I want to get a new SUV for my wife, who will mostly be driving it with two little ones in the back, carpooling, grocery shopping, etc. I think I've narrowed my search to the ML350 and the Cayenne (base model). Any thoughts as to choosing one over the other.

 

Cayenne is my choice, then again you have a Touareg, so would have some similar characteristics. ML350 will drive like a car IMO. ML would be the cheaper SUV as well.

 

Yeah - Touareg and Cayenne are similar, but the latter looks better in my opinion.
The ML has some pretty good lease options as well. Hmmm.

 

When it comes to the wife and kids, the first and last word for me is safety.
If one has an advantage, that's the one I'd pick.

 

I would get the ML350 its got 272hp, cheaper, good lease options as you've mentioned and its the most reliable car from my perspective, because we both have a Cayenne S and a Touareg where we faced some minor problems and glitches.

Get a fully loaded ML and enjoy the bluetooth and Ipod kit which comes directly from the factory where as with the Cayenne and Touareg you need to retrofit a aftermarket kit.

Good luck with the decision.

 

i never thought that ML and reliability would be mentioned on the same sentence...

 

I had the first generation ML(W163) but that wasnt very very reliable to todays Mercedes Standards, however I've got a couple of friends with the W164 2005+ ML's and they are very satisfied with the SUV.

 

I like the new face-lifted Cayennes a lot. Looks more sporting than the ML.

 

Cayenne.....

Ive sold both and driven both. The Cayenne is a lot more fun and more reliable. The new Cayenne also has 290 horsepower. If you need a good lease deal the ML will always be cheaper. You will also get more options for the price. You will get more driving dynamics with the Cayenne though. Have her drive both and see which one she likes better.

 

I have Ml350 lease coming to an end its been 33 month so far, its one of the first cars, and let me tell you guys, it was one of the reliable and trouble free cars i ever had, i'm very happy with the car and power of the car is decent. I had bunch of ML's! This is by far the best ML so far!!

I had 98 ml320, 00 ml430, 02 ml55, 06 ml350!

So my vote go for ml350 your wife will love it, also you might want to cosnider ml320 cdi maybe? Same power better milage!

 

Thanks, guys. Your posts have reflected the conversations I've been having in my head.

 

If you go with the ML and if you want the bluetooth module, dealerships sell them for 400+, employee is a little over 300.

 

I have a 06 Cayenne S. When I am driving (I am 6' btw), my 2.5 yr old does not have enough legroom behind me. A friend of mine (about my height) has a ML and seems to have much more legroom with kid in a carseat. Also, not sure on exact cubic feet but his cargo area looks much more roomier as well. It maybe because his is beige interior and mine is black/grey. So for your purposes, the ML is probably a better suit.

 

I doubt there will be enough room in the back of the Cayenne. When I took my nephew (4) out it the Cayenne, there was not a lot of room in the back to fit his baby seat in (btw, I am only 5'6). So I guess it would depend on the age of your children.

Another thing to consider is the Cayenne is very fun to drive but the electronics in the car are dated. The nav is far from the best, no bluetooth, ect. Since it will be a car for the wife that may factor in on your decision.

 

I got them both. You would make a big mistake going with the ML. Mercedes has gone to **** in the last 5 years and between my parents and I we have owned 8 in the last 5 years. The 08s got a little better but always have electric issues