What year is your C? I've never used voice command myself. Seems more of a hassle. Though I may be scarred from early types of the software on other cars. My wife uses it incessantly in her Merc. Tell you the truth, I've never even paired my phone with my Merc.
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The Car Thread ... !
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I don't like it but when the car is moving, you have to use voice command, the navigation won't allow you to use the knob/touchpad when car is in motion. I have a 2015.
Locally, one year old(I'm guessing off lease) XFs are running in the $40K range-or about where the XE is looking-for CPO. I'm sure if I dug deeper I'd find them cheaper.
Honest to goodness, when the XF came out several years ago, I looked at them at said "that's going to be my next car." I'm not wild about the styling, BUT it keeps the DEW-98 platform alive and I'm 100% sold on this platform that Ford stupidly let go. IMO, after driving close to 100K miles with my butt planted(and an earlier version of it at that) in one, I still love the platform. I just hope that Jaguar hasn't spent the past 15 years engineering all the fun factor out of it that Ford dumped a bunch of money into getting right.
The XF, fortunately, is also still available as a V8, and again I have close to 100K miles behind the wheel of an AJ-V8. Jaguar has managed to squeeze 5L out of it(mine is 3.9L, which was a FoMoCo only displacement on the AJ-V8) but there's a lot to REALLY like about the engine. Jaguar is getting some impressive numbers out of, too, by using blowers. I just hope that they've done their homework to make sure the relatively small aluminum block can handle that kind of stress over the long call, but then the British have also pulled off some amazing stuff with the old Rover V8(another small aluminum block).
Back around the turn of the century, when Ford REALLY took a stronghold on the company, Jaguar was kicking butt in reliability ratings. Hopefully they at least haven't gotten worse.
I think you're looking at those ratings all wrong. Jaguar was right at the top right before the last round of all-new products came out. At that point (2008ish), their lineup had nothing. JDPower's VDS rankings are for models ~3 years before, so 2011 is for 2008 cars (before XF) and 2012 is for 2009 (after XF) came out.
I guess if you get a later model XF (post-facelift), you should be alright!
My mentor/family friend/coworker has an XF with the 4.2 SC. I haven't driven it but I've ridden in it. It feels pretty sporty to me especially with that massive power plant. That said, I'm imagine based on the ride it's a little softer and less agile handling wise than my E60 (no sport pack) or something like an Audi. His is the 1st gen model- the HVAC vents that electronically open and pop-up gear knob I can only expect are stupid problems waiting to happen. It's certainly an interesting car. It's nice the newer model offers AWD though in KY you're probably not overly concerned with that. The tech in the JLR vehicles isn't quite up to snuff with the Germans or Lexus though. Talk about slow menus!
My dad's 2012 RRS has an AJ V8 (NA) and with probably around 80,000 miles hasn't had any major engine issues which is reassuring.
The XF and XE are great looking cars, on the outside anyways. I can't say the same for the XJ which has ruined a 30+ year old tradition and just has awful proportions when scaled from the XF.
Hideous "a$$-end"
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Do you know which SCV6 engine is in all of the current JLR products? Is it just an AJ-V8 with two cylinders chopped off and a supercharger?
Hideous "a$$-end"
[doublepost=1461815635][/doublepost]
Do you know which SCV6 engine is in all of the current JLR products? Is it just an AJ-V8 with two cylinders chopped off and a supercharger?
Essentially yes, the AJ-V6 AJ126 is a shorted Gen III AJ-V8, AJ133 (introduced in 2009, which apparently has a new block compared to older AJ-V8's).
I've just bought a VW Passat 2.0 Bluemotion Highline. I pick up at the weekend.
I've always wanted a VW
I've always wanted a VW
Suffice to say I rarely use navigation enough to notice that if it's on my year model too. I've found my Android phone's map service to be faster and simpler to use. I think I'll have to look into using voice in my GL now. I took a large map and map book with me on a road trip months before we had two additions. I recall her glaring at me for using an archaic system. I've got a good idea of roads in California, but it's easier to quickly refer to a physical map than playing around with your phone or the navigation system. Though I love how I can view near-live traffic conditions on my phone while on long trips and adjust my path accordingly. Though I did get stuck in traffic last week because of an accident a quarter mile down the road.
I've got an appointment with the dealer tomorrow to check out the 2016 GLS550. A model with the BandO sound system. Going to take it for a short trip with the salesman I've been in touch with.
Considering the years difference between my model and your new C, what are you able to do with voice? And do you need to train it?
TBH, I rarely use use voice command unless I have to for the navigation. Here is a link to the voice commands, list starts at page 36.
The GLS550 should be a fun car. I did test drive the GLE diesel, I love the 360 camera, but car is way too big for me. My sales guy already booked me a test drive for the new E, whenever it comes out.
Completely agree with you on that. To my eyes, the older XJs still look good if dated. The new one-as you said-looks like a larger XF and nothing like what I'd expect from a Jag.
If I go CPO shopping on an XF, I hope I can find a decent, not beat to heck "R" variant, which should(hopefully) make the handling a bit more sporty.
And, yes, I remember the seeing the pop-up gear knob and thinking it was a failure waiting to happen. I recall reading somewhere at some point(could point you to it) that it had been tested for something like 250,000 cycles(kind of like when I toured the GE plant locally and saw machines hooked to refrigerators opening and closing their doors all day
). At the same time, though, that was just one sample and I'd be leery of anything Jaguar that was too electrically dependent.Thanks. Then you'd find the GLS550 to be a tank, I assume. I'm about to head out to my appointment.
Was that the E that was promo'd back in January with the S class right hand LCD? I thought that was out already.
...No. The 2017 E Class is not out yet. They are trying to clear out the last gen ones right now.
Is there a website where you can check to see if you are getting a good price on a new car ?
Thank you
Thank you
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Truecar.com is the closest to that.
I wouldn't suggest filling out your information after you get a quote though. You will keep getting spammed by dealerships around you. Haha
Looks great. Don't think the all digital dash is great though. When the kids are much older, I'll do the sensible thing and get rid of the large SUV and go with a more civil car. Such as the E63 AMG or whatever will come of the model eight to nine years from now. Though going to an E class would feel like a massive downgrade.
No offense, but I don't understand exactly understand how you can make this claim--- other than the fact looks are subjective. Have you been in any of these other cars? The GL is probably one of the most dated cars in Mercedes lineup, and the GLS isn't much of an improvement. The interior is straight out of 2003, even with the update. In terms of styling, the GL/GLS in my opinion is really 1.5-2 generations behind in their styling phases.
2007 GL interior
2015 GL interior:
2017 GLS interior:
Not a whole lot of improvements to be seen. I see a different steering wheel... And the screen is mounted with a pop up effect out now? How can Mercedes get away in 2016 selling a car with an LCD that small for that much money. Really it's just a cloned GLE interior.
The Competition...
2016 Audi Q7
The pop up center LCD is on the smaller side, but at least its wide. Keep in mind the entire dashboard is a digital screen too.
The 2016 X5
The 2016 GX 460
The GX tech s a bit dated technology wise at this point, but its not anywhere close to their top seller. I think the interior is pretty sophisticated though, kind of a timeless Art Deco look to it. Obviously a bit more of a rugged look. The exterior of the GX has never been its strong suit.
The 2016 LX 570
Toyota Land Cruiser
Halfway between a GX and an LX... but really just a cheaper LX with a couple less options. Though again going for a more rugged look, even this seems far more modern than the GL.
I'm not saying the GL is a bad car, its a pretty good family car when you put it all together. I just don't see it as the pinnacle of luxury SUV engineering. A number of my coworkers have GL's and I know a few people with GX's as I said before. I'm not quite sure their reliability has been as stellar as yours. I can't find a single forum post about the GX headlight issue. But whatever- anecdotal evidence, everyone has a luck of the draw. I do hold JDP and CR's information to a level of credibility though.
As others have said this technology has been around for some time. Anyone remember PalmOS's graffiti input
? Anyways, you should be made aware the more technologically advanced Mercedes models have touch technology on the COMAND controller on the black shiny part above the scroll wheel.
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I'm not sure how the new E-Class could be a "massive downgrade". Its a far more sophisticated and modern car than even the GLS. Mercedes has been pretty neglectful of their SUV's over the past decade and a half. Even compared the current E-Class the GL/GLS is really lightyears beyond Mercedes sedan interiors.
The GL's exterior has been facelifted nicely over the years to keep it feeling modern, but is really holding onto the design cues of the 2006 S-Class from soon to be over a decade ago.
Take a look at the new E-Class interior.
Or even the last generation
Reminder here is the GLS interior (IRL)
And here the old school W211 E-Class for the sake of similarity
Even the 4th Generation Range Rover and 2nd Generation Range Rover Sport (I -used to- like Land Rovers a lot) have horrible interiors IMO, but still look far more modern.
If you're not feeling the E-Class, why not a CLS?
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I wish I could say that! People on Mac Rumors are a lot richer than me lol
I pick up my VW Passat today. I did look at a 2013 BMW 3 Series touring 2.0D. I was a bit nervous about reliability though as I now know 2 people who have had serious and expensive issues just outside of warranty. I know VW's aren't as reliable as their reputation suggests, but at least it's mostly positive in my immediate experience.
VWs reliability reputation has been been bit shakey in general over the past decade and a half. That said they're generally well built, if you're willing to spend the money to keep up with maintence and repairs, they can run a long time with deterioriating into a rust bucket with a shoddy interior.
I've been going back and forth on the idea of a Touareg TDI. VWs deiselgare scandal recall situation as far as I know is still up in the air which has me concerned. It's a really nice SUV without the pretentiousness of a mainstream luxury brand. That's the cool thing about VW- you can get something that's really nice, with a European feel, without the showy badge (or inflated price tag). The Touareg TDI is very similar to the Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne Diesel- same chasis and engine, a bit limited on the options in this generation, but a lot cheaper and a fantastic value comparatively speaking.
I think it's possibly safer buying a VW in Europe after the emissions scandal as we are only having a minor software tweak. It seems in the US there's buy back schemes and all sorts.
I know from chatting to dealers when searching that the Passat is very sort after at the moment. They don't seem to last on the forecourt for more than about 4 days.
I know from chatting to dealers when searching that the Passat is very sort after at the moment. They don't seem to last on the forecourt for more than about 4 days.
I think there is more to come from the emissions scandal too as I truly believe pretty much every major car company will have cheated to some degree. I know a BBC panorama test found the Vauxhall/Opel Zafira EcoFlex was worse than a Passat when tested. Now Mitsubishi have admitted certain models are suspect. I think it's only the tip of the iceberg at present
You're right my friend! The GLS is a far more luxurious car than the E Class. I'm not a big fan of the E. It gives off a larger CLA vibe to me.
I think this might be better suited to you and your family. The best Mercedes-Benz ever made. Flies under the radar. Ridiculous amounts of power. Can't go wrong!
It looks pretty dope when properly modified!
How sweet is this!?!
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That looks terrible. The use of large LCD screens in the S or E class look tacky to me and detract from it. Ride quality between an E class and a CLS is different, at least to me. We've already got a CLS. While some are stunned by the new E interior, all it is, is a few LCD screens and change of controls areas. And as I said, BMW and Audi interiors are garish in my eyes. Merely an opinion, everyone has them. You like those cars, I don't. Driving an Audi, specifically the S6 or the Q7 is akin to driving a car on its rims on a railroad. One's got a sport tuned suspension and the other had adaptive air suspension.
Funny. I remember wanting to get an R Class years ago. They never sold well here. In the entire time the line was built, I saw less than 50 of them in person. I can't recall why I thought they looked great when they first came out. Though doing the math here, it's not that much more expensive to get the AMG model as it seems to carry stuff that I want as options. Unless my memory is fault at the moment, it's only about $12-13K more than the GLS550 loaded out to my spec. The question that's to be asked is the reliability in the hand built engines and whether one needs that much power in a heavy SUV? Though I suppose it would be fun to rev the engine here and there. Hear that brute noise and feel young again.
Does anyone really need an SUV with mid 4 second 0-60 and a quarter mile on par or faster than cars have its weight? Or an SUV with rather decent MPG for its power and massive proportions?
Funny. I remember wanting to get an R Class years ago. They never sold well here. In the entire time the line was built, I saw less than 50 of them in person. I can't recall why I thought they looked great when they first came out. Though doing the math here, it's not that much more expensive to get the AMG model as it seems to carry stuff that I want as options. Unless my memory is fault at the moment, it's only about $12-13K more than the GLS550 loaded out to my spec. The question that's to be asked is the reliability in the hand built engines and whether one needs that much power in a heavy SUV? Though I suppose it would be fun to rev the engine here and there. Hear that brute noise and feel young again.
Does anyone really need an SUV with mid 4 second 0-60 and a quarter mile on par or faster than cars have its weight? Or an SUV with rather decent MPG for its power and massive proportions?
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