Puzz1

Did you consider any SUVs before going with the Avant? I drove a new MB ML500 last week and it was pretty nice, but I keep the A6 on my list. We already have an allroad. Just trying to narrow my choices to replace my 04 E500. We have a child on the way and I'd like more versatility. Also on the list are the Cayenne, Tourareg, M-Class and perhaps the new RR Sport.

Thoughts and first hand experiences are appreciated.

stanj

Sorry, not for us. Too high, with everything that it comes with. The A6 was on the very short list of wagons to consider. Wife initially wanted the A4 or A3, but with baby (now) just days away she realized that a hatchback without the cargo capacity is only half as useful, and so we ordered the A6.

My wife's sister was equally pregnant, and they too were looking for a new car/SUV. I was challenged to "show them a car that can load all this, and we'll buy it" (pointing at baby gear accumulated from their first kid). I showed up with the A6 Avant, and all of it fit. Ironically they eventually bought an RX330, which doesn't pass their own cargo test =)

So far, no regrets. The A6 rules. Do get the air suspension.

perfectlyfrank

Hey Mike, a child on the way? I guess I'm the last to know.

CovertW12

The others are all nice but are just too much of a compromise in sportiness....

A lightly used Turbo is high on my list to replace our Rx330 with......

The RR Sport I like the look of but reliablilty and performance are lacking.

if only they'd bring in an S6 Avant again.....

On another note - I got to look at several Q7's last week while in Austria - if it drives like it's supposed to I'll have to consider it....

regards,

hzhao

If the cargo space and performence are your priority, then, Avant will be the one to pick. FOr the most of small and mid-sized SUVs, the Avant offer more cargo space and much better performence and better fuel mpg; On the other hand, if you are looking for the main strame the "looks", SUVs might have the edge, besides, if you need to carry 7 bodies and cargo, full size SUV will win the war, but, you pay the price for the poor mpg..... Just my 2 cents.

I am not a big fan of any type of "wagon" shape, so we decided to have a Lexus GX470 for the haul and A6 4.2 for fun :-)

April

<ul><li><a href="http://money.cnn.com/2006/01/30/Autos/nhtsa_size_vs_safety/index.htm">BTW, congrats on the new addition!</a></li></ul>