I wonder how would the new MB GLk, Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60 rate against FL2...They would be tough competetion for the FL2.

I got the XC60 brochure and it looks good although it's a bit pricey and if the Q5 is anything like the A4 to specify a decent amount of kit will be very expensive, it looks great though!

I believe the GLK will not be coming to us in the UK due to cost of Engineering the RHD conversions...

There isn't much to compete with the FL2.

The X3 is a BM* and as we're not we can't have one of them. Its too much of a chelsea tractor anyway.
Also, if we were we'd have come from a 3 Series's, not an A3. Audis tend to attract people who are naturally BM* drivers (like the sporty side of luxury motoring) but don't want to be lumped together with the people who drive them.

We had an A3 T Sport before the Jeep. We looked at the FL1 but, and I know many won't agree, to us, it didn't tick the boxes. On the one hand it was a car to drive, but as it didn't have the build, trim or feel of an Audi, it felt like a step down. The Jeep didn't either, but it drove like a tonka truck and so by being more agricultural was sufficient of a change to not need a direct comparison (if that makes any sense). It also had a much better level of kit.

The FL2 is the best of both worlds though. Build, kit and feel of a proper luxury motor, no connotations from the BM* camp, proper off-road pedigree etc - hence the Audi converts. 07 Freelander 2 TD4SE Tambora Flame, side steps, privacy glass, mud flaps, boot liner and a tow bar. Ok it's the Wifes but she lets me drive it occasionally - if I've been good!

Not a fan of bm drivers then? According to Clarkson all the bm 'cocks' are now driving Audis.
I do find that many people who know little about cars buy bm's and then rave about them as the ultimate driving machine just because the adverts told them so At work
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"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race

Thing is, some BM's are very good to drive. I was almost tempted by a 535D. Phil

agreed some are great, but they are not all the ultimate At work
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"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race

Driving around in a rental 120d BMW at the moment and it is certainly true not all are great....the traction control kicks in all the time and prevents any fun, the ride is firm but unfortunately a bit jiggly.

Having owned and driven many an Audi, BMW and MB, my preference would be for a car with Audi build quality and durability, BMW dynamics (and the ability to switch traction control off) and MB's raw power from the higher end models and AMG tickled cars.

In regards to the Fl2, there maybe others out there in the same classification such as the X3, but they are SUV's...the FL2 is a 4x4 and for me that is a clear distinction that stands the FL2 (and LR in general) out from the rest. Once you've tasted GREY you'll never go back!

thought of the Q5 as well. But it looks like the rest of them. The FL2/LR2 is bold. But, I wish LR would update a bit more and in line with Audi:

Power lift gate
3D Nav
MMI
homelink
rear backup camera

I've never used a backup camera are they useful or do you end up just using the mirrors instead?
MMI would be good if linked to a music hard drive
Homelink would be nice if I had an electric garage door at the moment my door is nailed in the up position due to a failure of the lifting spring but on the farm you don't get many strangers around so its not a big deal.
As for a power tailgate just use an old belt  At work
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"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race

Having swapped an A4 Avant for my Freelander, there is simply no comparison. It was my 4th Audi and while they are very competent, reliable, look good and do everything really well, they simply don't have any soul!

I also had the previously mentioned Bose system and while it was good and had enough bass to make me look like a real tw , it wasn't that special and certainly not worth the money. The standard FL2 system is almost as good.

As for BMW, I was always planning to replace the Audi with a 320d but after the test drive, I just couldn't do it. It was really cramped inside (even compared to the A4) and that sneering/hateful look from other drivers was the clincher!

Within 5 minutes of driving the Freelander, I'd decided it was the one for me and after having it for a week, have no regrets at all!

yeah the Bose does have a good bass kick  At work
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"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race

peteoheat wrote:

....But I'm also a previous TVR owner and would have another of them in the future also. Want to learn about unreliability? Buy a TVR.

Well, being a German, I have swapped my BMW X3 against the Freely 2 and never regretted it. The X3 was very bumpy with no ride comfort at all, and the Freely 2 is excactly the opposite.
But, I have had the chance to test drive the new Mercedes GLK, and I am impressed indeed. The looks are great, the ride comfort similar to the Freely 2, the 220 cdi engine with the 7-speed automatic surpasses the Freely's drive train, and fuel consumption of the GLK is considerably lower. So my next SUV in one or two years may be the Mercedes GLK. The new Audi Q5 is out of question, as Audi seems to copy the BMW philosophy with regard to emphasis on "sport", which I do not understand, as I buy a SUV for very defined reasons, and if I want a sports car, I buy a sports car.

YF

Its not a great looking car though, and as yet there seems to be no plans to sell righthand drive versions for the UK.

Click image to enlarge

As is so often the case , it looks better in Black

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"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race