Comfort options - suggestion/advice please :)
Discussion
We currently have a Macan Turbo (Performance Pack), but due to my health we've decided I need something more comfortable. Not a reflection on the Macan, that's a great all-rounder; it's my health and hypersensitivity that's the issue.
Sadly I need to concede, that certainly for the time being, my 'hooning' days are behind me/on hold!
So, I'm looking for suggestions please for something that offers a ride quality that smooths out the bumps as best as possible and a very quite/refined cabin, and a decent bit of 'grunt' to pull along what will probably be quite a heavy car!
I did (briefly!) drive my old (1994) Pajero the other day and found the height of it contributed to a more relaxed driving experience. The 'car' itself is far from comfortable, so wondered if a comfortable, higher vehicle might suit, although, I don't want something 'wobbly' as this won't help me either!
I did think a Range Rover (L405) or RR Sport (L494) might be ideal (I do like the concept and look of them) but to be honest I am deterred by what I've read regarding reliability!... and an easy/hassle free as possible ownership experience is important for us. We did have BMW warranty on our previous 640d and received great service, which really helped for piece of mind.
I'm wondering if manufacturer's warranty would therefore be a good thing to have going forward?... can it be added to a private purchase? I presume each manufacture will vary in requirements.
So, probably either an SUV or a Saloon, although the Merc S500 coupe does appeal, just not sure if it would be too low for getting in/out and for visibility?
I would prefer a smaller car, but more comfort usually comes with more size I believe?... ie. a 5 series is more comfortable than a 3 series etc?
4wd/awd if possible.
Budget up to 35k, but if we could get something suitable for less, that would be nice!... any options at 10k, 20k???
Anyway, my initial thoughts below...
Audi A8 (4.2 TDi) – might be a bit big, but is it a case of if one wants comfort, you have to put up with that?
Audi A7?
Alpina (F30) D/B3 – bit smaller, but comfortable enough?.. not 4wd
335d?... maybe Touring
530d/540i (xdrive)
X5?
Q5?
Alpina D5s – a bit over top end of budget!.. but does it ride better than the BMW equivalent?
Others from Lexus?
Quite a lot of questions there, and I hope there'll be some knowledgeable folks who have been kind enough to read it all and offer me some input... Thoughts/advice very much appreciated please, as it's doing my head in; not good for one's health!
Cheers
Sadly I need to concede, that certainly for the time being, my 'hooning' days are behind me/on hold!
So, I'm looking for suggestions please for something that offers a ride quality that smooths out the bumps as best as possible and a very quite/refined cabin, and a decent bit of 'grunt' to pull along what will probably be quite a heavy car!
I did (briefly!) drive my old (1994) Pajero the other day and found the height of it contributed to a more relaxed driving experience. The 'car' itself is far from comfortable, so wondered if a comfortable, higher vehicle might suit, although, I don't want something 'wobbly' as this won't help me either!
I did think a Range Rover (L405) or RR Sport (L494) might be ideal (I do like the concept and look of them) but to be honest I am deterred by what I've read regarding reliability!... and an easy/hassle free as possible ownership experience is important for us. We did have BMW warranty on our previous 640d and received great service, which really helped for piece of mind.
I'm wondering if manufacturer's warranty would therefore be a good thing to have going forward?... can it be added to a private purchase? I presume each manufacture will vary in requirements.
So, probably either an SUV or a Saloon, although the Merc S500 coupe does appeal, just not sure if it would be too low for getting in/out and for visibility?
I would prefer a smaller car, but more comfort usually comes with more size I believe?... ie. a 5 series is more comfortable than a 3 series etc?
4wd/awd if possible.
Budget up to 35k, but if we could get something suitable for less, that would be nice!... any options at 10k, 20k???
Anyway, my initial thoughts below...
Audi A8 (4.2 TDi) – might be a bit big, but is it a case of if one wants comfort, you have to put up with that?
Audi A7?
Alpina (F30) D/B3 – bit smaller, but comfortable enough?.. not 4wd
335d?... maybe Touring
530d/540i (xdrive)
X5?
Q5?
Alpina D5s – a bit over top end of budget!.. but does it ride better than the BMW equivalent?
Others from Lexus?
Quite a lot of questions there, and I hope there'll be some knowledgeable folks who have been kind enough to read it all and offer me some input... Thoughts/advice very much appreciated please, as it's doing my head in; not good for one's health!
Cheers
Just because it's on your list, I thought I'd mention how pleased I am with my 335d Touring. I came out of a 2020 840i Coupe because I was doing a higher mileage and needed some practicality, and thought I would have a step down in comfort, but I have been surprised how good it is.
I have done a few long runs (300+ miles in a day) and have to conclude it's just as comfortable as the 8-series was (and actually, slightly more comfortable than the previous 5 series, although that had sports seats, which were a mistake...)
I think because the 335 is an X Drive, even though it says M-Sport on the badge it has relatively soft suspension, as you do notice a little bit of float at very high speed on a bumpy road, but it really does shift and I have to say, it's a lot more fun than I expected. It was supposed to be a 'stopgap' car, but I am really impressed with it!
(Edited to add: I think the most comfortable car I have ever had was a Cayenne S Diesel that had the 18-way upgraded seats, that was amazing - perhaps a Macan with different seats would be an option?)
I have done a few long runs (300+ miles in a day) and have to conclude it's just as comfortable as the 8-series was (and actually, slightly more comfortable than the previous 5 series, although that had sports seats, which were a mistake...)
I think because the 335 is an X Drive, even though it says M-Sport on the badge it has relatively soft suspension, as you do notice a little bit of float at very high speed on a bumpy road, but it really does shift and I have to say, it's a lot more fun than I expected. It was supposed to be a 'stopgap' car, but I am really impressed with it!
(Edited to add: I think the most comfortable car I have ever had was a Cayenne S Diesel that had the 18-way upgraded seats, that was amazing - perhaps a Macan with different seats would be an option?)
Edited by FlyingPanda on Wednesday 8th February 10:48
I'm not a fan of SUVs, so I'll recommend you some saloons
Mercedes E400d
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208088...
For half your budget - Audi A6 3.0 TDI Quattro SE
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301273...
Audi A8 50 TDI
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301042...
BMW 740d xDrive
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301133...
BMW 540i xDrive SE
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302013...
Volvo S90 T8 Inscription PHEV
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301143...
Mercedes E400d
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208088...
For half your budget - Audi A6 3.0 TDI Quattro SE
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301273...
Audi A8 50 TDI
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301042...
BMW 740d xDrive
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301133...
BMW 540i xDrive SE
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302013...
Volvo S90 T8 Inscription PHEV
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301143...
I'd have thought Range Rover would be comfortable but, as you say, reliability is a concern. Not sure if you can get a manufacturer warranty, although that would only save you costs and not wait times for any fix.
Personally I have a Lexus RX 450h (2009, so older than your budget allows) and find it very comfortable, and powerful enough for it's weight. Lexus don't have the same reliability issues, but do provide a free warranty up to10 years/100k miles if you service with them, and after that you can extend it to 15yrs/150k miles for around £550 a year, which includes UK and European breakdown cover.
Personally I have a Lexus RX 450h (2009, so older than your budget allows) and find it very comfortable, and powerful enough for it's weight. Lexus don't have the same reliability issues, but do provide a free warranty up to10 years/100k miles if you service with them, and after that you can extend it to 15yrs/150k miles for around £550 a year, which includes UK and European breakdown cover.
A late L322 petrol perhaps? Much less complex than the L405, and still very comfy. Mpg will obviously be poor, but no major bills from the powertrain as long as it's serviced.
e.g. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208088...
e.g. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208088...
QJumper said:
I'd have thought Range Rover would be comfortable but, as you say, reliability is a concern. Not sure if you can get a manufacturer warranty, although that would only save you costs and not wait times for any fix.
Personally I have a Lexus RX 450h (2009, so older than your budget allows) and find it very comfortable, and powerful enough for it's weight. Lexus don't have the same reliability issues, but do provide a free warranty up to10 years/100k miles if you service with them, and after that you can extend it to 15yrs/150k miles for around £550 a year, which includes UK and European breakdown cover.
As much as I have a softspot for the FFRR, Lexus just feels like a brilliant reliable and well made brand. Their interior isn't the most up to date but it does the job and I've never been uncomfortable when within one.Personally I have a Lexus RX 450h (2009, so older than your budget allows) and find it very comfortable, and powerful enough for it's weight. Lexus don't have the same reliability issues, but do provide a free warranty up to10 years/100k miles if you service with them, and after that you can extend it to 15yrs/150k miles for around £550 a year, which includes UK and European breakdown cover.
Alpina D4 owner here, which is based on the F32 chassis. Biased obviously but it would meet your brief for everything except AWD. I had a colleague who had an M4 and moved it on after 6 months as he couldn't get on with the ride, whereas I think the Alpina is the most comfortable car I have ever ridden in, and it is better than the 645 (E63 platform) that it replaced, even accounting for the engine notes...
3 Series platform cars are quite noticeably smaller, and 5s are bigger. Typically 5s have more toys as standard, but Alpinas are quite well specced anyway. If you regularly need 4 seats for teenagers and adults I would go for a 5 series platform over a 3 series.
B5, £37k https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112180...
D5 £34k https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204154...
D5, £39k https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301233... but I might buy that one myself!
If Aplinas are of interest the Alpina Forum will probably know the history on the specific cars https://www.thealpinaregister.com/forums/index.php... and Clarkson's comparison between the M5 and the B5 is I think fair https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChECnq9P6jc
3 Series platform cars are quite noticeably smaller, and 5s are bigger. Typically 5s have more toys as standard, but Alpinas are quite well specced anyway. If you regularly need 4 seats for teenagers and adults I would go for a 5 series platform over a 3 series.
B5, £37k https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112180...
D5 £34k https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204154...
D5, £39k https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301233... but I might buy that one myself!
If Aplinas are of interest the Alpina Forum will probably know the history on the specific cars https://www.thealpinaregister.com/forums/index.php... and Clarkson's comparison between the M5 and the B5 is I think fair https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChECnq9P6jc
I personally haven't had great luck with SUV's for extra comfort as it's often a trade off where they're extra stiff compared to the same platform as an estate if you still want a good steer.
The active suspension on an A8 looks out of this world but not sure how it translates to the real world:
https://youtu.be/UHYpe65dnoM
Merc does a similar thing with magic body control (only on the S-class?)
At the very least I'd want something with active roll bars (which disconnect when going straight) and adaptive dampers if you're looking for maximum comfort. But then even something like a bog standard Skoda Superb (without the sportsline suspension) on 17" wheels can be a great wafter, with the caveat that it may feel too much of a boat if you're used to firm rides.
A 3-series on 19"s won't be great, on 17"s a lot better. Same with the 5-series although the longer wheel base and extra weight will help, for potholes there really is no substitute for some extra side wall.
The question is how much connectedness to the road are you willing to lose in the name of comfort? A merc E-class on small wheels (18 inch max) will offer more comfort than the BMW 5 at the cost of some driving feel. I'd take one rung below top spec (so no sport editions).
The active suspension on an A8 looks out of this world but not sure how it translates to the real world:
https://youtu.be/UHYpe65dnoM
Merc does a similar thing with magic body control (only on the S-class?)
At the very least I'd want something with active roll bars (which disconnect when going straight) and adaptive dampers if you're looking for maximum comfort. But then even something like a bog standard Skoda Superb (without the sportsline suspension) on 17" wheels can be a great wafter, with the caveat that it may feel too much of a boat if you're used to firm rides.
A 3-series on 19"s won't be great, on 17"s a lot better. Same with the 5-series although the longer wheel base and extra weight will help, for potholes there really is no substitute for some extra side wall.
The question is how much connectedness to the road are you willing to lose in the name of comfort? A merc E-class on small wheels (18 inch max) will offer more comfort than the BMW 5 at the cost of some driving feel. I'd take one rung below top spec (so no sport editions).
Edited by HelldogBE on Wednesday 8th February 14:50
wadsy said:
We currently have a Macan Turbo (Performance Pack), but due to my health we've decided I need something more comfortable. Not a reflection on the Macan, that's a great all-rounder; it's my health and hypersensitivity that's the issue.
Sadly I need to concede, that certainly for the time being, my 'hooning' days are behind me/on hold!
So, I'm looking for suggestions please for something that offers a ride quality that smooths out the bumps as best as possible and a very quite/refined cabin, and a decent bit of 'grunt' to pull along what will probably be quite a heavy car!
I did (briefly!) drive my old (1994) Pajero the other day and found the height of it contributed to a more relaxed driving experience. The 'car' itself is far from comfortable, so wondered if a comfortable, higher vehicle might suit, although, I don't want something 'wobbly' as this won't help me either!
I did think a Range Rover (L405) or RR Sport (L494) might be ideal (I do like the concept and look of them) but to be honest I am deterred by what I've read regarding reliability!... and an easy/hassle free as possible ownership experience is important for us. We did have BMW warranty on our previous 640d and received great service, which really helped for piece of mind.
I'm wondering if manufacturer's warranty would therefore be a good thing to have going forward?... can it be added to a private purchase? I presume each manufacture will vary in requirements.
So, probably either an SUV or a Saloon, although the Merc S500 coupe does appeal, just not sure if it would be too low for getting in/out and for visibility?
I would prefer a smaller car, but more comfort usually comes with more size I believe?... ie. a 5 series is more comfortable than a 3 series etc?
4wd/awd if possible.
Budget up to 35k, but if we could get something suitable for less, that would be nice!... any options at 10k, 20k???
Anyway, my initial thoughts below...
Audi A8 (4.2 TDi) – might be a bit big, but is it a case of if one wants comfort, you have to put up with that?
Audi A7?
Alpina (F30) D/B3 – bit smaller, but comfortable enough?.. not 4wd
335d?... maybe Touring
530d/540i (xdrive)
X5?
Q5?
Alpina D5s – a bit over top end of budget!.. but does it ride better than the BMW equivalent?
Others from Lexus?
Quite a lot of questions there, and I hope there'll be some knowledgeable folks who have been kind enough to read it all and offer me some input... Thoughts/advice very much appreciated please, as it's doing my head in; not good for one's health!
Cheers
I'd say that a CL500 or S500 would be perfect as both can raise their suspension to a decent level (think of an All Road in terms of height) so entry & exit should be fine but obviously check this to make sure this can work for you.Sadly I need to concede, that certainly for the time being, my 'hooning' days are behind me/on hold!
So, I'm looking for suggestions please for something that offers a ride quality that smooths out the bumps as best as possible and a very quite/refined cabin, and a decent bit of 'grunt' to pull along what will probably be quite a heavy car!
I did (briefly!) drive my old (1994) Pajero the other day and found the height of it contributed to a more relaxed driving experience. The 'car' itself is far from comfortable, so wondered if a comfortable, higher vehicle might suit, although, I don't want something 'wobbly' as this won't help me either!
I did think a Range Rover (L405) or RR Sport (L494) might be ideal (I do like the concept and look of them) but to be honest I am deterred by what I've read regarding reliability!... and an easy/hassle free as possible ownership experience is important for us. We did have BMW warranty on our previous 640d and received great service, which really helped for piece of mind.
I'm wondering if manufacturer's warranty would therefore be a good thing to have going forward?... can it be added to a private purchase? I presume each manufacture will vary in requirements.
So, probably either an SUV or a Saloon, although the Merc S500 coupe does appeal, just not sure if it would be too low for getting in/out and for visibility?
I would prefer a smaller car, but more comfort usually comes with more size I believe?... ie. a 5 series is more comfortable than a 3 series etc?
4wd/awd if possible.
Budget up to 35k, but if we could get something suitable for less, that would be nice!... any options at 10k, 20k???
Anyway, my initial thoughts below...
Audi A8 (4.2 TDi) – might be a bit big, but is it a case of if one wants comfort, you have to put up with that?
Audi A7?
Alpina (F30) D/B3 – bit smaller, but comfortable enough?.. not 4wd
335d?... maybe Touring
530d/540i (xdrive)
X5?
Q5?
Alpina D5s – a bit over top end of budget!.. but does it ride better than the BMW equivalent?
Others from Lexus?
Quite a lot of questions there, and I hope there'll be some knowledgeable folks who have been kind enough to read it all and offer me some input... Thoughts/advice very much appreciated please, as it's doing my head in; not good for one's health!
Cheers
10k ish 5.5 CL500:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208229...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208269...
20k 4.7TT CL500:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212052...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211282...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301052...
SUV wise the 5.0 QX70 is a good option:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208108...
You can get an Ultimate spec one for similar money but it'll be a diesel:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210070...
ZX10R NIN said:
I'd say that a CL500 or S500 would be perfect as both can raise their suspension to a decent level (think of an All Road in terms of height) so entry & exit should be fine but obviously check this to make sure this can work for you.
10k ish 5.5 CL500:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208229...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208269...
20k 4.7TT CL500:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212052...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211282...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301052...
SUV wise the 5.0 QX70 is a good option:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208108...
You can get an Ultimate spec one for similar money but it'll be a diesel:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210070...
S class coupe?10k ish 5.5 CL500:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208229...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208269...
20k 4.7TT CL500:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212052...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211282...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301052...
SUV wise the 5.0 QX70 is a good option:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208108...
You can get an Ultimate spec one for similar money but it'll be a diesel:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210070...
WelshRich said:
Comfortable, Quiet, Bit of grunt but relaxing/easy to drive.
Sounds like an EV to me…
This is a great shoutSounds like an EV to me…
Tesla Model S 75D
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211091...
wadsy said:
S class coupe?
Great cars but you'll be a smidge over your 35k budget to a S500:https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210251...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211131...
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