Had the GTS only for about 45 minutes today, of which I shared half the drive with Elena.

What is clear is that dynamically this car is simply from a different design philosophy. Whilst the Q7 4.2 is not too dissimilar from the RRS, the GTS is quite astonishingly different. Turn in is much better, it stays flatter and simply isn't phased by mid corner changes in direction (our was fitted with Air Suspension Option).

Engine sound is again a different league, sounds much more aggressive when pushed and is happier than both others to be stressed. Here the RRS's shockingly bad consumption comes to light, we managed 23mpg on a sprightly drive against the RRS's usual 9-14mpg (depending on who is driving).

Ergonomically the GTS is better than the Q7, but I find that RRS has the edge, although the steering wheel angle is still too truck like.

The GTS instruments feel antiquated compared to the Q7, however the lack of stupid repeating indicators is a huge plus in my book. The outside of the GTS is much nicer than the old Cayenne, almost bearable in fact. Trim is still slightly cheap, and here is where the RRS scores some major points.

However a gripe I have with all three is that they have cheap and horrible door handles. Compare them to a 2005 Alfa 147 and you will see what I mean, at over 60k you should have something better than nasty badly fitted plastic.

On the 4th April I wrote about the Q7 and concluded that I still prefered the RRS. For similar reasons I almost still prefer the RRS because of its poise and elegance. However on the move it is totally outclassed here.

The GTS is quite a bit more expensive though, it came in at about 6000 over the RRS.

However the Cayenne does offer one thing that none of the other do, there is no diesel in its family.... 2007 Audi Q7 4.2 FSI Grey/Black Int.
2005 Quattroporte Grey/Black Int.

Good review

However, I feel Clarkson sums it up quite nicely:

This really is a car that drowned in Lake Ugly. And to make it even worse, my test car was finished in exactly the same colour as a diseased placenta

and

So I still think the Range Rover is a better bet. It doesn’t work half so well on the Nürburgring, it’s just as hopeless in London and I bet it wouldn’t last half as long on a tank proving ground. But at least it doesn’t make you feel sick every time you see it.  My Gladiators:

RRS S/C HST - respect of the highest order
Freeloader 2 SE with all the toys - my baby RR

Disco3 - Gone
Defender 90 TD - Gone
FFRR Vogue - Gone
BMW X5 4.4 - Gone
LR Defender Tdi - Gone

You are right, the RRS is still a really nice car, however the ownership experience for me has been awful. Having said that Maserati UK were as poor as dealing with the issues as Land Rover, and I've had my QP for almost 3 years now.

The problem is always the same, the only way to get these kind of people to do anything is kick and scream and threaten to sue. There is little civility left, the oik rules.

At the moment, top of the pile is the Q7...probably for all the wrong reasons... 2007 Audi Q7 4.2 FSI Grey/Black Int.
2005 Quattroporte Grey/Black Int.

GL420

AJSG wrote:

You are right, the RRS is still a really nice car, however the ownership experience for me has been awful. Having said that Maserati UK were as poor as dealing with the issues as Land Rover, and I've had my QP for almost 3 years now.

The problem is always the same, the only way to get these kind of people to do anything is kick and scream and threaten to sue. There is little civility left, the oik rules.

At the moment, top of the pile is the Q7...probably for all the wrong reasons...

Kaine wrote:

GL420

AJSG wrote:

Kaine wrote:

GL420

Not for me, nor an X5/X3...just not for me...nor for Elena...just couldn't do it.......

AJSG,

I wouldn't compare the GL420 to an X5 or X3 for a second - its a very competant car

will_wonka wrote:

X5 - Laughable

Kaine wrote:

AJSG,

I wouldn't compare the GL420 to an X5 or X3 for a second - its a very competant car

a bit like the RRS then?

AJSG wrote:

Kaine wrote:

GL420

Not for me, nor an X5/X3...just not for me...nor for Elena...just couldn't do it.......

Kaine wrote:

a bit like the RRS then?

Kaine wrote:

will_wonka wrote:

X5 - Laughable

really? I thought the X5 was a good car - no?

ok, your not going to bite so I'll have to agree instead

Personally I always disliked the centre console on the RRS - it felt like it had been designed by 9 year olds drawing the cockpit of a space rocket - also some of the materials just aren't fitting with a 50k car. My other gripe with the RRS was the interior space, plus I personally had an issue with the seat comfort. To be honest though these were my only gripes, plus I had no technical probs in the 18 months I owned it.

I had the GL420 for a day at the end of last year and putting the looks aside I fell for it big time - the engine was superb and ride was a dream compared to the RRS - I planning on getting one myself later in the year

Kaine