SQ8, F-Pace SVR, Cayenne Turbo, E63S Estate or what?

V10Mike

Original Poster

596 posts

213 months

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[news]

Wednesday 5th June

For the last five years I have run a BMW 640i GT with all the toys (£25k options), which has proved to be hugely spacious and comfortable, very capable, and realistically plenty fast enough. However it is dull! Previously I had a Lexus GSF, which was a real event to drive, but ultimately the incompetent gearbox and punishing ride was no good for a daily. Prior to that I ran a Phaeton V10 for twelve years which was an awesome machine -I miss it greatly!

Given the imminent takeover of electrification, I feel the need to get another V8 before it is too late. The car has to combine daily usability (both around town but more on long runs), space (plenty of room for grandchildren and luggage) luxury and comfort but most importantly with a sense of occasion. Ultimate pace is not so important as how it feels. I would intend to keep the right car for up to ten years. Budget is £60 to £80k, obviously lower the better.

I've driven an SQ8, which fulfils nearly all the criteria but ultimately was nearly as dull as my BMW and gives me nightmares about maintenance costs and 48V system borkage. I loved the F-Pace SVR, amazing engine and a very complete driving experience, it's great value, but my wife couldn't get on with the seats. My son really likes his Cayenne Coupe, but I'd be pushing budget unless I compromise on age/mileage (probably looking at 2019/2020 versus a 2023 SVR). Left field choice would be a E63S estate, looking maybe at a 2020/21 facelift, but worried about long term maintenance costs and potentially firm ride.

Am I missing anything? Has anyone long term experience of running any of the above as a daily?

Thanks!

OnionBhaji99

194 posts

143 months

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[news]

Wednesday 5th June

Buy the F Pace and change the seats (plenty non SVR seats on eBay and at breakers yards). Nothing quite like the SVR.

PhilkSVR

1,474 posts

55 months

[report]

[news]

Wednesday 5th June

I have had my 2019 FPace SVR for a year now and it is quick or a calm cruiser if you wish, but can be an animal if you want it to be. Plenty of space and pretty good value. Reliable so far but have warranty. It’s a keeper and the seats are fine for me, but I understand that is personal choice. Great value for money SUV as long as you are happy with 19 around town and 25 on the motorway. As it is 5years old now I use a trusted independent for maintenance. I wouldn’t use JLR. Just my opinion.

ZX10R NIN

28,351 posts

132 months

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[news]

Wednesday 5th June

Silvanus

6,011 posts

30 months

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[news]

Wednesday 5th June

I'd echo the Maserati suggestion above. Having recently had a go in one, it's hell of a way to get around, a bit different to some of the obvious choices too.

V10Mike

Original Poster

596 posts

213 months

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[news]

Thursday 6th June

ZX10R NIN said:

Thanks, some interesting options there. Regular GLE a bit upright, Coupe a bit clumsy looking next to Cayenne, but it's got that awesome powertrain, so maybe worth a look. Velar SVA I didn't even know existed -might be an interesting softer option to the SVR, I'll have to take a look at that too. Shame they only made them for one year. RRS image just a bit too much. Bentayga nixed by wife, image again. DBX too expensive, I'm afraid. Trofeo fabulous engine, nice materials in the cabin but the rest so-so. Search continues -I'm test driving a Cayenne and E63S Estate this weekend.

vanman1936

799 posts

226 months

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[news]

Friday 7th June

Not a V8, but the Stelvio QF is formidable and a real event to drive. Easy to nick though (I found out the hard way).

ninjag

1,874 posts

126 months

[report]

[news]

Friday 7th June

Porsche Panamera 4.0 V8 Turbo Gts 5Dr Pdk
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202404048...

K4sper

349 posts

79 months

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[news]

Friday 7th June

E63 estate all day. I've had fast SUVs (including such as the GLE63 posted above) and they're just too heavily compromised for me. Reasonably fast in straight line but difficult to slow down and impossible to disguise their weight in corners etc. Can't think of anything that my GLE63 did that my current E63 wagon doesn't do better, except ride height if that's really important to you i guess...?

V10Mike

Original Poster

596 posts

213 months

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[news]

Sunday 9th June

Tried the E63, engine awesome, but the chassis seemed a bit crude -still restless even in comfort, quite a lot of noise transmitted through the cabin. My wife didn't like the seats -side bolsters too deep. Surprisingly tight in the back seat. Cabin quality not a patch on the Porsche. So I've ended up with a Cayenne Turbo, feels like they've taken huge care over every aspect of the car. Engine not as characterful as the Merc, but still stunningly fast, and much more refined when pottering about. Chassis superb, brakes (PSCB) amazing, cabin lovely, seats comfortable but supportive. The Merc felt like a car I'd enjoy more for 5% of the time, but otherwise I would wish I was in the Porsche. Hope to pick it up in a week or so.

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