Audi or Mercedes, Which Luxury Wagon Would You Buy?

[stein_325i]

Generally curious to know what fellow Bimmerpost members would buy if they were in the market for a "Luxury Wagon" which one they would buy if it was their money. I would love to go for an E63S or RS6 but I simply don't need all that power, and don't want to spend $100k+, which is why the Panamera is missing from this group.

I'm currently needing a wagon/SUV to replace my CLS and my son's X3 (which we use a lot but will be going to Florida) before the summer starts (first grandchild arriving) so I'd love to know thoughts and opinions on both vehicles or whether I should look at something completely different all together such as an SUV, all suggestions are welcome!

Audi A6 Allroad - $65,900
3.0L Turbocharged V6/7-Speed DCT
335hp/369lb-ft Torque/5.1s 0-60
20/59cu-ft Cargo Capacity/4486lbs
20/26mpg (City/Highway)

Mercedes-Benz E450 Wagon - $66,100
3.0L Biturbo V6/9-Speed Automatic
362hp/369lb-ft Torque/5.1s 0-60
35/64cu-ft Cargo Capacity/4343lbs
19/26mpg (City/Highway)

[SteveinArizona]

mercedes E450. I like the infotainment screen higher so I don't have to take my eyes off the road as much. The MB is much better in this regard. Also, the BM is rear wheel biased whereas the Audi is front wheel biased.

[ScottSinger]

Mercedes E class wagon for me.
Though the Audi is certainly a fine machine.

There is some type of gps location recall on the E class.

Honda Passport
X5

Lots of nice cars from Mercedes, Audi and BMW in the price range.

[Red Bread]

I just hate the MB interior, so Audi, even though I'd normally recommend the lighter car. What about the V90? Hmm, looks like they're slow, skip.

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

I just hate the MB interior, so Audi, even though I'd normally recommend the lighter car. What about the V90? Hmm, looks like they're slow, skip.

6-cylinder is required, I'm not a fan of the 4-cylinders in modern Volvo's. I don't need speed, so 0-60 in ~5 seconds is plenty fine, my wife has an M2C so that's plenty fun, and I plan on getting a used Miata as well for the weekends.

[gonzo]

Panamera Gran Turismo.
Oh wait, sorry.

MB out of those two.

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by gonzo

Panamera Gran Turismo.
Oh wait, sorry.

MB out of those two.

I would love a Panny ST GTS but I optioned one out on the configurator to $150k, which is pretty much double the A6/E, not to mention cargo space is equal to that of a Macan so its half as practical as the wagons.

[Burrcold]

Audi.

[henrylee]

RS6 Avant

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by henrylee

RS6 Avant

As gorgeous as the RS6 avant is, I'd never spend $115k on a wagon, and I will never be able to use all 590hp properly, I'd spend my money on a sports car first.

[chassis]

The M276 engine in the Benz is robust and well established. Same for the 9G-Tronic transmission. Mercedes seats are generally all very good, even the standard seats. No brand dilution from a corporate parent with the M-B, same as BMW. VW DNA creeps into Audis and Porsches, this is not a phenomenon in the other German makes.

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by chassis

The M276 engine in the Benz is robust and well established. Same for the 9G-Tronic transmission. Mercedes seats are generally all very good, even the standard seats. No brand dilution from a corporate parent with the M-B, same as BMW. VW DNA creeps into Audis and Porsches, this is not a phenomenon in the other German makes.

I definitely agree with the engine/trans combo, its very good as I've experienced it in an E450 loaner. I wish I could get the new Inline-6 motor since I like the powertrain in my CLS, but that would require getting the face-lifted model which will only come in lifted form, and doesn't look as good as the pre-refresh, and likely will not come out by the time I purchase/lease the vehicle. It is still a good V6 so luckily I wouldn't be giving up too much, I just wish they gave us the E53 wagon, the Canadians are so lucky!

[JamesNoBrakes]

All Road=Subaru Outback. Lifted.

[1MOREMOD]

I prefer the merc. Saw one on way home the other night, was jealous. Also wagons are way cooler than suv. Have an x5d and want a wagon too. Have little one I guess in gti.

[Unknown_Car]

Mercedes Benz, the best or nothing. But I do like how Audi looks from the outside, I just can't see my self owning one.

[fastboatster]

Would get a BMW SUV, but if forced to chose, definitely NOT Audi. When I see DCT or DSG in VW speak in Audi description, I start feeling pain in my wallet. It might not matter when you buy new and have the warranty. No "ultimate understeer machine" for me, thanks.

[Salty Dog]

I am a MB fan but I think the Audi is better looking inside and out.

[TomHudson]

Anyone who has been to a formula 1 race, and hears and watches the Mercedes emergency wagon do laps, knows exactly which car they want...

[Salty Dog]

Originally Posted by TomHudson

Anyone who has been to a formula 1 race, and hears and watches the Mercedes emergency wagon do laps, knows exactly which car they want...

Give me an AMG Wagon and now were talking.

[chassis]

Another thing - DCT, MCT call it whatever you want. These transmissions are harsher and have different drivability than a hydraulic torque converter transmission. Lots of MCT complaints on the M-B board.

If you are a street racer most of the time, you're happy with the DCT. If you ever drive to church, grocery, or to pick the kids up from school, the DCT/MCT might not be what you want.

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by chassis

Another thing - DCT, MCT call it whatever you want. These transmissions are harsher and have different drivability than a hydraulic torque converter transmission. Lots of MCT complaints on the M-B board.

If you are a street racer most of the time, you're happy with the DCT. If you ever drive to church, grocery, or to pick the kids up from school, the DCT/MCT might not be what you want.

I have the 9-Speed in my CLS, haven't noticed any issues with it and have been very happy with it.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by joshuastein55

I'd love to know thoughts and opinions on both vehicles or whether I should look at something completely different all together such as an SUV, all suggestions are welcome!

This is perhaps worth consideration given its similarities to the Audi allroad you are weighing against.

https://www.thedrive.com/news/32435/...-wagon-instead

Also, the standard E450 Estate, assuming it remains available in the US for 2021 (and I believe it will) will most surely get the M256 I6 just as the all terrain model and sedan do.

There is also the Volvo V90 and V90 Cross Country pair. Unfortunately they aren’t available in T8 trim which leaves them a bit underpowered compared to the other two brands.