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Volvo XC90 vs MB M Class vs Acura MDX vs Lexus RX 350 vs BMW X5 vs Cadillac SRX

1068 messages,  Last post on May 08, 2009 at 5:44 PM

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What is this discussion about? Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Acura MDX, Lexus RX 330, BMW X5, Cadillac SRX, Toyota Highlander, Volvo XC90, SUV

#2 of 1068 by aling Oct 24, 2000 (3:44 pm)
Oh no! "Acura" in the topic name is mis-spelled! Oh well... Drew/aling Townhall Community Leader/Vans Conference
#3 of 1068 cotmc by cotmc Oct 25, 2000 (2:21 am)
Good catch, Drew. The title should probably be changed to read "... vs Acura MDX" instead of "... new SUV". Maybe we should let this topic die out, and someone so inclined can start another comparison topic? Besides, this one didn't get too much discussion on the QX4, did it?
#4 of 1068 by aling Oct 25, 2000 (2:28 am)
No it didn't. How about a MB M-class/BMW X5/Acura MDX/Lexus RX300/Infiniti QX4/Toyota Highlander comparison topic? Drew/aling Townhall Community Leader/Vans Conference
#5 of 1068 Couldn't afford the LX470? by tskyplayer Oct 25, 2000 (2:55 pm)
I know that I'm going to be condemned for caring but I have been told be several friends that the RX300 looks as if you couldn't afford the LX470. I am in the market for a SUV and I like the RX and the LX. However, I have to admit that once you start spending the amount of money that these two vehicles cost glamour and appearance does come into play. I think anyone who says different is a hipocrit. I know that the LX costs more but I could definitely get a 98 or maybe even a 99 for about the same price as a new RX.  Has anyone else in here heard these claims that the RX is less classy and like pinching pennies?
#6 of 1068 confused in MA by patriciab1 Oct 25, 2000 (9:53 pm)
I've had it with suv shopping. Have test driven the Mazda tribute, the Acura MDX, Pathfinder (personal fav), new RAV4 (I have a '96), and today the ML320. Have ridden in the RX300 but not driven it. I have the good fortune of buying which suv I prefer, although my husband definitely has an opinion, which changes daily. Have never driven a MB before. Wow. It is a totally different vehicle from the others--a luxurious, smooth-riding tank. It feels very safe. Cosmetics is subjective, which is why I haven't been to the Lexus dealer. I prefer the boxier traditional suv look (ML320, Tribute, PF) as opposed to the aerodynamic minivan look (RX300, MDX. Does anyone have knowledge as to which would be best for a sciatic nerve problem. I'm in the suv quite a bit, and my leg pain is getting worse. Would a power seat provide relief? A cushier seat (ML 320), or is the ride (stiffness) key? Sorry for this ridiculous-sounding post, but I'm hesitant to make a decision if anything will make a difference (aside from lumber injections).
#7 of 1068 Patricia by aling Oct 25, 2000 (10:15 pm)
Your post is not ridiculous sounding at all. Many people have been down the same road that you have, which is why I created this topic a while ago. The MB seats were orthopedically designed and are very comfortable for most people. I will point out that the M-class does ride firmer (like most German vehicles) than both the Lexus RX and Acura MDX, but if you felt that it was smooth and comfortable, I don't think you'll have a problem with it. Running boards or side steps can be fitted to the truck to aid entry and exit from the cabin. These accessories are also available on the MDX. Try taking a longer test drive in the ML to see how comfortable you are with it on longer distances. To make sure that you are getting the true ride and handling characteristics of the vehicle check that that the tires on the test ML are all inflated to 29 psi, and that your test vehicle has (preferably) the Dunlop Grandtrek tires rather than the lower quality and harder General Grabber ST tires. All but the base MLs have power seats, and the heated seat option (also available on the MDX and RX) will give you some back relief as well (like a heating pad) since it does heat the lower back as well as the seat bottom. FYI, you can pick up a '00 ML320 with a substantial discount (over $2K at least) off MSRP right now since they're trying to clear out the '00 models for the incoming '01s (only minor changes). If you would like more information about the M-class, join us in the http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/engaged/edmund.cgi?c=SUV&t=3254>MB M-class topic. Good luck! Drew/aling Townhall Community Leader/Vans Conference Pictures of my '00 ML320 can be seen at http://go.to/m-class . In the 1st gallery, you will also find '98 ML320s (without the ESP stability control system) that have been involved in accidents. All passengers survived without permanent injuries.
#8 of 1068 Patricia by cotmc Oct 26, 2000 (1:29 am)
My wife had a similar sciatic nerve problem that sometimes made our '95 Honda del Sol VERY uncomfortable after 30 minutes of driving. This was the reason we sold it after owning it less than 1.5 years. Since then we have had upscale automobiles with well-designed, comfortable front seats. A key issue for her was making sure that the seating position was upright and well above the floor; not a seat that caused her legs to be nearly horizontal, such as in our del Sol or some other sports coupes. We have had our MDX for almost 2 weeks, and she has had no problems with the front seats whatsoever. She finds them quite comfortable. I can't really comment as to how orthopedically correct the MDX seats are compared to the M-Class or the RX300. In your case, I would definitely recommend staying with an SUV model that is known for luxurious, or near-luxurious, accommodations; such as the M-Class, RX300, or MDX. It sounds like you can affort either one of these, from reading your post. On the other hand, I would be suspicious of the long-term comfort and support provided by the seats in a Tribute or RAV4. (You may know differently about the RAV4, since you own the 1996 model!) BTW, don't even consider a Grand Cherokee! If you narrow your decision down to 2 or 3 models, ask to take an extended test drive, and then see if you can remain seated after the test drive as you ask some questions about interior features and controls. If you can remain in the same seat for 30 minutes with no discomfort, that should be a good sign. As a final thought, I would tend to side with Drew regarding the M-Class seats. Although we bought an MDX, I am biased toward European interior design. I think the European manufacturers (MB, Volvo, Audi, BMW, etc) generally do a better design of their front seats than domestic or Japanese manufacturers. However, I would be surprised if the MDX or RX300 seats present a problem to you, and they both ride a little smoother (RX300 the smoothest) than the M-Class. That is why you should do an extended test drive.
#9 of 1068 Great post in #6 by rxcure Oct 26, 2000 (1:53 am)
As a frequent reader but rare poster, a large fraction of my posts have ended up being directed against what I've seen as overly Rah-Rah comments by Drew on the ML. Thus I feel compelled to weigh in with praise on the very helpful and balanced points Drew made in #6 -- thanks for sharing your knowledge in a way that makes the world a better place
#10 of 1068 sciatica by patriciab1 Oct 26, 2000 (2:53 am)
Would like to thank all of you for your comments regarding seating/extended test drives. Sounds like a good idea and will do so this week as my leg right now is aching!
#11 of 1068 tskyplayer by bmw888 Oct 26, 2000 (3:54 pm)
Sounds like you and your friends are just a bunch of elitist ! Call me a hypocrite if you want but I traded in my LS400 for a RX300. I really don't care what people think, I drive what I want, not what others think about what I should drive. You should read "The Millionaire Next Door", there's a reason why these people have a lot of money. They're not interested in impressing their friends.

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