MT Large Luxury SUV test: LX570, Escalade, GL450, Range Rover, QX80, Navi
#16
If you noticed in the article, three things saved the Navigator from last place: A relatively bargain price for what you got, a well-done drivetrain, and good utility inside.
BTW, I fully agree with the Escalade taking first. GM has been on a roll lately, and this is one of their best examples, especially compared to the very poorly-done 1Gen Escalade. But the Escalade still isn't perfect.....I'd toss both the CUE system and the console finger-slide controls. Unfortunately, both have become a hallmark of new Caddy interiors.
BTW, I fully agree with the Escalade taking first. GM has been on a roll lately, and this is one of their best examples, especially compared to the very poorly-done 1Gen Escalade. But the Escalade still isn't perfect.....I'd toss both the CUE system and the console finger-slide controls. Unfortunately, both have become a hallmark of new Caddy interiors.
While all seem to hate it, all Brands are following, with BMW, Audi and Lexus. It is the future, and Cadillac was again first. Maybe other brands will have better implementation, as with many things GM came first to market, but other implemented better.
#17
LR has been fixing its quality problems for decades... brand new vehicle squeaking all over with, relatively poor materials, engine that does not feel good... only good point is the looks.
#18
I really dislike MotorTrend comparison tests these days. In any event, I'm curious as to why they tested the Escalade Platinum but didn't try to get a Mercedes GL550 w/Designo interior. The GL550 would've likely would've been just as fast, if not faster, and been its match in with upgraded interior materials.
I cant believe that MB is not utilizing C/S class interior design more... GL also gets old interior.
#19
Lead Lap
This is a "base" model comparison test. The Designo interior upgrade is unavailable for the GL450. Similar to the GL, the autobiography interior upgrade on the RR is unavailable on the "base" V6. The Escalade tested should have been the non-Platinum interior upgrade to be fair.
I'd still take the RR WITH a V8 or the ancient, but still good looking G- Wagen over the rest.
I'd still take the RR WITH a V8 or the ancient, but still good looking G- Wagen over the rest.
I know you are MB fan, but if you actually read the review completely you will see that they liked MB powertrain the best of them all - so choice of powertrain was actually good... And interior is dated - just compare it to S class interior. It looks like it is designed 15 years ago, nicer leather would not change that.
I cant believe that MB is not utilizing C/S class interior design more... GL also gets old interior.
I cant believe that MB is not utilizing C/S class interior design more... GL also gets old interior.
Just would've preferred a more apples to apples comparison, although I know they're at the mercy of the manufacturer fleet. And for the record, I have other problems with MotorTrend's comparisons over the last year or two. Their most recent minivan comparison in particular was poorly done.
#20
If this was a base level comparison, the Escalade wouldn't have been the top level Platinum level. Also, you can absolutely get the Designo interior upgrade on the GL450. Likely Mercedes just didn't send them one or they didn't ask for it.
Just would've preferred a more apples to apples comparison, although I know they're at the mercy of the manufacturer fleet. And for the record, I have other problems with MotorTrend's comparisons over the last year or two. Their most recent minivan comparison in particular was poorly done.
Just would've preferred a more apples to apples comparison, although I know they're at the mercy of the manufacturer fleet. And for the record, I have other problems with MotorTrend's comparisons over the last year or two. Their most recent minivan comparison in particular was poorly done.
Looks like you can only order the Designo steering wheel on the GL450 based on MBUSA. You have to step up to the GL550 for the full Designo upgrade.
#21
Lead Lap
The Infinifi and LX570 do not have upgraded interior options like the Escalade, RR and Benz. Both the LX and QX come fairly standard. Of course RR and Benz are the only two available with upgraded engines. Again the base engine in a RR is a V6. For '16 there are 4 options: 2 V6s (340 and 380 hp) and 2 V8s (510 and 550 hp). For these reasons this was a base comparison test and the non-platinum version of the Escalade should have been provided for an apples to apples comparison.
In any event, yes a non-Platinum Escalade would've solved the issue.
Look at the last 3 interior color options for the GL450. You'll see by selecting them you'll add $4800 for the Designo interior.
#22
Lexus Test Driver
That's a funny review when another recent MT reviewer talked about not getting the point of the LX570 at first, then gushing all about it by the ending paragraph. Too bad there's no Q7 or GL diesel in there, in my opinion the smoky stuff is the only fuel that belongs in a huge SUV.
#23
Keep in mind the LX interior is basically the same interior since the vehicle was first unveiled at the New York motor show in 2007 with only minor tweaks since then. For MY2016 the LX is supposed to get an upgraded interior....can't wait to see how that turns out.
#25
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (2)
I'm a MB fan and I'm surprised how highly they ranked it, gladly surprised. Same with the LX. Shows how good and capable those two SUVs are. RR is so overrated by the press, it's laughable. The latest Escalade truly is a great vehicle, and I'm glad it's getting the recognition.
#26
Lexus Fanatic
#27
Lexus Test Driver
I know you are MB fan, but if you actually read the review completely you will see that they liked MB powertrain the best of them all - so choice of powertrain was actually good... And interior is dated - just compare it to S class interior. It looks like it is designed 15 years ago, nicer leather would not change that.
I cant believe that MB is not utilizing C/S class interior design more... GL also gets old interior.
I cant believe that MB is not utilizing C/S class interior design more... GL also gets old interior.
Seriously though I saw one in my company parking lot and it still looked good. Kinda peaked quickly in the interior and granted it was a bit dated but overall aesthetic wise looked good. Not sure if I need something that large but who knows. Might get it in the future.
Just read UZJ100GR comment that Lexus may upgrade the 2016. Looking forward to it.
Also a hat tip to Cadillac improving and keeping up with the limes of MB & Lexus.
Last edited by rxonmymind; 05-13-15 at 11:06 PM.
#28
Ha! My kinda vehicle!
Seriously though I saw one in my company parking lot and it still looked good. Kinda peaked quickly in the interior and granted it was a bit dated but overall aesthetic wise looked good. Not sure if I need something that large but who knows. Might get it in the future.
Just read UZJ100GR comment that Lexus may upgrade the 2016. Looking forward to it.
Also a hat tip to Cadillac improving and keeping up with the limes of MB & Lexus.
Seriously though I saw one in my company parking lot and it still looked good. Kinda peaked quickly in the interior and granted it was a bit dated but overall aesthetic wise looked good. Not sure if I need something that large but who knows. Might get it in the future.
Just read UZJ100GR comment that Lexus may upgrade the 2016. Looking forward to it.
Also a hat tip to Cadillac improving and keeping up with the limes of MB & Lexus.
#29
Lexus Fanatic
#30
Lexus Fanatic
Most owners I know change them up frequently. The LX on the owner hand has a loyal long term owner base.