Great feedback from DS owners here.
If money were no object, then the logical step within the same brand would be a Range Rover or Discovery with the bigger engines and better tranny.
Since I am trying to keep the budget similar, I am restricted by the price point & MF/Residual.
Diesel: not concerned about the resale or depreciation since the recent scandal but I have had very good success with 2 diesel engines from BMW (335d & X5d) plus it's a lease so the manufacturer gets it back.
F Pace: yes the 6 cylinder supercharged 35t is amazing - it's a pocket rocket for sure - had a 35t loaner 3 months while the DS was in the shop. Problem I am discovering is that it lacks the Entry / Exit convenience seat feature so I keep bumping my head on the frame/headliner getting in/out. So it's off my list....
Velar & full sized Discovery: pricey but VERY NICE !!!
Audi SQ5: fake exhausts moulding is a big turn off for a $60k car.
Volvo XC40: roomy just like the DS but the demand is outstripping supply. Many issues with the online subscription lease program leaving people hanging and even overseas delivery with free air tickets is pushed back to January 2019.
Porsche Macan: base 4 cylinder drives amazing - no turbo lag and a very wide power band due to the powertrain programming. Love this car as it has a good feel of the road thru the steering and seat. Price point is amazing - dealers offering discounts up to $5,000 available which brings it to the affordable level. My needs (14 way seats without pano roof) found a custom order is the only way to get it. Only other drawback is the higher MF which translates to higher monthly leases. Macans are better if financed...
Test drives with American and Japanese brands:
- Cadillac XT5 AWD: drives well but seating is stiff and finding an AWD version is tough in So Cal. Pricey at $60K with $12K dealer discounting due to new XT4 coming out this fall. Will see if the new XT4 will be test driveable soon ??
- Buick Enclave AWD: $10,000 lower cost copy of the Caddy XT5 with all the features but has a better driver's seat, easy entry/exit seat, and 3 row seating. This is definitely NOT your grandfather's Buick LaCrosse - the Enclave is a performance crossover! A definite plus to my list!
- Acura MDX w/ SH-AWD: drives well but engine is slow to respond. Pricey for a loaded trim which is what I would want.
- Acura RDX AWD: a boring sleeper car - no fun - too small. Found out 2019 version being released is a new 3rd gen RDX is larger, SH-AWD, made in the USA and the 2L 4 cylinder is peppy is what I have been told. Will have to wait for a test drive on this 2019 incoming model...
Audi test drive:
Q3: Too small, laggy engine, awful turbo and decrepit 6 speed tranny. Can't believe Audi can sell such a dumpy crossover.
Q5 Diesel - 2016 MY but new - very strange - seems like this one got caught in the diesel scandal - drives with a much more robust feel but steering is numb.
Q7 2.0 & 3.0: Nice full sized CUV - drives very well, has the drive mode feature to stiffen up the steering and suspension with the air suspension (3.0) and the 2.0 4 cylinder engine really blew me away!