all wheel drive due to my Long Island location coupled with my extremely steep 250' long driveway. I currently have a refundable deposit on an '04 MB E500 4Matic sedan. No pricing yet from the dealer but the dealer made it clear I would be paying sticker for the car (EVERY dealer in my area said the same). Delivery of the E-class 4 Matics is not expected until the end of November. Last week while on vacation I test drove the Cayenne S and I must say I was impressed. I HATE SUV's as daily drivers but this thing was something else entirely. It handled well with no slop, was very comfortable and the engine note from that V-8 was pure music! I can extend the lease on the Audi month to month, for four months, but it's out of warranty, I'm bored etc. As far as other vehicles in the household, My wife has an '03 all-wheel drive Town & Country minivan (three girls ages 5, 2 and 4 mos) and I've got an '88 930 for my toy. The Cayenne Turbo is just too expensive or else I would have jumped on it. So what's the verdict; Practical Porsche or classy yet quick sedan? Thanks for your responses as I am really in need of some fresh opinions!:confused:

The E500 sure is pretty.

If you don't need the SUV & it's towing capacity, I'd say go for the MB. You'll most likely get better gas mileage. It's also a very classy car. Since this is the Peppervagon's first year of production, reliability is a question.

Then again, since I work for MB (Home office - IT), I'm a bit biased! :eek:

-Z.

Z-man, I hear you. The car I ordered will have the sport package. I think it's the best looking sedan thats been introduced in a long time. The Pepper was introduced as an '03 and the cars currently in the showrooms are '04's so technically it's in the second year of production and some small changes have already been made...but I completely understand your concern about reliability!

BMW 330XI?

Dare I say....WRX STi?

Not very luxurious, but very very fun.

Eric and Blue, both great cars but I need something with more room.

BMW X5 4.4i?

If you must go the SUV route, the new Rovers are pretty slick.