[Minty]

Attended local dealer X3 launch and had a very good rummage around a 2.0d MSport (test drive not available). Have to say getting out of my F31 into the new X3 was a massive step up in quality and tactility.

I was extremely impressed by the new X3 interior; it was even better IMO than the G31 that I test drove. I am seriously considering chopping my F31 340i in for a G01

The mood lighting was awesome.

My 13 year old daughter loved the reclining rear seats and comfort but complained that the rear door hands felt very flimsy

I loved pretty much everything apart from the missing face vent temperature blend wheel (now an iDrive option).

[Tengocity]

We went along for a nosey today as well. Looked handsome enough. Interior was fine, no complaints except that it looks the same as the others, but I prefer the 5 series one myself.

Will have a test drive over next couple of weeks. We then test drive a Mercedes GLC43 afterwards and loved the engine and interior!

Then over the Porsche dealership and arranged a Macan test drive for next Saturday. I think we will end up with one of these sporty premium SUVs, just which one...!

[teaston]

Originally Posted by Tengocity

We went along for a nosey today as well. Looked handsome enough. Interior was fine, no complaints except that it looks the same as the others, but I prefer the 5 series one myself.

Will have a test drive over next couple of weeks. We then test drive a Mercedes GLC43 afterwards and loved the engine and interior!

Then over the Porsche dealership and arranged a Macan test drive for next Saturday. I think we will end up with one of these sporty premium SUVs, just which one...!

That must be your shallow consumerist side!

[JustChris]

Yes took a look today today, hugely impressive the new X3. It's a big step up from the last car.

Also got an invite to the M5 launch night on Nov 23rd. Nice.

[Danny Fireblade]

I like it.

[Tengocity]

Originally Posted by teaston

That must be your shallow consumerist side!

It's the only one I can find!

[teaston]

Originally Posted by Tengocity

It's the only one I can find!

I know what you mean. I do find myself questioning it more as I get older though.

[Tengocity]

Originally Posted by teaston

I know what you mean. I do find myself questioning it more as I get older though.

Questioning what? Spending large amounts of money on a stuff you don't really need?

[JustChris]

Originally Posted by Tengocity

We went along for a nosey today as well. Looked handsome enough. Interior was fine, no complaints except that it looks the same as the others, but I prefer the 5 series one myself.

Will have a test drive over next couple of weeks. We then test drive a Mercedes GLC43 afterwards and loved the engine and interior!

Then over the Porsche dealership and arranged a Macan test drive for next Saturday. I think we will end up with one of these sporty premium SUVs, just which one...!

Nice choice to making Terry, all winners.

I think you will love the Porsche Macan driving, don t consider it a car as many reviews try to convince you, it's a fast compact SUV as you know. Interior and pricing holds it back for me, not interior quality but the button count and layout. It's rather polarising, for me too much.

Not even looked over the Merc yet.

Not considering the F Pace orVelar? Interior of F Pace feels ... off the pace. Velar all round looks a star but wow that pricing strategy, then there's the question or luck of the draw on reliability.

Good Luck!

[Tengocity]

Originally Posted by JustChris

Nice choice to making Terry, all winners.

I think you will love the Porsche Macan driving, don t consider it a car as many reviews try to convince you, it's a fast compact SUV as you know. Interior and pricing holds it back for me, not interior quality but the button count and layout. It's rather polarising, for me too much.

Not even looked over the Merc yet.

Not considering the F Pace orVelar? Interior of F Pace feels ... off the pace. Velar all round looks a star but wow that pricing strategy, then there's the question or luck of the draw on reliability.

Good Luck!

We are going to look at F-Pace at some point but probably not the Velar. I don't want anything less than about 300bhp, and that means almost £70k in a Velar, which I don't believe will hold its value like the Porsche, especially if I go petrol.

Agree with you on the interior of the Macan, but it's due a facelift in next year and I'm sure it will get the new system like in the new Panameras and Cayennes.

No hurry though, we are just trying to check the class of car is right for us, then rule in and out certain models. And then probably make thr order in about a years time. 5+ years and 120k in the 335d will be a good innings!

[ioannisG]

Originally Posted by Tengocity

We went along for a nosey today as well. Looked handsome enough. Interior was fine, no complaints except that it looks the same as the others, but I prefer the 5 series one myself.

Will have a test drive over next couple of weeks. We then test drive a Mercedes GLC43 afterwards and loved the engine and interior!

Then over the Porsche dealership and arranged a Macan test drive for next Saturday. I think we will end up with one of these sporty premium SUVs, just which one...!

The only thing that would put me off a 4wd GLc is the notorious crabbing/ skipping issue at full lock.

http://forums.mbclub.co.uk/threads/m...g-lock.217935/

Was thinking of one last year but ended up with a BMW

[teaston]

Originally Posted by Tengocity

Questioning what? Spending large amounts of money on a stuff you don't really need?

Yes exactly that. Don't worry i'm not going to become a hippy, just starting to see their point of view a bit more.

[Tengocity]

Originally Posted by teaston

Yes exactly that. Don't worry i'm not going to become a hippy, just starting to see their point of view a bit more.

I'm sure fatherhood has given a different perspective on life!

[Tengocity]

Originally Posted by ioannisG

The only thing that would put me off a 4wd GLc is the notorious crabbing/ skipping issue at full lock.

http://forums.mbclub.co.uk/threads/m...g-lock.217935/

Was thinking of one last year but ended up with a BMW

Ok thanks for that. Once we've ruled certain cars in and out I will look in to these things more, but good to know.

We will look to get extended test drives done too before we buy. These are all pricey cars that will have to be right for 5 years or so, so determined to ensure we get it right!

On reflection this morning, neither me or the wife was all that fussed about the X3. Not that it was bad, but I think a bit of bmw fatigue setting in. 11 of them in a row can do that to you I guess.

[teaston]

Originally Posted by Tengocity

I'm sure fatherhood has given a different perspective on life!

Yes no doubt that has played a part, i’m just too tired to get excited about anything!

[R0B]

Originally Posted by teaston

Yes no doubt that has played a part, i’m just too tired to get excited about anything!

Same. With the second child on the way and a road cycling hobby, I'm sizing up an X5 or Q7 as a family wagon. But I keep finding myself looking at £300 a month alternatives that don't have the badge but would be just as good in reality, but would free up another £300 a month to chunk off the mortgage.

I'm hoping I'll snap out of it!

[teaston]

Originally Posted by R0bbo

Same. With the second child on the way and a road cycling hobby, I'm sizing up an X5 or Q7 as a family wagon. But I keep finding myself looking at £300 a month alternatives that don't have the badge but would be just as good in reality, but would free up another £300 a month to chunk off the mortgage.

I'm hoping I'll snap out of it!

Yea you can get a fully loaded Nissan Xtrail for £300pm!

[TouringPleb]

Originally Posted by teaston

Yea you can get a fully loaded Nissan Xtrail for £300pm!

I was actually considering one of those. Saw an offer for whatever Nissans top trim level for about 310 a month for 20k miles a year. Absolutely fully loaded.

Then in the last couple of weeks read a couple of comparison tests where the X-Trail did not come off well at all. Glad I didn't go down that route.

There's a VW Tiguan Allspace (I think that's what they are calling it) which is a 7 seater version so slightly longer and bigger boot. If the finance deals on those are anything like the regular Tiguan I'd consider one.

[Tengocity]

Originally Posted by R0bbo

Same. With the second child on the way and a road cycling hobby, I'm sizing up an X5 or Q7 as a family wagon. But I keep finding myself looking at £300 a month alternatives that don't have the badge but would be just as good in reality, but would free up another £300 a month to chunk off the mortgage.

I'm hoping I'll snap out of it!

I've had similar thoughts as this but I'd rather even out the enjoyment of things throughout my life. No point in being rich and old if you missed out on the enjoyment of things in other times of your life.

[teaston]

Originally Posted by TouringPleb

I was actually considering one of those. Saw an offer for whatever Nissans top trim level for about 310 a month for 20k miles a year. Absolutely fully loaded.

Then in the last couple of weeks read a couple of comparison tests where the X-Trail did not come off well at all. Glad I didn't go down that route.

There's a VW Tiguan Allspace (I think that's what they are calling it) which is a 7 seater version so slightly longer and bigger boot. If the finance deals on those are anything like the regular Tiguan I'd consider one.

Yes a 7 seat version of the Tiguan SEL would be good, compared to Xtrail Tekna you gain ACC & better looks/quality, but lose comfort access, high beam assist & surround view cameras.

[R0B]

Yeah, I know. We are lucky enough that we can blast £600 a month on a motor and it doesn't matter. I just get this thing once every two cars or so where I go cheaper - then regret it. After the usual 'negative equity' bollocks chat with the dealer the other day, I'm going to put it on the back burner until new year. Baby not due until April.

[isleaiw1]

If you don't need to swap then stick and let them chase you...