Audi Q7 / Porsche Cayenne / BMW X5 / VW Toureg

Zensi · 23rd April 2010, 02:05

Hi All,

Need to take a decision to get a SUV. Am in Dubai currently and the 4 shortlisted cars are

1) Audi Q7
2) Porsche Cayenne
3) BMW X5
4) VW Toureg

Personally I like the Q7 and X5 but have included the other 2 since they are pretty similar in the trim levels, size, performance and price range - oh am considering only used models - a year or 2 max (there are some excellent deals available)

Use will be in the city during weekdays and roadtrips with family on the weekends (once or twice a month) - will not do any serious offroading though. High on the list of priorities are:
1) Safety (i think all the mentioned cars fit this criteria)
2) Comfort
3) Driving Pleasure
4) Music System and sat-nav
5) Service and parts availability.

Any thoughts/suggestions would definitely help. Buying time frame is approx 6-8 weeks.

Scorcher · 23rd April 2010, 04:10

The Best, you can get would either be the BMW X5(even look for a X6 if you dont have any tall passengers in the rear) or the Porsche Cayenne for you needs, they ticks all the right boxes. Though, I feel the BMW should win because it won't bite as hard as the Cayenne if you ever take it slightly off-the road, Brilliant diesel engine and the service should be better than Porsche. The Q7 too is a good option if you can live with its behemoth dimensions. Yes, In dubai size would hardly bother you, But Off-Roading is complete No-No with the Q7. Also, I've felt the Q7 a bit wobbly at high speeds.

The last thing I suggest you is the VW, Buy one either If you plan to do better off-road trips than the above listed cars or if you come across a really well-maintained V10 TDi. Resale and Brand-Value are the words to keep in mind when you are buying the VW.

I have driven all the cars above mentioned. So, If you ask me a final word, It should be the Bimmer. Anyday !

imp! · 23rd April 2010, 07:22

I happen to agree with scorcher to a point. Why don't you add the Range Rover and Land Cruiser to your list as well? If you look around, you should be able to find a hardly used RR in your budget.

My personal favourite is the VW from your list of 4 suv's, as long as you buy the twin turbo diesel. It is one hell of a machine. My first pick would be a range rover, then the VW, then the Porsche and finally the land cruiser or the BMW.

entropy · 23rd April 2010, 07:28

@Zensi. If you get interested in Q7 you can PM me as I'm selling my Feb/2009 Q7 3.0 TDI for a new 4.2 TDI Q7. I might be able to give you a smile

Praveen1 · 23rd April 2010, 08:33

How about considering Volvo XC60. Have great features, but should be worried about A$$ and Bus image.

AlokSriva · 23rd April 2010, 12:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by entropy

@Zensi. If you get interested in Q7 you can PM me as I'm selling my Feb/2009 Q7 3.0 TDI for a new 4.2 TDI Q7. I might be able to give you a smile

Oops.. he is planning to buy one in Dubai - right?

OT - Mind giving me a small smile in a PM though? I am on the lookout of a used SUV in GGN, of course not in the likes of Q7, but a Montero, nonetheless, a little knowledge never did any one any harm

entropy · 23rd April 2010, 14:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlokSriva

Oops.. he is planning to buy one in Dubai - right?

OT - Mind giving me a small smile in a PM though? I am on the lookout of a used SUV in GGN, of course not in the likes of Q7, but a Montero, nonetheless, a little knowledge never did any one any harm

Oh Sorry .. My bad !! Did not realize the Dubai thingy !!
Hope you got the information/knowledge (?) as requested

Parm · 23rd April 2010, 16:14

the status symbol listing is:

Porsche
BMW
Audi
VW

they all have the best safety options available for the passengers.

cayenne, x5 and toureg are 5 seaters and only q7 is a genuine 7 seater.

bmw and porsche service centers in dubai have a waiting of 2-3 weeks. vw and audi have a waiting of 4-6 days.

they all have 15000-20000 kms service intervals, thats almost once a year.

i would suggest you test drive them all before you settle in for your choice.

do buy a vehicle with atleast some dealer warranty on them. these vehicle depriciate faster because of them being premium vehicles.

AlokSriva · 23rd April 2010, 16:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by entropy

Oh Sorry .. My bad !! Did not realize the Dubai thingy !!
Hope you got the information/knowledge (?) as requested

Yes I did, thanks! Seriously wish if one of us had more flexibility

ishotmydog · 23rd April 2010, 23:32

OT - zensi, just a question but why didn't you consider the ML?

Zensi · 24th April 2010, 01:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scorcher

The Best, you can get would either be the BMW X5(even look for a X6 if you dont have any tall passengers in the rear) or the Porsche Cayenne for you needs, they ticks all the right boxes. Though, I feel the BMW should win because it won't bite as hard as the Cayenne if you ever take it slightly off-the road, Brilliant diesel engine and the service should be better than Porsche. The Q7 too is a good option if you can live with its behemoth dimensions. Yes, In dubai size would hardly bother you, But Off-Roading is complete No-No with the Q7. Also, I've felt the Q7 a bit wobbly at high speeds.

The last thing I suggest you is the VW, Buy one either If you plan to do better off-road trips than the above listed cars or if you come across a really well-maintained V10 TDi. Resale and Brand-Value are the words to keep in mind when you are buying the VW.

I have driven all the cars above mentioned. So, If you ask me a final word, It should be the Bimmer. Anyday !

@Scorcher - thanks buddy - you echo my feel I love the X5 too and its my no1 choice, however the Q7 really attracts me - the equipment list and the looks! Dimensions really not a concern really and like i said - there will be roadtrips - definitely but no offroading.

But i havent test driven half of these yet and im very curious now to check what you mean when u say the Q7 is wobbly?

Im concerned about the service costs and parts availability of the Porsche - nobody i know is giving me any confident answers to these.

Toureg is on the list, since my better half - likes it! :-)

Quote:

Originally Posted by imp!

Why don't you add the Range Rover and Land Cruiser to your list as well? If you look around, you should be able to find a hardly used RR in your budget.

My personal favourite is the VW from your list of 4 suv's, as long as you buy the twin turbo diesel. It is one hell of a machine. My first pick would be a range rover, then the VW, then the Porsche and finally the land cruiser or the BMW.

Just dont like the LR/RR - they all look the same to me. Maybe i dont get it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Praveen1

How about considering Volvo XC60. Have great features, but should be worried about A$$ and Bus image.

LOL - no way! I did test drive the XC90 but it didnt really touch any cords.

Quote:

Originally Posted by entropy

Oh Sorry .. My bad !! Did not realize the Dubai thingy !!

:-)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Parm

the status symbol listing is:

Porsche
BMW
Audi
VW

bmw and porsche service centers in dubai have a waiting of 2-3 weeks. vw and audi have a waiting of 4-6 days.

they all have 15000-20000 kms service intervals, thats almost once a year.

i would suggest you test drive them all before you settle in for your choice.

do buy a vehicle with atleast some dealer warranty on them. these vehicle depriciate faster because of them being premium vehicles.

Spot on - Service is very important factor, the cost and the time, that tilts it somewhat in the favor of the Audi. Still hunting for a better X5, Cayenne with warranty.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ishotmydog

OT - zensi, just a question but why didn't you consider the ML?

Im not a merc guy..... somehow it doesnt work for me.

Thanks everyone for your insights - the X5 feels awesome to drive - havent driven the Audi yet though, while the Q7 scores the most on equipment and looks (for me). Cayenne is the most expensive to maintain (initial feedback and understanding - still validating some more), Toureg is almost out of the equation.

Keep the suggestions coming!

imp! · 26th April 2010, 11:13

Zensi,

Comparing a Range Rover to a Land Rover is like comparing a Porsche Cayenne Turbo to a Volkswagen Tiguan ! For your kind of budget, I'd give the range rover some serious thought. At the very least, go to a show room and check one out. The RR sport is much cheaper than the RR, while its a brilliant car in its own right, it just doesn't cut the mustard when you compare it with the Range Rover.

imp!

23rd April 2010, 02:05	#1
Zensi BHPian Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Dubai Posts: 116 Thanked: 15 Times	Audi Q7 / Porsche Cayenne / BMW X5 / VW Toureg Hi All, Need to take a decision to get a SUV. Am in Dubai currently and the 4 shortlisted cars are 1) Audi Q7 2) Porsche Cayenne 3) BMW X5 4) VW Toureg Personally I like the Q7 and X5 but have included the other 2 since they are pretty similar in the trim levels, size, performance and price range - oh am considering only used models - a year or 2 max (there are some excellent deals available) Use will be in the city during weekdays and roadtrips with family on the weekends (once or twice a month) - will not do any serious offroading though. High on the list of priorities are: 1) Safety (i think all the mentioned cars fit this criteria) 2) Comfort 3) Driving Pleasure 4) Music System and sat-nav 5) Service and parts availability. Any thoughts/suggestions would definitely help. Buying time frame is approx 6-8 weeks.
	() Thanks

23rd April 2010, 04:10	#2
Scorcher Senior - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Trivandrum, KL Posts: 4,918 Thanked: 7,124 Times	The Best, you can get would either be the BMW X5(even look for a X6 if you dont have any tall passengers in the rear) or the Porsche Cayenne for you needs, they ticks all the right boxes. Though, I feel the BMW should win because it won't bite as hard as the Cayenne if you ever take it slightly off-the road, Brilliant diesel engine and the service should be better than Porsche. The Q7 too is a good option if you can live with its behemoth dimensions. Yes, In dubai size would hardly bother you, But Off-Roading is complete No-No with the Q7. Also, I've felt the Q7 a bit wobbly at high speeds. The last thing I suggest you is the VW, Buy one either If you plan to do better off-road trips than the above listed cars or if you come across a really well-maintained V10 TDi. Resale and Brand-Value are the words to keep in mind when you are buying the VW. I have driven all the cars above mentioned. So, If you ask me a final word, It should be the Bimmer. Anyday !
	() Thanks

23rd April 2010, 07:22	#3
imp! BHPian Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Bangalore Posts: 776 Thanked: 468 Times	I happen to agree with scorcher to a point. Why don't you add the Range Rover and Land Cruiser to your list as well? If you look around, you should be able to find a hardly used RR in your budget. My personal favourite is the VW from your list of 4 suv's, as long as you buy the twin turbo diesel. It is one hell of a machine. My first pick would be a range rover, then the VW, then the Porsche and finally the land cruiser or the BMW.
	() Thanks

23rd April 2010, 07:28	#4
entropy BHPian Join Date: May 2007 Location: Lost Posts: 405 Thanked: 51 Times	@Zensi. If you get interested in Q7 you can PM me as I'm selling my Feb/2009 Q7 3.0 TDI for a new 4.2 TDI Q7. I might be able to give you a smile
	() Thanks

23rd April 2010, 08:33	#5
Praveen1 BHPian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 54 Thanked: 2 Times	How about considering Volvo XC60. Have great features, but should be worried about A$$ and Bus image.
	() Thanks

23rd April 2010, 16:14	#8
Parm Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: in a Toyota! Posts: 2,753 Thanked: 890 Times	the status symbol listing is: Porsche BMW Audi VW they all have the best safety options available for the passengers. cayenne, x5 and toureg are 5 seaters and only q7 is a genuine 7 seater. bmw and porsche service centers in dubai have a waiting of 2-3 weeks. vw and audi have a waiting of 4-6 days. they all have 15000-20000 kms service intervals, thats almost once a year. i would suggest you test drive them all before you settle in for your choice. do buy a vehicle with atleast some dealer warranty on them. these vehicle depriciate faster because of them being premium vehicles.
	() Thanks

23rd April 2010, 23:32	#10
ishotmydog BHPian Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Pune Posts: 593 Thanked: 18 Times	OT - zensi, just a question but why didn't you consider the ML?
	() Thanks

26th April 2010, 11:13	#12
imp! BHPian Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Bangalore Posts: 776 Thanked: 468 Times	Zensi, Comparing a Range Rover to a Land Rover is like comparing a Porsche Cayenne Turbo to a Volkswagen Tiguan ! For your kind of budget, I'd give the range rover some serious thought. At the very least, go to a show room and check one out. The RR sport is much cheaper than the RR, while its a brilliant car in its own right, it just doesn't cut the mustard when you compare it with the Range Rover. imp!
	() Thanks