SUV or 4-matic sedan??

Go test drive a Volvo XC60.

 

Front Wheel Drive and traction control are all you need for light snow. Driver training and correct tires are a huge plus in any kind of vehicle.

Nothing works on ice.

 

Too bad you don't like the Cayenne. For me, it's the only SUV (ok, maybe Audi Q5) I like as I can drive it like a car and yet have 7K lb towing capacity. WRT 4matic, I like MBs equipped with 4matic just fine. Just get later versions i.e. post 2000.

 

I don't like SUVs either.

We had an ML63 AMG and then a Cayenne Turbo. I disliked both. I hated the high seating position. Made me feel sea-sick

 

lots of great AWD wagons out there from BMW/Audi/MB/Volvo. I'd look into one of those over an SUV for suburban family bad-weather duty. more fun in the dry, too

 

Subaru. That is all.

Ford Fusion also has AWD, as does the humongous SHO

 

I'm very pleased with my V50 AWD, but it is 3 series sized. Not for everyone.

 

Kind of true. I live on a hill with a driveway that adds a 10% grade. AWD would probably make it easier to get going at the base of the hill on a snowy night but I couldn't justify the added weight and costs of AWD for a few days of getting home a nanosecond quicker. Top end narrow snows on the Saab and the right gear selection makes AWD superfluous. 99% of the time.

 

I don't know what you're interested in spending...but how about a Bentley Continental?

They have 4 real seats, a VERY big boot, AWD and look fantastic. Unlike the other cars discussed in this thread, the Bentley feels special.

We just put winter tires on ours and she handles snow VERY well from what I've seen so far.

With the current economic climate you can probably have some great deals.

 

It should, they use them all day long as taxis in Germany...

 

Yes, a Merc sedan should be adequate for 3-5 inches. I've driven our old rwd S-class in that kind of snow and with winter tires it was fine...even though 4WD is always nice to have nasty weather conditions.

Speaking Taxis...I just saw my first few Porsche Taxis recently (the new Cayenne Diesels). I honestly never though I'd see Pcar Taxis...

 

If the OP is asking about a MB, I don't think he'd be interested in a Continental hehe. If I had one I wouldn't drive it in winter either.. I'd pick up something with a good AWD system, like Audi or Subaru.

Also, OP, contrary to popular belief, you don't NEED a SUV for a few inches of snow! Geez! Come to Canada and you'll see everyone can manage in our knee deep snow with Corollas haha. I'd suggest a good AWD car like Audi, Subaru, and slap some winter tires on.

 

Why not an E class wagon with 4Matic?

 

4-Matic is AWD.......and the engines, transaxles and drive systems are the same in the Mercedes SUV's and sedan/wagons..........so buy what you like to look at and drive, because the rest is symantic.

You'll need dedicated snow tires.

 

The Continental is a great car for the winter. It has Audi's Quattro AWD system.

 

The Bentley is almost an Audi when it comes to the electronics. I don't think that you should be concerned about its reliability anymore than for a Cayenne.

There are many 100K+ miles Continentals with happy owners.

We had a Cayenne Turbo before the Bentley. It just got boring very quickly. Whereas the Bentley always feels special.

 

+1! I have no problems with a light fwd in the middle of a snow storm.

 

Range Rover FTW

 

I would second that. I have an E500 4Matic that I love, although I have not driven it in snow, but have driven it through some serious rainstorms. The nice feature about mine is that with the air ride suspension, there is a button that automatically raises the car an additional 2 inches should the need arise. With the right tires, the E Wagon with 4Matic should serve you well.

 

Do you would get a W212 2010 e-class or the "old" one? The new one is a perfect ride....it is a S-class for less.... I would go with a E350 4-matic, grat ride. What is with a X5 35d? grat dd, with a great mpg!

 

V6 or V8?