Has anybody compared the ML and GL to the Touareg 2 TDi(3.0)? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

i-osprey · #1 01-18-2010, 06:38 AM

I haven't driven any of them but I wanted to know if anybody on here had when deciding what to buy.

The new Touareg 2 TDi 3.0 V6 intrigues me because I really do like the TDi's.

However, I've never owned anything that could compare to a MB in terms of luxury and comfort.

I know the Touareg is very luxurious and well appointed and it clearly has decent off-road prowess and that's what I'm looking for.

How good off road are the ML320(350) and GL320(350)?

I really don't need all the room of a GL but I wouldn't let that stop me if the right deal came along.

The ML's look a little feminine to me but if it's the best of the three I wouldn't hesitate to buy one.

The Audi Q7 is just a much more expensive Touareg from what I can tell and I don't particularly care for Audis for reasons I can't really put my finger on.

I also don't care for BMWs.

I have also considered a Jeep Grand Cherokee with the diesel but they just don't seem like the kind of Jeep they used to be. They look like a garden variety road-going SUV and I don't really want that.

If all else fails I may just get an older generation Tacoma crew cab(the body style before this latest monstrosity).

I also wouldn't mind a diesel converted G class but if I am going to spend the money I might as well get a SUV that hasn't been Frankensteined.

Any ideas?

lkchris · #2 01-18-2010, 10:37 AM

IIRC the Toureg is pretty hard to get into/out of for tall guys since the windshield rakes back so severely. This from one auto show experience only.

I think you have to be more careful with VW dealers than with Mercedes dealers--at least the overwhelming consensus on the TDI forum is that VW dealers are terrible for service and seldom have any diesel knowledge. That forum does seem to appeal to the young and paranoid, it seems, but then again I'm not taking my Beetle TDI to my dealer. It does make some sense that a dealership selling cheapo cars won't have the investment in service capability that a "luxury" car dealer may have.

The Jeep is no longer available with the Mercedes diesel since the selloff and it seems even less likely you'll get service support for one of those. The thought of 'merikun iron mekanics working on the most technically complex engine sold in the USA is pretty scary.

i-osprey · #3 01-18-2010, 11:43 AM

I have heard all the horror stories about VW dealerships and even had a pretty bad experience myself with one when I had my '98 Jetta TDi but I really like the Touareg with a TDi(not the V10, that thing is too much and I understand it has some pretty big issues). I'm only 5'10 so I doubt I would have much of an issue with getting in and out of it. My old boss had one of the first ones(the ones with a very bad reputation) and I don't recall any issues with egress or ingress.

If I were to get the JGC, it would have to be used and I would actually prefer to get whatever I buy used because they're cheaper....

I am to the point where I really don't want anything but a diesel but if push comes to $hove I will buy a less expensive gasser like the Tacoma or even an older Jeep Cherokee for my off road capable ride.

I really, really like the Audi allroad but they have some air suspension gremlins that never really go away. They also drink premium unleaded like it's going out of style. If only we could get a TDi allroad in the states....

DUTCH · #4 01-19-2010, 06:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by i-osprey

I know the Touareg is very luxurious and well appointed and it clearly has decent off-road prowess and that's what I'm looking for.

How good off road are the ML320(350) and GL320(350)?

In North America, pretty much no off-road capability whatever. The off road package, while offered throughout the ROW, is not available in NA; and I'd never take run-flat tires and no spare tire off road under any condition.

DUTCH · #5 01-19-2010, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lkchris

IIRC the Toureg is pretty hard to get into/out of for tall guys since the windshield rakes back so severely. This from one auto show experience only.

I'm 6'4" and have a Cayenne. The driver's seat is all the way down and all the way back; and I still hit my head pretty much every time I get in the vehicle, no matter how much I duck.

i-osprey · #6 01-19-2010, 09:50 AM

Here's what Motor Trend thinks:

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/suvs/112_0904_diesel_hybrid_suv_comparison/index.html

Fulcrum525 · #7 01-19-2010, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DUTCH

In North America, pretty much no off-road capability whatever. The off road package, while offered throughout the ROW, is not available in NA; and I'd never take run-flat tires and no spare tire off road under any condition.

I swear that the first year models had the optional off-road package available, at least that's what my sales literature says.... even if it was offered I would imagine that very few people actually ordered it (Which explains why it was pulled if it was)

DUTCH · #8 01-20-2010, 06:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fulcrum525

I swear that the first year models had the optional off-road package available, at least that's what my sales literature says.... even if it was offered I would imagine that very few people actually ordered it (Which explains why it was pulled if it was)

You are correct. I think the no Off-Road Package in NA came about with the W164. MBUSA really has their heads in the sand.

lkchris · #9 01-20-2010, 01:32 PM

As usual, installation of the off-road package means it's a whole different drivetrain which means a whole 'nuther EPA certification process.

Most times USA importers conclude the market isn't big enough to support the cost of this certification.

IMHO they should make these simply standard, as Mercedes does in the UK, for example.