| dj-mdx2 |
Check this out.
Looks like my next vehicle preference might migrate to the Europeans. |
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| wmquan |
Overall, I like it, but it's got some significant drawbacks.
- With a significant amount of options, the 6-cylinder goes for mid-sixties. :eek:
- The second row may have luxurious accomodations for two, but not for three. So that third passenger has to sit in the (very nice) third row, eating into cargo room. No problem for some buyers, but an issue for some.
- It is BIG. Minivan-sized (203" long). Not surprising because it's really MB's minivan, minus the sliding doors. Or, MB's take on the idea of the Pacifica (it actually does not share anything with the Pacifica).
- MB reliability. Enough said!
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| dj-mdx2 |
And all I can say is wow! IMHO, the MDX has been outclassed, and believe me, I love my X.
The stopping distance is unbelievable. I have to check the actual specs but we were able to stop from 40 mph to 0 in 2 car lengths. I've never been in an accident but now I know how it feels when the seatbelt bites into you. The disc brakes are some of the largest in its class, supposedly.
The other impressive thing is the really narrow turning circle for such a long vehicle. We were parked on the side of a one-lane side road and the R class was able to turn a complete circle. The salesman said it's coz of the S-class style wheels that both swivel and turn. Parking is a dream even for its length.
Other impressions:
You can adjust both the suspension and ride height. How cool is that.
The panoramic sunroof is awesome. You can feel agoraphobic under there.
Excellent safety features: third row side curtains, besides the standard airbags, crumple zones, etc.
Great interior fit and finish. Lots of room, with both captains chairs adjustable. Cargo space MAY be an issue for some, as there are only 2 seats per row, but they're OK for my needs.
Some strange features:
The shifting mechanism is different. It's not exactly a column shifter. I had the salesman show me how to put it in gear twice. You just have to tap the stalk like a turn signal, and push the button to park.
The turn signal itself can easily be confused with the cruise control stalk. i kept messing with cruise control whilst attempting to signal.
Driving with kids: My 6- and 4-year old loved the thing. They like the MDX but they loved this one. My older girl feels comfortable in the third row, especially since it's not as claustrophobic as the X. And I feel safer with the 3rd row side curtain protecting her; absent on my 01.
Negative vibes: The fuel economy on the R-500 is paltry, something like 13 to 18, probably going to average 15. But gosh, V8 and 300 HP - who can resist that? The R-350 may be more viable, with estimated EPA of 15 to 19, IIRC. I wish they would put diesel engines on them next year. No backup camera despite having NAV.
Too much electronics. I mean, it beats the 05 RL in terms of gadgetry. It does NOT have BlueTooth yet, though. I have a gut feeling the electronics are going to be its downfall.
Overall, a mighty fine ride. Very impressive family vehicle. I hope MB can pull this one off. |
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| Blackura |
| I generally like MB styling but would never consider one because of the dreadful reliability. Sorry to say, this minivan is almost as ugly as the Subaru B9 Tribeca in my opinion. To each his own, I guess. |
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| BigHersh |
quote:
Originally posted by Blackura
I generally like MB styling but would never consider one because of the dreadful reliability. Sorry to say, this minivan is almost as ugly as the Subaru B9 Tribeca in my opinion. To each his own, I guess.
Funny, I thought the B9 Tribeca was a pretty sweet ride...
It's exterior takes some getting used to, but it's interior ergonomics are hard to match; at any price... |
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| carguy1234 |
quote:
Originally posted by Blackura
I generally like MB styling but would never consider one because of the dreadful reliability. Sorry to say, this minivan is almost as ugly as the Subaru B9 Tribeca in my opinion. To each his own, I guess.
I just checked this out alongside the Tribeca (auto show), and I didn't like them either. Big on the outside - small on the inside (that's what I thought anyway).
I'm sure the MB is a thrill to drive though, but the Tribeca is a dog. |
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| G. COLTON |
It said 6" longer than the average full size SUV. Are they saying 6" longer than a Suburban? Sounds like the Ford Excursion which went Bye Bye.
G |
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| BigHersh |
No, the Excursion was 226" long... Two inches longer than my 2001 F-150 SuperCrew...
Two inches had people acting a fool about how "big" this SUV was, meanwhile- larger trucks roamed the highways and biways, freely without raising a single eyebrow...
The 203" is within a whisker or two of an Expedition though... I think my Expy was 205" long... Not much longer (if longer) than a 7 series Bimmer... |
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| dj-mdx2 |
quote:
Originally posted by G. COLTON
It said 6" longer than the average full size SUV. Are they saying 6" longer than a Suburban? Sounds like the Ford Excursion which went Bye Bye.
G
It certainly is longer than the X. I parked them side by side. It would barely fit in my present garage. It's not hard to park, though, surprisingly.
Of course, it looks like a minivan - it's MB's thinly disguised minivan. The layout is actually very similar to my defunct 1995 Odyssey with captain's chairs and folding third row. It's much larger and easier to get to the third row in the R. If it weren't for the MB reliability and the paltry fuel economy, it would be at the top of my list to replace the X. |
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