My husband knows exactly what you mean. He wonders off to look at Turbos or R8s when checking out the dealerships. I let him drive my car when I don't have to go to the city though. Maybe next year.

 

I mentioned this back on page two but I only mentioned the model trim instead of Tesla directly. BTW, the p80 model is the M5 beater.

 

Mea culpa, it took me a sec to realize what a 996 was so I guess I didn't catch that either. M5 beater? Nice. That doesn't need translation

 

Here is a translation anyways.

 

Haha, awesome. I agree with your concern though. Tiny legs would be in the crumble zone like the AMG. Alas, back to the final 4. Good news though. Plenty of complaints (including mine) after car and driver previewed the Q7 design, resulted in HQ to go back to the drawing board--again. The 1st designer was relieved of his duty. 'm not in a rush since reading this. I'm still eagerly awaiting it.

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1...changes-report

 

I drove the Q7 during the Audi pre launch party and was very underwhelmed. I thought maybe because it was an early model but I see things haven't changed too much. Audi however holds one of the best launch parties ever(Internet stations, cooking classes, gourmet food, wine/drinks, massage rooms, Bang Olfusen listening booth, etc). Since the introduction of the Macan, I really hoped for the Cayenne to extend the wheelbase just a tad and add a third row.

 

When ever I don't have to drive my two daughters anywhere I am always driving my Porsche, but my family car is currently a 2009 BMW 328i but I am looking at trading it in for a newer Audi Allroad. Not a huge fan of BMW's.

 

I test drove Q7s prelaunch too. On ramp acceleration on the S line was effortless compared to the base. I don't expect it to drive like my Pcar but it was right there: quick but feels lux, and enough space in the back for a day on the beach, skiing, or hitting up home depot. Even at full family capacity, it did not hesitate. Middle row adjusts to allow extra leg room in the back. But yes, if Porsche decides to extend the Cayenne, I'll be there.

Wait massage and Olfusen listening rooms? We did not have that! Jealous. Audi does know how to throw it down. 80% of my friends are Audi owners so we made it a night out. I'm waiting for my Macan launch party invite.

I agree Stephan. The family car will probably just be a weekender. Not even a grocery getter. I grocery shop in the Pcar at the crack of dawn with the oldest only. I would like an RS Avant too but not available. Glad to see another Audi fan, keeping it in the family.

 

To my knowledge, the NHTSA does not do any rear impact testing of any car or SUV.

The IIHS does a rear "impact" test which tests whiplash in rear seated occupants but does not do a crash.

The tesla 3rd row is not meant for full adults. It is recommended for those 48" and shorter, though my 48" son has plenty of room to grow before his head hits the rear window.

The tesla 3rd row does have the following advantages.
It is rear facing which is better for any crash except rear (rear impact is usually slower and only 2% of crashes).
It is a 5 point harness which is inherently better than any shoulder seat belt.
It does not require a booster seat so the entire seat is bolted to the car.
The rear bumper has additional beam support in cars outfitted with a 3rd row to prevent / minimize intrusion.

...

Have you ever considered a Mazda CX-9?
Not as plush nor does it have panache.
A little long in tooth in terms of styling.
But it handled as good as the x5 and better than any other SUV, but I never drove the MDX SH.
And it has every bell and whistle you could ask for except heated steering.
If it wasn't for the Tesla, my wife would be driving a 2014 Mazda CX9.

 

Panamera for sure

 

Balefire, thanks for the explanation.

 

Thanks, Balefire, good insight. As much as I would want a wagon, there's nothing like what I have now. The hot wagon rides low so kids can easily jump in; has no seats to flip allowing kids to walk back to the 3rd row; and offers ample storage in the back. Ford stopped production in 2009 and replaced by the Flex, which in my view is no longer a wagon. It's a no fuss, old reliable family hauler. Will be sad to see her retire.

 

Totally forgot about the Ford Freestyle. That seems to fit your needs well. Didn't realize it had captains chairs in the middle row. Cute kids too. With 4 kids and also driving a Porsche to boot, gonna call you "supermama" instead.

 

Nice, anytime! Next time I'm in Chi-town, drinks are in order.

I was at a Ford dealership looking to downsize from the Expedition when I found this wagon vandalized among 3 other cars. I peeped through the broken windows, saw the layout, and bought it! After the dealer replaced the windows and detailed it, I negotiated down to $10k with warranty because it was "broken in" already with a couple dents and scratches on it. From old and busted, I'm ready for the new hotness.

 

I just joined the forum so I will probably make a few mistakes along the way. Using the handle Gramps because I am one twice over, grandkids are more fun than their parents were. I will list my current rides below starting with the family sedan. Pictures will come once I figure it out how to load them.






family sedan-2006 Mercedes AMG S65
family sports car- 2004 Porsche Cab 4S
family work car 2004 GMC Envoy XUV
my personal ride-2008 Harley Davidson Road King Classic