Anyone found a good interesting to drive but still comfortable practical daily?

DLax69

DLax69

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4,336
Was behind a red Stelvio today on the interstate...very nice. Would have loved one (or the Maser) for Courtney, but needed a third row for kids, dogs, etc.
 
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Simon1963

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819
rockits said:
Yes, I think they have dialled it up a bit on the 213. I had a 212 E Class Estate that was fine too.

It did come with the optional 20" alloys and 30/35 series tyres and I have dropped them down to the stock E43 19" alloys with 35/40 series tyres. I thought that might do the trick and it has helped but negligible really. Just seems the chassis is set up as more driver focussed. The Audi S6 Avant I drove before I bought the E43 was better biased to comfort in comfort mode but I didn't like the S-Tronic gearbox.
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I’ve just bought a W213 estate as I’m in a similar situation to you and need to do miles, carry loads more frequently and accommodate a hound. Coming from a Ghibli S I find it more comfortable and a better ride, which I also thought comfortable, interior and equipment way above. It’s got the later 2.0 diesel engine and to be honest it’s a decent unit very quiet for a diesel and and has decent grunt. Downside is tyre noise at motorway speeds but I think a lot of that is down to the landsil run flat ditch finders which will be going in a skip somewhere very shortly. If you need comfort with some power maybe have a look at the E400d.
 
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Simon1963

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CatmanV2 said:
Oh wow. OK, maybe I should have a poke at mine :)

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If you look at the outer bolsters on the backrest there should be a leather pull tab. Only 60:40 and if you fold the 60 side down you need to take the centre headrest out or it will smash your rear vent. Ask me how I know :)
 
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Simon1963

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819
flexwing said:
I know you will think this is a bit left field, but would you consider a Skoda Superb? I suspect, particularly in estate form, it will meet most of your needs. I had a Sportline (2019) model and it was superb! Very comfortable and definitely more towards the comfort end of the range. There is a 4 wheel drive 280 bhp model which is very well regarded. I had the 170 bhp 2 litre and it was surprisingly nippy and so very refined. I would say Audi A6 level of comfort.
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I haven’t had a diesel for years, last one an Alfa Brera 2.4, and swore I would never have another. They do seem to have come on leaps and bounds for refinement over the years since I last drove one.
 
Cyclone1

Cyclone1

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532
It’s a tough dilemma you have trying to find a car with your correct criteria. For many years now I’ve ran a couple of cars, mainly to allow one with a bit of power and driving prowess, the other to carry large loads in absolute comfort. Over the years the comfortable car has often been a Lexus RX, bar a brief diversion away with a Murano and Cayenne Turbo. My current Lexus is the previous generation RX450h Sport, it’s a very good car. I have test driven the newer Generation and it’s a great place to be.

Currently you could
pick up a 2017/18 in your price range and whilst not the most dynamic to drive, it’s a great place to be, has plenty of space and extras, plus carries a bit of prestige on the road. Admittedly the looks of the car are marmite, but that is the case with many cars.

Good luck
 
dickygrace

dickygrace

www.richardgracecars.co.uk
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7,342
Agree with @MAF260 a Stelvio is a good option. I’ve had a couple in, first didn’t get listed as went out immediately. Second one I’ll be listing soon. I’ve done a lot of research on them and driven all models. I nearly always come back to the diesel as the torque suits the car for me, better than a high revving petrol engine. Fuel consumption is around 70% better, 39mpg instead of 23mpg on the petrols. They drive well, good ride quality on 19’s; 20’s get a bit much and 21’s crashy. This is why for me, the QV is a bit pointless, yes it looks good and is quick but 15mpg and a harsh ride means it is tough to live with.
As with anything Italian it’s a minefield when trying to find about specs. Used to be Super, Nero Edizione, Speciale then Milano Edizione. That changed in 2020 to Lusso, Veloce, Ti etc.
Introduced in 2017, tweaked every few weeks to confuse us all, the odd car came with 5 year warranty (Aug 18 onwards) and Apple/Android CarPlay came from late 2018 on too. It’s a minefield but worth the hassle as they’re a lot of car for the money.
 
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dem maser

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34,267
I can vouch for my Giulia
Best all round car I’ve had, the power gives me 0-60 of 4.5 secs and still gives me 46mpg on motorways
Handles amazingly well

could be selling it too……
 
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dem maser

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34,267
Nooooo
Mine is 280 Veloce petrol
Amazing engine and i get almost as much economy in A mode on a run as a diesel
 
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Guy

Guy

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2,172
WLTP is only 38mpg and that is exaggerated by at least 20%. On a gentle run at 70mph I can get 30mpg out of my CL500 but the average tank is a lot less.
 
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