[FEANN] Wow, wow, wow, Nadine.
Have you seen the Touareg?
Have you been inside it or driven it?
And don’t get me started on the GLE.
That is all new from the ground up.
I think this contest is going to be a lot closer than what you’re alluding to.
[NADINE] Right you are.
Let’s get to the bottom of this.
Beautiful, powerful, and packed with technology, these rivals bring the badge, the brawn, and
brains to the game.
But with a well informed family buyer in their sites, and they’re no pushover, which one
does it best?
Under the bonnet, our rivals present a united front for team turbo diesel, but does the
smaller four cylinder engine in the Benz lose out to the bigger six cylinder BMW and Volkswagen?This
car just feels like it’s in the right spot all the time.
That power is ready to go.
[FEANN] It’s such a smooth powertrain, and refined, and it makes a little bit of noise.
[NADINE]Yes, but it’s the kind of noise you want to hear.
It sounds good.
[FEANN] The first thing I’m noticing is that this doesn’t quite have the response
or the thrust of that six cylinder BMW.
I’ve got to say, ride comfort, definitely better in this than the X5 as well.
[NADINE]Yes, it feels soft, and I think that’s something that’s going to appeal to a lot
of people.
Having just got out of that Mercedes, this engine feels good.
You can feel that extra pull.
[FEANN] Yes, that six cylinder, larger displacement, more power, more torque.
It definitely feels a bit brawnier.
[NADINE]So, in terms of ride comfort, the Touareg feels like it’s hit a really good
middle ground.
[FEANN] There’s definitely really good bump absorption there, but it’s not quite as
firm as the BMW.
[NADINE]So, the BMW has the drive ability, the Benz is the cushiest, and the VW is a
blend of both.
All three vehicles have great parking systems and cameras.
Although, the Volkswagen is the only one without a 360 camera.
Luxury and technology are arguably more important in these premium cruisers, but which one stands
out?
The Touareg is by far my favourite where ergonomics are concerned.
I get in and I’m really comfortable.
And you know that I love this big screen.
I love the buttonless screen.
[FEANN] It is fantastic.
There is nothing else like this screen in the car industry today.
It’s huge.
But one thing irks me, there’s no hard buttons.
I can’t hit demist or defrost.
I have to go on the screen.
And the other day, I just struggled trying to find simple things.
[NADINE] It takes time.
[FEANN] The Touareg does storage really well.
I just love the simple stuff.
These two giant cup holders are great.
The door pockets, massive, and there’s a really good spot here for the wireless phone
charging.
[NADINE] The leather is the nicest I think.
[FEANN] Yes.
[NADINE] It’s got that edge of luxury, but then it still feels a bit robust.
And these are family cars, let’s remember, so I think it’s really nailed it.
So, the X5 does have two screens, but they are the smallest of the lot.
[FEANN] And the instrument cluster has the least customisability, too.
But it has really cool gesture control.
I think incidental storage is pretty good.
The door pockets are big, but the cup holders leave a little to be desired.
[NADINE] Yes, and they’re not in the best position, I don’t think.
[FEANN] Yes, when you’re changing gear, if you’ve got a bigger cup, it’s going
to get in the way.
I love the simplicity of this layout in the BMW.
It’s not as complex as the others, and maybe I’m a luddite, but I find it easier to use.
Okay, the Benz.
Wow.
This is very showy, there’s a lot of bling, there’s a lot going on.
I actually quite like it.
[NADINE]I like it, but I find it a bit busy.
And I don’t like the four air vents.
And there’s a lot of buttons.
I feel like the Volkswagen is better.
It’s more seamless design.
It’s close, but the rear seats in the BMW offer the least legroom of the three.
It offers a pair of USB C ports, screen docks, and central air vents.
The Mercedes has the best rear legroom of the lot, and is the only one with power adjustable
rear seats and a third row.
Central air vents and a pair of USB C ports match the BMW’s convenience features.
The Volkswagen backseat has a bit more room than the BMW due to sliding pews, but there’s
not as much room as the Mercedes.
But it has the best amenities with central and B pillar air vents, and four zone digital
climate control.
It doesn’t have a glass roof like the others, but it is the only one with window shades.
Two regular USB ports and one 12 volt socket are fitted.
But don’t let all that tech and comfort fool you, these Germans are still practical
load luggers at heart.
The BMW boot has the most cargo space, and the multipurpose split fold tailgate delivers
better functionality than its rivals.
The Volkswagen has the smallest boot in this test, according to the data, and is not offered
with seven seats like the others.
All models have four tie down hoops and bag hooks.
So, the BMW has the best handling, the Mercedes has the flashiest interior with the coolest
tech, which leaves the Volkswagen languishing.
Right?
Wrong.
It may not have the badge value of its German compatriots, but he Volkswagen is the best
value machine here.
Despite sharing its underpinning with the Bentley Bentayga, the VW is cheaper than the
other two, and has a longer five year warrantee.
At the outset of this comparison, the question was raised whether the Volkswagen Touareg
was worthy.
And the answer is a resounding yes.
The Volkswagen has lifted its game so much so, that it now competes on a level playing
field with these guys.
[FEANN] Yes, this comparison has been seriously eye opening.
However, if it was my money spending six figures plus on a luxury SUV, badge is crucial.
Therefore, the Mercedes GLE is my pick.
[NADINE] It might well be your pick, but it’s not our winner.
[FEANN] That’s true.
[NADINE] On the balance of luxury, cost of ownership and value for money, the Volkswagen
Touareg takes the win.